How to Install SunSetter Awnings
SunSetter adjustable awnings keep sun and rain from making your patio or deck uncomfortable. When the awning is no longer needed, it retracts with the push of a button on the remote control. Instead of paying the dealer to install your awning, you can save money by doing it yourself. SunSetter awnings are large and heavy, so you will need another person to help you with the final part of the installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Owner's manual
- SunSetter awning and installation hardware package
- Chalk
- Tape measure
- Carpenter's level
- Electric drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Stud finder or hammer
- Adjustable wrench
Instructions
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1
Measure the width of your SunSetter awning with a tape measure. Locate a space approximately 9 feet up on an exterior wall with no doors, windows, downspouts, lights or other protruding objects. Use chalk to make a line at the desired height of the awning. Make a small chalk mark at the midpoint of your line if you are installing an awning longer than 17 feet.
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2
Draw another line 8 inches below the awning height to indicate the location of the mounting brackets. Check each line with a carpenter's level to make sure the brackets will be even.
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3
Lay out the awning on the ground and locate the square bar. Measure the distance between the edge of the arm clamps on the left side of the awning and the left end of the square bar. Measure the same distance from the left end of the chalk line you drew in Step 1 and make a chalk mark for the location of the left arm clamp.
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4
Use a stud finder to locate and mark the center of each wall stud that will be behind your SunSetter awning. You can also tap the interior wall with a hammer to find the studs. Listen carefully as you lightly tap the hammer along the wall. When the sound changes from hollow to solid, you have located a wall stud.
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5
Line up a mounting bracket with the wall stud nearest to each end of the awning. Mark the location of the screw holes for each bracket. If you are installing an awning larger than 17 feet wide, mark a third bracket location on the stud closest to the midpoint. Use a 1/4-inch bit to drill holes 3 1/2 inches into the wall. Attach the brackets to the wall with the four-inch lag screws included in your installation hardware package.
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6
Unwrap the awning, but leave the plastic sleeves on the arms. Pull the square bar away from the rest of the awning. Ask an assistant to help you lift the awning and square bar up to the mounting brackets. Insert the bar into the grooves in the center of the mounting brackets. Slide a washer onto each retaining bolt and insert the bolts into the holes in the mounting brackets. Thread a retaining nut onto each bolt and tighten it to secure the awning.
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7
Remove the plastic sleeves from the awning's arms. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and insert batteries into your remote control. Open and close the awning several times with the remote to make sure it is operating correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your awning regularly with a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap.
Do not position a barbeque grill or patio heater so it is under your SunSetter retractable awning when it is extended.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
