Why Every Patio Needs A Retractable Sunroof

A patio is a common fixture in Australian homes. But when harsh sun or rain threatens, it can be hard to maximise them to their full potential.  

That’s why a retractable sunroof can be a valuable addition to your patio. 

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of a retractable sunroof and how they can help you enjoy your patio space all year round.

What Is A Retractable Sunroof?

A retractable sunroof is a retractable fabric designed to shade large glass areas or outdoor spaces. They offer dynamic sun protection, allowing natural light in whilst keeping the blinding glare and heat out.

Retractable sunroofs come with their own support frame or can alternatively be fitted to suit most existing structures.

Where Are They Commonly Used?

Retractable sunroofs are often seen over areas prone to high sun exposure, such as skylights, patios, glass roofs, verandas and more. They offer the flexibility and freedom to enjoy these spaces without blinding glare or scorching heat.

How Do They Differ From Retractable Awnings?

Unlike retractable awnings, a retractable sunroof requires a support frame or fixture. This means they can be installed over the existing pergola framework or the framework can be installed with the sunroof. 

Retractable awnings, on the other hand, do not require any supporting framework. They can be installed on the side of a building and are extended or retracted by two folding arms. This means that when closed, retractable awnings are almost invisible.

How Can A Retractable Sunroof Benefit Your Patio?

Retractable sunroofs are a stylish and flexible shading solution, offering a great alternative to shade umbrellas and fixed roofs over your patio. Let’s look at 5 ways a retractable sunroof can enhance your patio space:

1. They Offer Year Round Protection

In Australia’s varied climate, outdoor entertaining plans can often be foiled by the harsh sun. However, with a retractable patio sunroof, you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the season.

All Helioscreen retractable sunroofs are made from sun and glare resistant fabrics, so you can rest easy knowing your entertaining plans are no longer at the mercy of the elements. Instead, you can sit back and relax knowing controlling the hot sun is as simple as pressing a button.

2. They Lower Electricity Bills

A retractable sunroof is not only a great move for your patio, but your wallet as well.

Retractable sunroofs are capable of reducing heat radiation by up to 90%, keeping both your patio and surrounding areas at a comfortable temperature all year round. They give you the flexibility to soak up the warm sun in winter and shield your patio from the harsh rays in summer, saving you money on heating and cooling these spaces.

3. They’re Durable

If you’re investing in a shelter for your patio, you want to make sure you’re choosing a quality product from a reputable supplier. Doing so will save you time and money on having to replace it in a few years’ time. 

Made with only the highest quality components and a 5 year product warranty, Helioscreen retractable sunroofs ensure durable protection from the harsh Australian climate. Our retractable sunroofs also come with a rating of 6 on the Beaufort Wind Scale, meaning they can withstand winds of up to 50km/h.

4. They Protect Your Furniture 

Prolonged exposure to sun, wind and rain will cause patio furniture and fabrics to ruin over time. So, if you’re investing in quality patio furnishings, you’ll want to protect them from damage when you can.

A retractable patio sunroof does exactly this. They help prolong the life of your furnishings, protecting them from weather damage and saving you money on having to replace them every few years.

5. They Operate Effortlessly

Achieve dynamic sun control in seconds with a Helioscreen retractable patio sunroof. At the touch of a button, your sunroof can extend or retract to meet your exact light requirements, ensuring a comfortable patio environment at all times of day.  

To add to the effortlessness, Helioscreen retractable sunroofs have optional wind, rain and sun sensors. These sensors allow your awning to automatically react to the weather without you having to lift a finger.

What Other Options Are There? 

When it comes to adjustable roofing systems, there are a few different models on the market. To help inform your choice, we’ve created a list of other popular patio shading solutions. These include: 

Retractable Roofs 

Helioscreen’s retractable roof range represents the ultimate all weather shelter. Ideal for use in private homes, restaurants and commercial spaces, a retractable roof turns a patio into an operable outdoor room in any weather.  

Made with integrated water seals, 100% waterproof fabric and capable of withstanding winds of up to 237km/h, the Helioscreen retractable roof is a robust, all weather covering for patios. These features make it a more favourable ‘all-weather’ patio shelter than a retractable sunroof.  

Retractable Pergolas   

Lightweight but robust, Helioscreen’s Vario-Pergola is the perfect addition to courtyards, decks and outdoor living areas. Capable of withstanding light rain and winds of 49km/h, it makes a great, easy to install patio shading option. 

The key difference between a retractable pergola and sunroof is that the Vario-Pergola is ideal for outdoor areas that do not have an existing pergola or structure, supporting itself on two front posts.   

Louvred Roof Systems 

Louvred roofs utilise aluminium louvres that open and close to provide your desired amount of sun or shade. Common in residential settings, louvred roofs are another popular adjustable roof alternative to a retractable sunroof.  

However, the main difference between the two is that a retractable sunroof can be fully retracted, allowing for complete and uninterrupted sun and views. A louvred roof on the other hand, can only open and close its slats.  

Choose Australia’s Leading Retractable Roof Supplier 

When choosing a retractable sunroof for your patio, it’s important to prioritise a durable and functional system that will provide a long-lasting shade solution for your outdoor area.  Helioscreen is Australia’s leading supplier of retractable roofs for a variety of residential applications. Contact us for more information.