Vario-Valance for additional screening
How effective are the awnings at providing shade?
Awnings block 97% of the harmful UV rays. They significantly improve the comfort of your patio or deck
What is the effect of awnings on my utility bills?
Awnings will lower your cooling costs. In addition, the benefit of retractable awnings is that you can allow the winter sun into your home for extra warmth.
Can the awnings be used in the rain?
Awnings are primarily a sun shade, not a rain cover. As such, the fabric is designed to “breathe” so you don’t
swelter under your awning. Our Teflon® coating helps repel moisture, but it is not waterproof. Keeping the awning extended during a heavy rain will cause water to collect in the fabric and could cause the awning to collapse.
What is the minimum height requirement for mounting an awning?
See our technical page for mounting height requirements. Awnings can be mounted on your roof or soffit to add height.
How big can you make the patio awnings?
Our patio awnings extend up to 13 feet 1 inch. A professionally installed Estate awning can be as wide as 40 ft.
What if I get tired of the color?
The fabric can be replaced. A professional installer can replace the fabric at your location, or the awning can be
shipped back to the factory and re-covered.
How does the automatic sun and wind detector work?
State of the art electronic sensors extend your awning automatically when the sun comes out – and retract it at night. The wind sensor retracts your awning automatically when wind gusts above 20 mph. The wind sensor overrides
the sun detector for damage protection.
I was told to keep my awning plugged in, even during the winter. Why?
When you unplug your awning for an extended period of time, you will lose the programmed settings for automatic
stop and the awning will have to be readjusted.
Can we adjust the pitch of the awning?
The pitch of the awning can be adjusted by the installer to meet your shade requirements. The Vario-Valance is a great addition to protect you from the glare of low setting sun, and provide privacy as well.
What kind of material do you use for the fabric?
Aristocrat awnings come in your choice of beautiful, solution dyed acrylic fabrics. Unlike old fashioned canvas awnings, acrylic dyed fabrics will not mildew or rot. There are more than 100 choices, in solids, stripes and tweeds, and all fabrics are covered by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. Our fabrics are Teflon® coated help repel dirt and water without diminishing air permeability.
How long do they last?
In our experience, a well cared for awning will function well for 12 years or more.
What type of warranty is available?
Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company stands behind the Manufacturer’s Warranty for Aristocrat Awnings. A leading manufacturer of home products since 1946, Craft-Bilt offers a five (5) year limited warranty on awning fabric. Limited lifetime transferable warranty on the hardware and system, from the time of sale, against defects of workmanship or material. The motors are guaranteed for five (5) years. All other electric components, including switches and connectors, are guaranteed for two (2) years, from the time of sale, to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Installation warranties vary from state to state and are provided by your local awning dealer.
I live in a windy area – can I use a patio awning?
Awnings must be retracted at wind speeds in excess of 25 mph. In breezy areas, you can add extra stability to your awning by adding telescoping legs (Estate model only) to secure the front of your awning.
For additional information about Aristocrat fabric awnings, please Contact Us for a full color brochure and a list of Aristocrat fabric awning dealers near you.
Aristocrat - since 1986, America's quality fabric awning.
