You’ve invested in creating a beautiful outdoor living space—a patio or deck where your family can relax and entertain. But when the Missouri sun beats down relentlessly on summer afternoons, or when mosquitoes turn your evening gatherings into a swatting marathon, that outdoor oasis becomes nearly unusable. You know you need a shade solution, but which one is right for your O’Fallon home?
If you’re weighing the decision between motorized patio screens and retractable awnings, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions homeowners in the St. Charles County area ask when planning their outdoor comfort upgrades. At Shade Haven STL, we’ve helped hundreds of local families navigate this exact decision, and the truth is: both solutions offer significant benefits, but they serve different purposes.
As a family-owned business specializing in exterior motorized shade solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how the right choice transforms outdoor spaces throughout O’Fallon, Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie, and surrounding communities. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best decision for your specific situation.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the key differences between motorized retractable screens and retractable awnings, when each solution excels, and how to determine which option makes the best fit for your home.
Understanding Both Solutions
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s clarify what each type of shade solution actually is and how it functions.
What Are Motorized Retractable Screens?
Motorized retractable screens are vertically-mounted screen systems that deploy downward from a housing mounted to your patio’s overhead structure, posts, or home’s exterior wall. With the press of a button on a remote control, these retractable patio screens roll down to create an enclosed barrier between your outdoor space and the elements.
The screen mesh is typically made from durable materials that block sun, wind, and insects while maintaining visibility and airflow. When you don’t need them, these motorized retractable screens retract completely into their housing, virtually disappearing from view. Screens offer exceptional versatility with touch of a button operation that makes adjusting your outdoor environment seamless and effortless.
Retractable screen systems are ideal for enclosing porches, patios, decks, pergolas, and lanai areas. They create vertical protection on one or more sides of your outdoor space, effectively transforming an open area into a three-season room that’s protected from bugs, sun glare, wind, and even light rain.
What Are Retractable Awnings?
Retractable awnings are horizontally-mounted fabric coverings that extend outward from your home’s exterior to provide overhead shade. Like motorized screens, motorized awnings operate with the push of a button, extending and retracting as needed. Manual awnings use a crank system for operation, though most homeowners today prefer the ease of use that motorized operation provides.
The awning fabric is typically made from weather-resistant materials like acrylic or solution-dyed fabrics that block UV rays and provide rain protection. A motorized awning includes a motor that allows effortless extension and retraction with remote control operation.
Retractable awnings are perfect for creating shade over decks, patios, windows, and doorways. They provide overhead protection from the sun’s heat and glare, reduce indoor temperatures by blocking solar heat gain, and offer shelter from light to moderate rain. When not needed, they retract against your exterior wall, protecting the fabric from harsh weather.
Motorized Screens vs Awnings: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now let’s examine how motorized retractable screens and retractable awnings compare across the factors that matter most to O’Fallon homeowners.
Functionality and Coverage
Motorized Retractable Screens: These screen solutions provide vertical protection, creating a barrier on the sides of your outdoor living space. Screens are designed to enclose openings—whether that’s one side of a covered patio, multiple sides of a pergola, or the entire perimeter of a screened porch. Retractable screens commonly range from 8 to 20 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet in drop height.
The key advantage is enclosure. Motorized screens create a defined room-like space that separates your patio from the outdoors while still allowing fresh air and views. Screens allow you to control your environment precisely, blocking what you want to block while maintaining the open-air ambiance you love.
Retractable Awnings: These awning systems provide overhead protection, creating shade from above. Awnings are designed to extend outward from your exterior wall, typically projecting 8 to 14 feet and spanning widths of 10 to 40 feet or more.
The key advantage is blocking sun from above. Awnings excel at providing relief from direct overhead sunlight, particularly during midday hours. A motorized retractable awning gives you the flexibility to extend covering when needed and retract it to enjoy your outdoor space under open sky.
The Bottom Line: If your primary concern is blocking sun, wind, and pesky bugs from the sides, motorized retractable screens win. If you need overhead shade and rain protection, retractable awnings are superior. Many O’Fallon homeowners benefit from using both—awnings for overhead covering and screens for side enclosure—creating the best fit for your home’s unique needs.
Insect Protection and Bug Control
Motorized Retractable Screens: This is where retractable screen systems truly shine. The mesh fabric used in patio screens is specifically designed to keep insects out while maintaining visibility and airflow. Most screen mesh features openings small enough to block mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other common Missouri pests.
When you deploy your motorized screens around your patio perimeter, you create a bug-free zone. This is particularly valuable in the St. Charles County area, where mosquito activity peaks from May through September. For families with young children or anyone who wants to enjoy their outdoor space without pesky insects, retractable screens provide unmatched protection. Screens are also highly effective at keeping out other insects like flies, wasps, and no-see-ums.
The mesh material balances insect protection with visibility and airflow. You get complete bug protection without feeling closed in or sacrificing the open-air experience.
Retractable Awnings: Awning solutions provide virtually no insect protection. Since awnings only cover the space overhead and leave the sides completely open, bugs have unrestricted access to your patio area.
The Bottom Line: If insect protection is a priority—and for most Missouri homeowners, it absolutely should be—motorized retractable screens are the clear winner. To truly enjoy your outdoor space during peak mosquito season, screen solutions are essential.
View Preservation and Aesthetic Appeal
Motorized Retractable Screens: Modern retractable screen systems use high-quality mesh fabrics that balance protection with visibility. For patio applications, most homeowners choose screen mesh with 10-20% openness, which blocks significant sun and heat while maintaining good outward visibility.
The darker the mesh color (typically charcoal or black), the better the outward visibility, as the screen tends to “disappear” when you’re looking through it. Various colors are available to complement your home’s aesthetic, from neutral tones that blend seamlessly to custom colors.
Screens are designed to be unobtrusive when retracted, with the housing typically finished in colors that match your home’s trim or exterior. When deployed, the mesh creates a modern, clean appearance that enhances your outdoor living area’s ambiance.
Retractable Awnings: Since awnings are positioned overhead rather than in your line of sight, they don’t obstruct your view at all. Your sightlines remain completely unobstructed.
Awnings also offer significant aesthetic customization. A variety of colors, patterns, and fabric styles allow you to complement your home’s architecture and personal style. From classic stripes to solid colors to modern patterns, awning fabric choices can enhance your home’s curb appeal while providing functional shade.
The Bottom Line: If maintaining completely unobstructed views is your top priority, awnings preserve sightlines better. However, modern motorized screens offer excellent visibility while providing protection. Both solutions offer customizable aesthetic options to enhance your home’s appearance.
Cost and Installation
Let’s address what this actually costs and which option offers better value.
Motorized Retractable Screens: The investment for motorized patio screens typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per screen for standard residential applications. A typical patio screen enclosure using three screens might range from $2,400 to $4,500 installed.
Factors influencing cost include screen dimensions, fabric type (solar screens, insect screens, or combination mesh), motor quality, installation complexity, and customization options. Installation typically takes one to two days. Many homeowners find motorized screens to be cost-effective when considering the multiple problems they solve—sun control, bug protection, wind blocking, and privacy—with a single solution.
Retractable Awnings: The investment for retractable awnings typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 for motorized units. Larger awning installations or those with premium features like wind sensors can exceed $5,000. Manual awnings are less expensive, typically ranging from $800 to $2,500, but lack the ease of use that motorized operation provides.
Factors influencing awning cost include size, fabric grade, frame quality, motor type versus manual operation, and additional options. Installation typically takes one day.
The Bottom Line: Both screen and awning solutions represent significant investments in similar ranges. Get a free estimate from a local expert who can assess your specific situation and provide detailed pricing for both options. At Shade Haven STL, we offer free consultations where we bring samples directly to your home.
Durability and Maintenance
Missouri weather puts outdoor products to the test. Your shade solution needs to withstand real-world conditions while requiring minimal maintenance.
Motorized Retractable Screens: Quality motorized screens offer enhanced durability. The screen fabric is typically vinyl-coated polyester or fiberglass mesh that resists tearing, UV degradation, and mildew. The housing and side channels are powder-coated aluminum that won’t rust, with minimal moving parts to maintain.
Most residential retractable screens are rated for winds up to 20-30 mph when deployed. During higher winds, screens should be retracted to prevent damage. The retraction feature extends the screen’s lifespan by protecting it from harsh weather.
Maintenance includes rinsing the screen mesh every few months, cleaning side channels periodically, and occasional motor operation during off-season. In the St. Charles County climate, properly maintained retractable screen systems typically last 10-15 years before fabric replacement is needed.
Retractable Awnings: Quality retractable awnings handle sun and rain well but require careful management in challenging weather. The awning fabric typically lasts 7-12 years before replacement.
Wind is the primary concern with awning systems. Most are rated for winds up to 20-25 mph when extended. Many homeowners invest in wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when wind speeds exceed safe thresholds—providing peace of mind. To protect your awning from damage, awnings should be retracted during heavy storms.
Maintenance includes cleaning fabric 2-3 times per season, wiping down framework, and lubricating pivot points annually to keep moving parts functioning smoothly.
The Bottom Line: Both screen and awning solutions offer good durability when properly maintained and retracted during extreme weather to prevent damage.
Smart Home Integration and Ease of Use
Modern outdoor shade solutions offer convenience through smart home automation.
Motorized Retractable Screens: Today’s motorized screens offer impressive smart capabilities. Screen options include remote control, wall switches, smartphone apps, voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, automation with schedules and sensors, and scene integration with home automation systems like Control4.
The touch of a button control makes adjusting your outdoor environment effortless, encouraging regular use of your outdoor living space.
Retractable Awnings: Motorized awnings offer similar smart capabilities including remote control with the push of a button, smartphone apps, voice control, automated sensors (sun sensors and wind sensors), and timers for scheduled operation.
Sensor options are particularly valuable for awnings, protecting the unit from damage and maximizing energy savings. Manual awnings lack these automated features and require manual operation with a crank, which is less convenient but more cost-effective initially.
The Bottom Line: Both motorized retractable screens and motorized awnings offer excellent smart home integration and ease of use. The press of a button convenience of motorized operation significantly enhances usability compared to manually operated alternatives.
Screens vs. Awnings at a Glance
Motorized Retractable Screens – Advantages:
- Complete insect protection with screen mesh
- Privacy and visual separation
- Wind control while maintaining airflow
- Flexible side enclosure with touch of a button control
- Converts covered patios to three-season rooms
- Maintains good outward visibility
- Blocks sun, bugs, wind, and privacy issues with one solution
Motorized Retractable Screens – Limitations:
- No overhead sun or rain protection (unless used with existing roof)
- Requires overhead structure for mounting
- Slightly softens views through mesh
Retractable Awnings – Advantages:
- Excellent overhead sun and UV rays blocking
- Rain protection for outdoor space
- Reduces cooling costs by blocking heat gain
- Completely unobstructed side views
- Customizable with variety of colors and patterns
- Works on open decks without existing structures
- Manual awnings available as less expensive option
Retractable Awnings – Limitations:
- No insect protection
- No privacy screening
- Limited wind protection
- Requires management in high winds
Note on Fixed Screens: Fixed screens provide permanent insect protection but lack flexibility. Fixed and motorized retractable screens both offer bug protection, but retractable patio screens give you the option to open your space completely when desired. Most homeowners prefer the versatility that motorized retractable screens offer over fixed screen options.
When Each Solution Excels
When Motorized Retractable Screens Are the Better Choice
Motorized patio screens are the superior solution when:
Bug Protection Is Essential: If enjoying your patio without mosquitoes and other pesky insects is important, retractable screens are non-negotiable. This is the #1 reason St. Charles County homeowners choose screens over awnings. Screens allow you to enjoy your outdoor living space throughout evening hours when bugs are most active.
Privacy Matters: Retractable screens create visual separation from neighbors or nearby properties while maintaining your view outward. The screen enclosure provides peace of mind for relaxing without feeling exposed.
Converting Covered Spaces: If you have an existing covered patio, pergola, or porch you want to transform into a more functional space, motorized screens are ideal. Screens are designed specifically for this type of transformation.
Multiple Exposure Sides: For patios with openings on multiple sides, retractable screens allow you to selectively close off whichever sides need protection. Screens offer customizable protection that adapts throughout the day.
Wind Control: Screens significantly reduce wind penetration while maintaining airflow for ventilation, making your patio comfortable on breezy days.
For these applications, motorized patio screens provide the functionality and protection you need.
When Retractable Awnings Are the Superior Option
Retractable awnings are the better choice when:
Overhead Sun Is Primary Concern: If blocking direct overhead sunlight is your main goal, awnings excel. They provide immediate shade that can reduce patio temperatures by 15-20 degrees. Awnings block the sun’s heat before it reaches your outdoor living area.
Rain Protection Needed: For homeowners who want to use their patio during light rain, awnings provide excellent overhead covering. The awning fabric sheds water effectively, keeping the area beneath dry.
Cooling Your Home’s Interior: Awnings installed over windows can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65-77%, translating to lower air conditioning costs. This makes awnings a cost-effective investment for energy savings.
No Overhead Structure Exists: If your outdoor space doesn’t have a roof or pergola, installing a retractable awning is typically more straightforward than building a structure to mount screens.
Architectural Enhancement: Quality awnings add visual appeal and character to your home’s exterior, enhancing curb appeal and property value.
The Combination Approach
For homeowners wanting ultimate outdoor comfort, combining motorized retractable screens and retractable awnings creates comprehensive protection:
- Complete Coverage: Awnings provide overhead protection while retractable screens enclose sides for bug protection, privacy, and wind control
- Flexible Protection: Adjust both systems throughout the day with touch of a button control
- Maximum Energy Efficiency: Block sun from above and sides, creating a cooler space
- Year-Round Usability: Use your outdoor space from early spring through late fall
- Higher Home Value: Complete outdoor living systems attract future buyers
The combination approach represents a larger investment but maximizes your patio’s usability. Get a free consultation to explore whether this comprehensive solution makes the best fit for your home.
Making Your Decision
Factors to Consider
Patio Layout: A covered patio is ideal for adding retractable screens to the sides. An open deck is perfect for a retractable awning. A pergola might benefit from either or both screen and awning solutions.
Sun Exposure: West-facing patios receive intense afternoon sun best blocked with awnings. South-facing patios favor awning options. East-facing patios might use either solution. North-facing patios might prioritize bug protection with retractable screens.
Primary Use Goals: Evening entertaining favors motorized screens for bug protection. Daytime relaxation might prioritize overhead shade from awnings.
Bug Tolerance: In St. Charles County, mosquito pressure is significant May through September. If you’re sensitive to bug bites or have young children, retractable screens should be your priority.
Privacy Needs: If privacy is important, motorized screens provide screen enclosure that awnings cannot.
Budget Reality: Choose the option addressing your most pressing need. You can always add the second system later. Both screen and awning options offer excellent value in different ways.
Real-World Examples
Lake Saint Louis Family Room: A family installed motorized retractable screens on three sides of their 16×20 covered patio, creating an enclosed room used April through October. The retractable screens drop at the touch of a button, keeping mosquitoes out during evening dinners while the screen mesh maintains visibility.
Dardenne Prairie Deck Shade: A homeowner with a west-facing deck installed a 14×12 motorized retractable awning providing comfortable overhead shade, reducing temperature by nearly 20 degrees and blocking harmful UV rays. The ease of use with remote control encourages regular adjustment.
O’Fallon Complete Outdoor Room: A couple invested in both a retractable awning and motorized retractable screens for their covered patio. The awning extends beyond the roof line while screens on three sides create complete enclosure. They use the outdoor living space nearly every day March through November with peace of mind in any conditions.
Cottleville Pergola Transformation: A homeowner installed motorized screens on two sides for bug protection and western sun blocking, while the pergola’s existing shade fabric handles overhead covering. The retractable screens allow opening or closing sides as needed, maintaining seamless flow to the yard.
These examples demonstrate that the best fit for your home depends on your specific situation, priorities, and budget.
Trust the Local Experts
At Shade Haven STL, owner Brent Cunningham brings over 15 years of experience helping O’Fallon and St. Charles County homeowners create comfortable outdoor living spaces. As a local, family-owned business, we understand Missouri weather challenges—from intense summer heat to persistent mosquito pressure.
We specialize in custom motorized shade solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Our “We Bring the Showroom to You” approach means we come to your home with samples, take precise measurements, and provide detailed recommendations based on your patio’s layout, sun exposure, and lifestyle priorities.
Whether you choose motorized retractable screens, a retractable awning, or a combination of both screen and awning solutions, we ensure proper sizing, expert installation, and seamless integration with smart home systems. Our installation process is professional and efficient, with most projects completed in one to two days.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
You now understand motorized screens vs awnings and the comparison between these shade options. The next step is seeing how these solutions would function on your specific outdoor living space.
We’d love to visit your O’Fallon home, assess your outdoor space, and show you exactly what’s possible. There’s no pressure, no obligation—just honest guidance from a local expert. Get a free consultation to explore your options.
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Evaluate your patio, porch, or deck layout
- Discuss your priorities (bug protection, sun control, privacy)
- Show you screen mesh and awning fabric samples
- Explain the differences between screen and awning options
- Provide accurate measurements and detailed pricing
- Answer questions about installation, operation, and maintenance
- Help you determine the best fit for your home and budget
Call or text Brent directly at (636) 577-9974 to get a free estimate. We serve O’Fallon, Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie, Cottleville, Saint Peters, Saint Charles, Wentzville, and the entire St. Charles County area.
Let’s talk about your patio, your priorities, and which shade solution—motorized retractable screens, retractable awnings, or both—will give you the outdoor comfort you’re looking for. We’re here to help you enjoy your outdoor living space to its fullest potential.