Sunsetter awnings are basically roll out fabric awnings commonly used on recreational vehicles that are installed on a stationary house. I have owned three of them through the years as they were part of the RV package.
In my opinion, they are very expensive considering the area that can be covered. That is to be expected for a recreational vehicle since all accessories are expensive. There is no other choice for an RV.
The only positive I see for a home application is that they can be retracted in order to allow the sunshine to reach your outdoor living area in winter and those beautiful Spring and Fall days when you don't need the shade.
There are many negatives:
- I think they are very expensive.
- They are supported by a framework that inherently limits the "projection" (distance from the wall upon which it is mounted to the outside edge of the awning) of the awning to about ten feet ... sometimes twelve feet. That limited projection does not allow much seating area in the shade.
- When extended, the support arms are an obstacle that you must walk around or otherwise deal with.
- These awnings must be rolled up in windy conditions. The awning will act like a big sail and even a moderate summer thunderstorm will destroy it.
- Water will quickly collect into a huge "pool" if the awning is left extended while it is raining. The weight of the water can buckle the supports or even cause the awning to tear away from the house.
- The fabric must be dry when it is rolled up or it will quickly mildew, discolor, and turn funky smelling. Even then, when rolled up, due to the way they are made, water will still find it's way into the first couple of feet of the fabric and the effects will be noticeable.
- Even a small tree branch falling onto the extended awning will punch a hole in the fabric.
- If you leave your awning extended most of one summer in the sun, you will have noticeable color fading. Severe fading will occur over several years.
I speak from a great deal of experience with this type of awning. I personally experienced all of the above negatives except the weight of water tearing the awning away from the house (RV). I did witness that happening to others.
Bottom line ... as long as you are aware of the hazards, are willing to deal with the problems in a preventative way, and are willing to pay the price, the choice is yours.
Good luck with your awning project.