Motorized Retractable Awnings: How the Motor, Sensors and Remote Work

1

Button to open or close it, from a remote, wall switch or app

3D

How Somfy’s Eolis 3D wind sensor reads movement in the awning

99%

Of solar rays SummerSpace says its Tempotest fabric can block

20°F

How much SummerSpace says an awning can cool the area it shades

The best retractable awning is the one that actually gets used. On a hot afternoon, a crank that takes a minute of winding often loses to “we’ll just sit inside.”

That’s the real case for a motor. It isn’t only convenience: a motorized awning can be paired with a wind sensor that pulls it in when you’re not watching, which a hand-cranked awning can’t do. Here’s how the system works, what to choose, and what we tell people to plan for before install day.

How does a motorized retractable awning work?

The motor is a tube-shaped unit that slides inside the awning’s roller tube, so you never see it. When it turns, the roller lets the fabric out and the folding arms push the front bar forward; turned the other way, it winds the fabric back and pulls the arms closed. On every SummerSpace awning we install, a stainless steel chain turns the roller, whether a Somfy motor or a hand crank drives it.

1. Hood or cassetteCovers the rolled fabric when the awning is in. Full-cassette models close up almost completely.
2. Tubular motorHidden in the roller tube. Its limits are set so it stops fully open and fully closed.
3. Folding armsArticulating arms push the front bar out and set the pitch so rain runs off.
4. Front bar and wind sensorSomfy’s Eolis 3D wind sensor mounts on the front bar, where it can feel the awning move.
5. Sun sensorAn optional outdoor sensor that can bring the awning out when the sun is strong.
6. Remote or appA hand-held remote, a wall switch or the TaHoma by Somfy app.

Somfy’s Sunea line is a typical example of an awning motor: built for standard, semi-cassette and cassette awnings, it runs on radio signals from the remote, so there are no wires between the motor and the controls, and distributor Trivantage lists it with torque sensing, limits set from the remote and a manual override.

Motorized or manual: which should you choose?

Both use the same awning, fabric and arms. The difference is what turns the roller, and what that makes possible.

Our rule of thumb: if the awning is big, high up, used most days, or likely to be left out while nobody’s home, go motorized with a wind sensor. A crank makes sense for a small awning you’ll open now and then and always close by hand. Are retractable awnings worth it? covers the rest of the decision.

What do awning wind, sun and rain sensors do?

Sensors are what turn a motorized awning from a convenience into something that looks after itself. Somfy makes three that matter for awnings.

• Wind

  Eolis 3D WireFree RTS

  Mounts on the front bar and senses the awning’s movement. When it passes the threshold you set, the sensor retracts the awning. Somfy says its sensitivity is adjustable, and it runs on batteries, so it needs no wiring.

• Sun

  Sunis WireFree RTS

  When the sun gets strong, it can extend the awning over the seating or dining area, which Somfy says also protects outdoor furniture from long hours of direct sun.

• Rain

  Ondeis rain and solar sensor

  Can be programmed to retract the awning when it detects rain, which Somfy says helps prevent water damage, staining and mold.

The part most buyers don’t hear: a wind sensor is a backup, not a guarantee. Trivantage, a Somfy distributor, notes that wind damage can still happen even with an Eolis sensor and recommends retracting awnings when they’re unattended. SummerSpace, the maker of every retractable awning we install, gives the same advice for high winds. We design exposed decks around the wind from the start, then add the sensor as insurance.

When should a retractable awning be in?

SummerSpace tells owners to close their awnings whenever rain, hail, high winds or snow are expected or happening. Here’s how that plays out on a Portland deck.

• Fine to be out

  Sun, heat, calm afternoons

  This is what it’s for. A sun sensor can bring it out for you.

• Keep an eye on it

  A passing light shower

  The fabric is water-resistant and the arms set a pitch that sheds water, but retract it if the rain is forecast to settle in.

• Bring it in

  Steady rain, hail or wind

  Water can pool on extended fabric and make it sag. The wind sensor is a backup, not permission.

• Never open

  Snow

  Snow adds weight that can buckle the arms or frame. Leave it in the cassette.

• Bring it in

  Nobody home

  Close it when you leave. Trivantage recommends retracting awnings whenever they’re unattended.

• All winter

  Retracted, not removed

  No need to take it down. A semi- or full-cassette protects the rolled fabric.

That’s the honest trade-off with any retractable in Portland: it’s a fair-weather awning. If you want cover through the rainy season, pair it with, or choose instead, a fixed awning, a canopy or motorized patio screens.

What does a motorized awning need for power and controls?

• Power at the hood. The motor needs household power near the end of the awning. Somfy’s Sunea awning motors, for example, run on 110 volts. Plan the outlet or circuit with your electrician before install day so the cord or wiring can be run neatly.
• Radio controls. Somfy’s RTS controls talk to the motor by radio, so the remote, wall switch and sensors don’t need wires back to the motor.
• Remote, switch or app. A hand-held remote is standard. The TaHoma by Somfy app adds control from your phone, and Somfy’s Telis Soliris Patio RTS remote can run the sun and wind automation from one control.
• Batteries in the sensors. The Eolis 3D wind sensor runs on batteries. Replace them as Somfy’s instructions direct, so the wind protection never quietly stops.
• A manual override. Somfy’s CMO (compact manual override) motors can be run by hand when power isn’t available. Ask whether yours has one before you need it.

Which SummerSpace awnings do we install?

SummerSpace is the only retractable line we carry. These six cover most Portland homes, from a single window to a full deck. We confirm motor and sensor options for your model and size on the site visit.

Keeping a motorized awning running

Most problems with a motorized awning come down to power, the remote, the limits, or a sensor that needs batteries. Retractable awning motor not working? walks through the safe checks to try first. Inside the awning, the drive matters too: we install SummerSpace for its stainless steel chain drive, which in our experience lasts 15 to 20 years or more in the Pacific Northwest, where many budget awnings use a glued rubber belt.

When something does need a hand, our Repair & Recover service works on motors, switches, arms and hardware on retractable awnings of any brand.

We had a challenging situation: high elevation and lots of wind while trying to protect our view… designed an awning that did the job.

Is a motorized retractable awning right for you?

If you want shade most afternoons, have a wide or high awning, or will sometimes leave it out while you’re away, a motor and a wind sensor are worth it. If the awning is small and you’ll always be there to close it, a crank does the job. Either way, plan the power before install day and keep the awning in when the weather turns. Our retractable awnings in Portland page has the full SummerSpace lineup and how we size each one, and patio and deck awnings compares retractable, fixed and free-standing shade.