Adding on Overhead Awnings

Determine where you plan to install the retractable awning. In most cases, it needs to be at least 7.5 feet above the patio or deck floor. If your model has a protective hood, it may need up to 8 additional inches above it so it doesn’t interfere with the roof's soffit.

Measure and mark the length of the overhead awning at the correct height on the exterior wall of the house. Use a carpenter’s level to ensure your mark it straight. Mark where the end of the awning rail goes. Find each stud behind the line using a stud finder, and mark them as well.

Locate the two outermost studs on the line you drew in Step 2. Allow enough space for the shoulder supports to go between the end of the line and these stud locations. If you don’t have enough room on the end, go one more stud toward the center of the line. Attach a mounting bracket with lag screws from the awning’s assembly kit, using a socket or adjustable wrench, to these two studs. To make it easier to insert the screws, pre-drill holes for them into the studs. If you have a wider awning, your assembly kit has one or more additional mounting brackets that you attach to studs along the marked line.

Slide the square awning tube into the mounting brackets and place the ends even with the lines you marked. Insert the bolts from the assembly kit through the holes in the mounting brackets and tighten the nuts that accompany the bolts to hold the awning in place.

Place the shoulder supports on either end of the awning tube. Secure them with bolts from the assembly kit.

Put one end bracket in place on the awning tube. Slide the awning roll into the receptacle in the end bracket. Place the other end tube in place with the awning roll inside its opening. Tighten the awning roll in place with bolts from the assembly kit.

Remove any packing from the arms of the awning. Plug the motor, located on the end of the awning roller, into a GFCI outlet. Follow your awning’s installation manual for initial operation. If you have a manual awning, use the hand crank to unroll the awning.