Retractable Awnings

Retractable Awnings: Shade When You Want It, Sun When You Don’t

A fixed awning shades your patio whether you want it to or not. A retractable awning gives you the option. Full sun for your Saturday morning coffee. Full shade for the afternoon cookout. Retract it completely when the evening cools off and you want to see the stars.

M2 Decks & Enclosures installs Betterliving retractable awnings across 14 counties in southeast and south-central Wisconsin. Somfy motorized, smart-sensor compatible, and available in over 100 designer fabric colors from the Craft-Bilt Northport Fabric Collection. We cover everything from small city patios in Milwaukee and Racine to sprawling lake-country decks in Oconomowoc and Pewaukee.

Exterior of a tan home with a striped retractable awning extended over a paver patio where a couple is sitting at an outdoor dining table.

Two Models for Every Application

A large Model 1 red and grey striped retractable awning extended over a wide composite deck with glass railings overlooking a green field.
Model 1

Model 1 is the big one — widths from 6 feet 11 inches to 41 feet, with projections from 4 feet 11 inches to 13 feet 1 inch. If you’ve got a wide patio or a long deck that needs coverage, this is the model. Frame colors are White, Sandstone, Earthstone, and Black.

A blue and white striped Model 2 retractable awning installed over the sliding glass door of a white 3-season sunroom.
Model 2

Model 2 covers smaller applications — widths from 5 feet 1 inch to 14 feet 7 inches, with projections from 6 feet 7 inches to 13 feet 1 inch. Same quality construction, same motorized operation, sized for standard decks and balconies.

Both models retract into a compact housing when not in use, protecting the fabric from the elements.

A green and white striped motorized retractable awning extended over a brown composite deck with Adirondack chairs on a sunny afternoon.

Somfy Motors and Smart Sensors

Every retractable awning we install is Somfy motorized. One button, smooth extension or retraction. No hand cranks, no chains, no struggling with a manual system in front of your guests.

You can also add smart sensors:

  • Wind Sensor — Automatically retracts the awning in high winds. This is not optional in our opinion. Wisconsin thunderstorms can roll in fast, and wind damage to an extended awning is preventable with this sensor.
  • Rain & Sun Sensor — Extends the awning automatically in bright sun and retracts it when rain starts. Set it and forget it.
  • TaHoma App — Full smartphone control. Open and close your awning from inside the house, set schedules, integrate with other Somfy products.

Over 100 Fabric Options

The Craft-Bilt Northport Fabric Collection offers more than 100 designer colors and patterns — solids, stripes, earth tones, bold accents. The fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic, engineered for UV resistance and colorfastness. They won’t fade to a washed-out version of themselves after two Wisconsin summers.

We bring fabric samples to your consultation so you can see the colors against your home’s exterior. Homeowners in Brookfield, Delafield, and Hartland tend to go with earth tones and classic stripes. In the city — Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine — we see more bold colors and modern patterns.

A striped tan and sage green retractable awning extended over a stone patio with a dining set and lounge chairs.
Exterior of an elevated white deck with glass railings and a striped retractable awning extended to provide shade on a bright, sunny day.

How a Retractable Awning Changes Your Deck

Without shade, a south- or west-facing deck in Wisconsin can hit surface temperatures over 140 degrees in July. That’s not comfortable — it’s punishing. A retractable awning drops the temperature underneath by 15 to 20 degrees. You can actually use your deck at 2 PM in August.

Beyond temperature, awnings reduce UV exposure on your deck surface, which slows fading and weathering on composite decking and wood finishes. As a Platinum TimberTech PRO dealer, we see firsthand how much sun protection extends the life and appearance of quality decking.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper use and sensor protection, 10 to 15 years or more. Retracting during storms and winter extends the lifespan significantly.

Yes. We recommend retracting and leaving the awning stored through the winter months. Wisconsin snow and ice loads can damage an extended awning.

Most homes with wood, vinyl, brick, or stucco exteriors can accept a retractable awning. We evaluate the mounting surface during your consultation.

Model 1 goes up to 41 feet wide. For most residential decks, that’s more than enough. We can also install multiple units side by side for extra-wide coverage.

The Somfy motors require a standard electrical connection. We coordinate the wiring as part of the installation.

Retractable Awnings Gallery

  • A solid white retractable awning extended over an elevated deck with white railings on a grey gabled home with large arched windows.
  • A solid tan motorized awning providing full shade for a grey wicker outdoor sofa set on a brick paver patio next to a house with grey siding.
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An elevated blue A-frame house with a wide wooden deck and a striped retractable awning extended over teal Adirondack chairs.

Ready to Get Started?

Call M2 Decks & Enclosures at 414-491-9334 or request a free quote below. We’ll measure your deck, show you fabric samples, and design a retractable awning system that makes your outdoor space usable all summer long.

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