Inspecting Retractable Awnings

[dtontarski]

Any words of wisdom out there for inspecting motorized retractable awnings? These are not too common in this part of the country. Do others inspect these, or identify these as outside of the scope of a general inspection? I like to be thorough, but at the same time, I would like to limit the liability associated with inspecting a large moving object that I am unfamiliar with.

[fyrmnk]

I would exclude it and advise the clinet to obtain the operating and maintenance instructions, as well as inquire with seller as to any problems with it, and to have the client verify operation.

[Marc]

If it's not specifically included in the limitations portion of your contract/SOP, I'd add a disclaimer in the report but I'd still give it a good once over for any obvious issues. I'm reminded of that inspector who got sued by a client over a septic tank lid that gave way and harmed or killed someone a while back. Not that awnings kill, just being cautious.

Marc

[Tom Raymond]

If it's a Sunsetter it will have a three function remote (open, close, stop), automatic limits so that the motor stops when it is fully extended/retracted, and the power cord should be arranged so that it has a drip loop at each end and be routed to prevent damage or trip hazards.

They're heavy. A 16 footer weighs around 170lbs. Make sure it is anchored to framing and that the fasteners are tight.

If it has a wind sensor and you wish to test it: extend the awning, grasp one end of the header rail and pull up and down at least a foot five or six times, repeat if it hasn't retracted (they usually go on the 7th or 8th pull).

Make sure the manual crank handle is present. It will be very difficult to close without it in the event of a power outage.

Installation and troubleshooting info at http://www.sunsetter.com/support/

[dtontarski]

Thanks everyone. This is all good advice. I'm not sure of the brand, I noticed this unit when I was at the home setting up a radon test in advance of my home inspection. Great info. on Sunsetter though.

[John Kogel]

I pretend they're not there. Then the buyer asks me about them. Then we inspect them together. []

Verify that the motor operates the roller, and check the fasteners. But I treat them as an appliance, bound to break down and need replacing.

[Denray]

When I did insurance claims work those were always getting ripped off by the wind on travel trailers. Their framing is made out of 2" balsa wood like material that if you spit on it rot follows. So fastening is difficult.

[hausdok]

Like any accessory,

I just explain to the client that accessories and nice-to-have items that have nothing to do with the function of the house are outside the scope of the inspection and that I'm primarily concerned with how they are attached/plumbed/wired to the house's systems. I open and close them one time to ensure they actually function and then tell the client that I'm not warranting the thing - that if it fails as I back my car out of the driveway don't call me - call an awning guy.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike