A low roofline doesn’t mean that you can’t enhance your home with a retractable awning! Our roof mount option gives you the ability to shade your deck with plenty of clearance for the retractable awning. Installing an awning over your patio or outdoor entertainment area is a great way to extend your living area. Rainier Shade’s Retractable Awnings are custom-made to fit your unique style and complement your home’s architectural elements.

Did you know that awnings can even reduce your need for cooling energy? Our extensive capabilities provide endless options for awning measurements, colors, and textures.  For example, awnings work in conjunction with your air conditioner. When you reduce the amount of heat coming into your home, you can also reduce the amount of air conditioning used. Check out our Retractable Awnings page to learn more.

There are several reasons to choose Rainier Shade for your custom awning needs. Here are a few:

• Rainier Shade manufactures all the components of its awnings in-house, except for motors and fabric.
• All assembly takes place in the U.S. including metal fabrication, fabric welding and sewing, powder coating, and quality assurance.
• Rainier Awnings come in widths from X to X with projections from X to X. We offer sixteen standard powder coat colors and custom colors for our metal components.
• We offer over 200 fabric options

FAQ’s

Will this cause a leak in my roof?

The roof mount awning is engineered to ensure that your roof will not leak. We do ask that you use proper water coverage practices while your awning is extended.

What is the spacing threshold?

Our engineering team has developed a 3-4” distance from your awning to your roof. If you’re worried about rain entering your patio space, we offer a customizable hood (cover) to fill that space.

What is the wind load?

A common piece of advice that we provide our customers is, if it’s too windy for you to be outside, then it’s too windy for your awning. However, our shade products have sensors that make the awning retract if it senses that the wind is too much.

Any zoning issues with neighbors?

Our employees will provide the best advice regarding your awning size, during your free consultation with the Rainier Shade sales team. Most customers tend to refrain from extending their awning over their property line.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]

Rainier Retractable Lateral Arm vs. Sunsetter Retractable Lateral Arm

Where are the Companies Based?

Sunsetter’s offices are in Massachusetts where they distribute to both their dealer network and direct to consumers online, over the phone, and through national retailers including Home Depot and Lowes. While the company is located in the United States, their product is only “assembled” in the U.S.

Rainier Shade has two locations – one in Tukwila, WA, and the other in Statesville, NC. Having two locations protects our production times. We have the ability to move jobs between both locations to keep an even production flow. Mechanical or supply issues do not stop our production, with two facilities in which to manufacture.

Who Makes the Component Parts?

A number of components in Sunsetter awnings are either manufactured or sourced from countries in Asia – China among others. While these components allow Sunsetter to offer a lower price, their compromise on quality limits their ability to offer long-term warranty coverage on their products. Certainly, cost is an important factor in the decision to buy, but the cheapest option is not always the best value for your investment.

Rainier Industries manufactures all the components of its screens and awnings, except for motors and fabric. All housing components are made in the USA. All assembly takes place in the U.S. including metal fabrication, fabric welding and sewing, powder coating, and quality assurance. We are prepared for the worst. Moreover, we have multiple part dies with varying manufacturers so that if they have issues, we are not out of product and can continue producing.

Who Installs the Awning?

Sunsetter awnings can be ordered through a registered dealer, direct-to-consumer, or through a retailer, who then hires either a local handyman or another company to install the awning. They may or may not be a licensed contractor, and there is no guarantee that the person installing the Sunsetter awning is covered by any form of insurance at all. These are risks that the customer should not have to take. Getting service after the sale could be an issue.

Rainier awnings are installed by Rainier employed installers, managed by a team of schedulers and installation managers. And, Rainier uses a certified dealer network across the United States. They are trained in all aspects of selling and installation techniques of Rainier products to ensure a flawless installation every time. This certified dealer network is there to service any Rainier awning, if needed, as it is part of their certification.

What Sizes are Available?

Sunsetter products are restricted to awning widths of between 10’ and 20’ in preset sizes; there are few made-to-order options. By supplying only fixed sizes and one frame color, Sunsetter can limit the number of choices they offer, keeping their costs down and maximizing profits.

Rainier awnings come in widths from X to X with projections from X to X. We offer sixteen standard powder coated colors and custom colors for our metal components, and over 200 fabric options. Rainier custom fabricates all awnings to specifications.

How Far Can the Awning Project from the Wall?

The Sunsetter awnings are available in 9’, 10’, and 11’ projections. If the customers’ needs are greater or less than this, Sunsetter won’t be able to offer the range of shade needed.

Rainier Awnings are available in 5’, 7’6”, 9’, 10’6”, and 12’.

What Fabric and Color Choices are Available?

The Sunsetter awning offers only a single color choice for the metal frame components. There are only 16 fabric pattern options to choose from. If the customer truly wants a unique design and feel for their home or business, their options may be limited.

Uniquely, Rainier Shade offers sixteen standard powder coat colors, including textured coatings, for the metal components,  and can also accommodate custom color requests. Over 200 fabric colors and patterns are available, provided by Sunbrella®, the top fabric company worldwide. Rainier Shade provides a nearly endless combination of options to find the right design and fit for any home or business.

For more information on ordering Rainier Shade products, visit RainierShade.com.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]

We’ve all heard that there’s no place like home, and while our homes have temporarily become our workspaces and schools, it’s still important to create areas to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Although there might be a lot going on inside the house, your backyard has a lot of potential to become your own private sanctuary. After all, your home is your castle, and it’s a great time to start up some of those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.  So, if you’re starting to feel a little cooped up, why not go outside? The possibilities to create your own backyard paradise are endless with Rainier Shade’s retractable awnings!

Retractable Awnings Provide Options

With sunny days ahead of us, a change in the weather means that we can start enjoying some fresh air on all the cloud-less days to come, and there’s no better way to enjoy your backyard then under a Rainier retractable awning!  It’ll create a shaded area to protect you from the sun, shelter you from unexpected drizzle, and can even help you cool your home or get it to retain heat.

So the next time you’re feeling a bout of cabin fever coming along, step outside and imagine what it could be like with a little shade under your head and an alfresco lunch as you take a break from your work at home.  Or better yet, take that laptop outside and get some work done.  An awning can help remove the glare on the screen so that you can easily see your coworkers on your next Zoom call. Plus, how many times have you been at work on a beautiful day and just wanted to be outside…? Well, now you can!

Motorized Retractable Awnings

One of the best features of our retractable awnings is that they’re motorized. All Rainier shade products feature time-tested, dependable motors and controls  manufactured by Somfy – The world leader in tubular motor technology. Retracting your awning is as easy as pushing a button.  Keeping your awning safe during inclement weather by retracting into the housing with a little help from your remote will extend the life of your awning and the return on your investment.

Awnings Help Climate Control

During the warmer months in the summertime, an awning will help keep the inside of your home cooler.  That’s because the shade of the awning can prevent UV rays from entering your home and heating it up. 

Awnings are useful in the cooler months, too.  One of the misconceptions about awnings is that they can only be used when it is warm.  And this simply is not true.  Awnings can also help keep your home warm in the winter because they act as a layer of insulation when they are strategically placed on your home. As mentioned above, make sure to monitor the weather and retract your awning ahead of bad weather arriving.

Choose the Right Color Awnings

Choosing the right color awnings is also important, depending on the preferred climate and color of your house.

If you live in a warmer climate, lighter color awnings help deflect the sun’s rays, and if you live in a cooler climate, a darker color awning will absorb heat. The color of your home can also determine what color fabrics will go be best for your awning.   Check out the graphic below to find the color of your home and a complimentary color shade that could work for you home. Download the “Choosing the Right Color Awning” guide here.

Your Awnings Vibrance

There is no need to worry about your awnings color losing its vibrance. Our awnings are made with Sunbrella® fabric.  They’re created by using a special dying system that penetrates each fabric of the awning, so the pigment of the fabric goes straight to the core. There are over 200 colors and patterns to choose from!

If you can’t decide on a color, then a pattern is another option, too. For large awnings, go with a pattern with wide stripes so that the entire pattern can be seen.  Narrow stripe patterns are best for smaller window covering and are easier on the eye.

Let’s Create Your Backyard Paradise

To keep you safe and comply with social distancing efforts, Rainier and our network of dealers can create an estimate for you online without coming to your home.  We are available to help you choose the right awning color and customizable features to suit your needs, as well as answer any questions you have.

Western Washington Residents: If you live in Western Washington, schedule a Free, In-Person or Online No-contact consultation.

If you’re ready to create the backyard paradise of your dreams, CLICK HERE to find a dealer in your area.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]

Although we are in the middle of winter, you might want to start thinking about how you can get ahead on your energy savings this summer. More often than not, it isn’t until after that first heatwave, after the AC has run full blast, and after the energy bill arrives that it is too late to start creating energy savings solutions for your home. Before it gets to that point, here are a few things to know about how you can save some dough on your energy bills this summer.

Awnings can reduce your cooling energy by 25%.

This can result in an annual savings of $200 or more a year, according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). The first step in cutting your energy consumption is to figure out which side of your house gets shade; this will help determine where you should install an awning.

Awnings can reduce solar heat between 55% – 77%.

On southern-facing windows, fabric awnings can reduce heat between 55% – 65% and 72% – 77% on western-facing windows. Since the sun’s rays can increase the temperature in your home by as much as 20%, an awning can help keep your home cooler and can reduce your dependency on air conditioning.

Shades and awnings work in conjunction with your air conditioner.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers, external shade devices like retractable awnings can minimize the heat load of your house. When you reduce the amount of heat coming into your home, you can also reduce the amount of air conditioning used. This will not only help save costs on your energy bill, but it is also environmentally friendly. By using less energy, you can offset your carbon footprint by emitting fewer greenhouse gases into the air.

The type of fabric used in your awning can influence your energy savings.

Choosing fabric for your awning is important because it can influence how much heat comes into your home and how much energy you can save. Choosing fabrics that are light in color helps reflect the sun’s rays away from your home. Dark-colored awnings absorb heat and are ideal in colder climates that get a lot of light through the windows. Luckily, Rainier Shade offers Sunbrella® fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns. Sunbrella makes one of the longest-lasting fabrics on the market and is guaranteed not to fade for 10 years. For more information on Sunbrella fabric, click here.

To figure out how you can cut down on energy costs in your home, check out the Home Energy Saver audit tool.

Have more questions on how you can get ahead of the game on your energy savings this year? Schedule a free in-home consultation with a local dealer. They will come to you and help find the best shade and awning solution for your home. Click to find a dealer near you.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]

We’re excited for the reveal of Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, Classic Blue. It also happens to match our branding and logo, so we’re pretty happy about that! This means we are going to see a lot more of this color heading into the new year. If you’re not familiar with who Pantone is, they are the company that creates a color matching system used in a lot of graphic design, fashion, printing, manufacturing, and product design companies. You might have come across some of their color-matching books at a paint store or print shop.

Pantone’s Classic Blue represents consistency, confidence, dependability, foundation, and is a representation of the night sky, challenging us to think and look beyond the cosmos.

For the past two decades, Pantone has released a Color of the Year, which is chosen based on current fashion and pop culture trends. 2020’s Classic Blue is bound to influence what we’ll see this year for home decor, clothing, jewelry, art, and graphic design.

So, how can you incorporate this beautiful color into your own home? We are now offering this color as a powder coat finish for our retractable screens and awnings! Get the timeless and classic look incorporated into your home by scheduling a free in-home consultation with a local dealer today.

Although you may not be ready to hang out on your patio just yet, it’s actually a great time to get a head start on your home improvement projects, especially when it comes to scheduling services. The winter is a great time to make an appointment with a local dealer before the busy spring season.

A new year brings new possibilities for updating the look, feel, and functions of your home. We hope that 2020 brings you joy, laughter, comfort and color to you and your home!

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]

Just because we’re headed into the cold-weather season doesn’t mean that you should pack away the patio furniture and stay indoors until Ground Hog Day. With the right planning and preparation, you can enjoy your outdoor living space all year long. Here are 7 tips to keep you living the good life in your own backyard.

1. Cover Your Patio with a Retractable Awning

Sitting outside in rain and drizzle is no fun when you don’t have anything over your head keeping it dry. Hiring a contractor to build onto your house to create a patio roof can be an expensive and lengthy project. Luckily, Rainier Shade offers retractable awnings that allow you to extend the area of your outdoor living space, will keep you dry outside during the rainy season as well as cool and shaded in the summer. Just to make sure to retract the awning during inclement weather or when not in use. To find out what type of awning would be best for your home, contact a dealer near you and schedule an in-home consultation.

2. Stay Warm with a Power Screen

When the wintertime comes around, there’s no better way to enjoy your patio than a warm area and a hot cup of cocoa. Rainier power screens can help keep the cold out and the warmth in, especially with a heat source. It can also offer a level of privacy so that you can stay out while no one looks in. Learn more about Rainier Power Screens here: https://www.rainier.com/shade/power-screens/

3. Get an Outdoor Heater

Depending on where you are in the country, this winter’s going to get a little chilly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sit outside and do some stargazing or sipping on hot cocoa. Investing in an outdoor heater will not only keep you and your guests cozy but will also add an extra layer of ambiance outside. You can find tall propane heaters, table style fireplaces, or octagon stoves like this one from Rainier Outdoor: https://rainieroutdoor.com/kwik-kamp-octagon-stove.html

4. Warm Up in a Hot Tub

One of the best things about having a hot tub is that it can be used year-round. There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot tub on a cold night, or better yet, a snowy night! Doubling as your own private spa, it can also help relax and soothe achy muscles.

5. Add Some Mood Lighting

No outdoor living area is complete without lighting. Gather some hanging patio string lights or candles and watch the ambiance of your seating area change in an instant. Once you know what kind of lighting you want, make sure you know how to light them up. LED lights will last a long time, and traditional lighting might need some extra electrical wiring outside.

6. Weatherproof Furniture

If you really want to enjoy your outdoor space year-round, you’ll need weatherproof outdoor furniture so that you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor living area for years to come. Look for furniture created from certain types of wood like teak, eucalyptus, and cedar, plastics like synthetic resin wicker, and metals like aluminum steel or wrought iron.

7. Entertainment

No outdoor living space is complete without some entertainment. Having an outdoor TV is a great option to have an outdoor movie night or enjoy the outdoors while still watching your favorite ballgame. Create some friendly competition by including a game of darts, cornhole, or ping pong.

With a little planning, the right lighting, an outdoor heater, and an awning over your heat, you can enjoy your outdoor patio all year long.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=7213]