Traditional vs Concealed Awnings

At ShadeZone Blinds, we carry two styles of exterior retractable awnings: the traditional style and the modern, concealed style. Here we break down the differences between the two designs to help you decide which awning is the right fit for you. You might also want to check out our selection of exterior shades, which are a more affordable alternative to a full awning.

Functions and Features

Both styles of exterior awning offer the same level of shade when fully extended and each can be withdrawn when not in use. The concealed style of awning retracts fully back into a cassette, while the traditional style leaves a roll of fabric visible when it is retracted. Both styles of awning are made with the same high-quality fabric and frame. As you can probably tell, the two designs are very evenly matched in this category, so let’s move on to visual appeal.

Visual Appeal

In terms of visual aesthetic, both the traditional and the concealed model have a lot to offer in their own way. Fans of an old-school aesthetic will doubtless prefer the classic look of the traditional model. It harkens back to joyful childhood memories of summer vacations past without looking clunky, old, or in need of replacement. On the other hand, the concealed model is sleek and modern, prefect for a minimalistic aesthetic. While it’s easy to have a soft spot for the traditional look, it’s hard to argue that the modern look isn’t just as appealing.

Durability and Cleaning

The modern, concealed awning design is more durable than its more traditional counterpart, as retracting the fabric into the cassette fully protects it from the outside elements that might otherwise wear it down over time. This also cuts down on the need for cleaning and maintenance, as the fabric does not attract muck or grime when it is within its cassette. For durability and ease of maintenance, the concealed awning is the superior choice.

Affordability

Of the two designs, the traditional style of awning is the more affordable option. The modern concealed awning costs roughly a thousand dollars more due to the more complex manner in which it operates.

Summary

Both styles of awning offer many of the same benefits, as they operate in fundamentally the same way. The concealed design is better for the durability of the unit, as it helps to protect the fabric; a benefit that also cuts down on cleaning and maintenance requirements, which is why the modern, concealed design is a more expensive option than the traditional design.