Retractable Awnings, Canopies & Solar Shades

Save money and energy all year long with retractable awnings and solar shades from Jacob Sunrooms and Exteriors.
Free Energy Analysis on All Products
Click here for a free estimate

Retractable Awnings

Retractable Canopies

Exterior Solar Shades

Awning Styles

Energy Savings

Retractable Awnings, Canopies, and Solar Shades by Aristocrat

Enjoy your deck or patio with an Aristocrat Retractable Awning, Canopy, or Solar Shade from Jacob Sunroom! Keep cool while protecting your home and family from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Extend your awning for comfortable shade – and with the touch of a button your awning can disappear into its protective cassette.

Our easy-to-operate, maintenance free awnings will keep you and your home cooler, and also help prevent fading of carpets, drapes and upholstery. They also can remain mounted year-round, saving you costly replacement or removal costs at the end of the outdoor season.

Aristocrat Awnings are America's top choice for quality awning design and fabric retractable awnings, exclusively manufactured with quality materials from Craft-Bilt. Our shade products have been proven reliable since Craft-Bilt’s inception in 1946.

Our awning design ensures that you get sun when you want it, and shade when you need it. Remember, not all awning products are created equal - Get more information about Aristocrat from Jacob. We are a professional awning design and installation company.

Aristocrat Awnings provides quality awning products: retractable awnings, canopies, and solar shades to help you beat the heat and brave the elements. Our quality awning products allow you to use every part of your patio, deck, or porch despite whatever elements Mother Nature throws your way. Browse our variety of awning products and designs; The Manor, Estate, Eko, Cottage plus our retractable canopies and exterior solar shades.


Retractable Awning Features

Aristocrat Retractable Awnings are engineered and designed to give you the most attractive, durable awning with the best protection available today. Protected by your Retractable Awning – you can enjoy all the outdoors has to offer! Now you can be outside to enjoy all the fun warm weather brings, without exposure to direct sun and harmful UV rays. Not only does a retractable awning by Better living bring shaded comfort to decks, patios, terraces and pool areas, it will help protect your health and the health of your family.


  • Custom manufactured by Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company in our state of the art factory in Souderton, Pennsylvania.
  • Recognized as experts in the design, production and installation of retractable awnings, and known for our dedication to quality products and customer focus, we continue to keep abreast of technological changes with training, new equipment, and innovative packaging.
  • Window awnings by Aristocrat are built to perform and last.
  • Add a finishing touch to your home.
  • Retractable window awnings bring much valued shade to you home, substantially lowering air conditioning bills and protecting valuable furnishing and carpets from fading.
  • Hundreds of beautiful fabrics from European and American mills. You will find the perfect match for your architecture and color scheme.
  • Maintenance free!
  • Manufacturer’s LIFETIME LIMITED TRANSFERABLE warranty backed by Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company, a leader in home improvements since 1946.
  • All aluminum baked on enamel and powder-coated finish for no maintenance.
  • Stainless steel fasteners covered with plastic caps for durability.
  • Exclusive sewing with translucent GORE™ TENARA® thread - made from 100% expanded PTFE, one of the most chemically resistant substances known - backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee to produce seams that last the lifetime of the fabric.
  • Teflon coated bushings for smooth quiet operation.
  • No need for painting or lubrication through the lifetime of the unit.
  • A variety of system control options - manual or motorized, remote control, sun/wind sensor.
  • Solution dyed fabrics guaranteed against rot and mildew.
  • Widths starting at 5 ft and projection lengths available in 9 sizes, ranging from 4' 11" to 13' 1".
  • Customized shade throughout the day by opening your awning to any desired point up to its full projection length.
  • Front Profile and End Cap includes exclusive Gutter and Drainage System.
  • Mounts beautifully on house wall, roof or soffit.
  • Motorized or hand operated, with automatic sun and wind sensor options.
  • No costly replacement or removal costs.
  • Exclusive fabric tray keeps fabric taut while extended and eliminates the need for roll tube supports that can cause damage.
  • Security and protection of cassette is ideal for vacation homes.

Fabric Retractable Awnings by Aristocrat are built to perform and last! Our retractable awning system is engineered with the finest features of any retractable awnings worldwide!

back to top


Awning Styles

Aristocrat Retractable Awnings feature 100% solution dyed acrylic fabric from the world’s leading mills. Choose from hundreds of fabric patterns and colors to create a totally unique look for your retractable awning. All Aristocrat Retractable Awning fabrics are backed with a guarantee against rot, mildew and variations in dimensional stability and color.



Manor: A premier, true full cassette system that completely encloses the fabric and hardware in a handsome permanently painted case. The extruded aluminum case provides security and protection for the awning when retracted - ideal for vacation homes.

Cottage: A retractable awning that provides a finishing touch to your home and saves energy at the same time! The Cottage awnings can stand alone, or be used as accents in the same fabric as your patio awning. They retract to allow sun when you want it for warmth in your home, or block sun and reduce indoor temperatures.

Slim Fit: A retractable awning engineered with cross-over arms designed to fit into narrow spaces, and still provide full shade coverage. Slim Fit awnings come as narrow as 5 ft - ideal for balconies or to mount next to bump-outs and chimneys.

Estate: A popular model designed to give you an attractive and durable awning with features that stand above the rest.

Eko: Aristocrat quality at an economical price. Available in widths from 9 ft to 23, and in projections of 6’11”, 8’6” and 10’2”. Motorized option available.

Our Fabric and Color Choices

Exclusively sewn with translucent Gore® Tenara sewing thread. This thread is 100% expanded PTFE, one of the most chemically resistant substances known! Backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee to produce seams that last a lifetime.

Complement your home or office with color and style!

Click here to choose from a selection of over 200 handsome fabric patterns and colors - solids, stripes, tweeds - to create a totally unique look to accent your exterior.

All shading products using Craft-Bilt Collection fabrics aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. Sunbrella® fabrics have been submitted to the Skin Cancer Foundation for testing and have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation by providing a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.


back to top

Awning Benefits

Awning benefits
  • Extruded Arm Shoulder Pitch Adjuster with tripe stainless bolts is drop forged for strength and durability
  • Fabric Tray that keeps fabric tight as it moves and protects the roller tube and fabric
  • All aluminum baked-on enamel and powder coated finishes for no maintainance
  • Stainless steel fasteners covered with plastic caps for durability
  • Sewn exclusively with translucent TENARA sewing thread
  • Teflon coated bushings for smooth, quiet operation
  • Options galore: Manual or motorized system controls, wireless remote, automatic weather detection
  • Craft-Bilt's exclusive fabric collection - including fabrics exclusive
  • Fabric guarantee against rot, mildew and variations in dimensional stability and color
  • Vario Valance option affords even more protection from low sun or privacy
  • Heavy Duty Springs keep fabric beautifully taut
  • Heavy Duty Elbow with dual wrapped cables wrapped in vinyl for durability
  • Front Profile and End Cap featuring an unique gutter and drainage system
  • 40mm galvanized steel Square Bar
  • Choose from a variety of popular valance styles
  • Somfy and Nice Motors used in all motorized awnings
  • Limited Lifetime transferable frame warranty
  • Manufactured by Craft-Bilt Mfg. with over 60 years of quality home remodeling products
  • Full-cassette system available on Manor awning completely encloses and protects the awning and fabric
  • Slim-Fit model available to fit narrow space that can still reach a full 13'1" full projection

back to top


Awning, Shade, and Canopy Green Home Energy Savings

In a typical home, more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other construction element. On a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall! Aristocrat Awnings provides top quality Green home cooling and passive home cooling options that are affordable and reliable.

Awnings, shades and canopies help you reduce air conditioning costs inside the house, while providing comfortable shade outside the house. Awnings and solar shades are efficient home cooling methods that require very little to no maintenance. Many homeowners regret that they can't use their deck or patio as often as they would like because of the heat and glare of the sun. Awnings and other shade products add beauty along with passive home cooling plus add a distinctive look to your home or business! With Aristocrat awnings, pergola covers, canopies and shades, you get best quality manufacturing and the benefit of our 60-plus years of experience as a manufacturer of awnings and shade products made in Souderton, PA.

According to a study by the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Research, awnings have advantages that contribute to more sustainable buildings. Awnings are a great way to passively and efficiently cool a home or deck area. Some of their findings:

  • Awnings result in cooling energy savings by reducing direct solar gain through windows.
  • Awnings directly reduce the impact of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions (Awnings are a great Green home cooling option)
  • Peak electricity demand is reduced by awnings (Awnings lead to efficient home cooling!)

Solar shades can save you money on cooling costs!

  • Windows have the lowest insulation value of any element in a building
  • Windows are responsible for the greatest energy loss in a home
  • 50% of the solar heat that enters a room comes through the glass
  • Transparent solar shades significantly reduce the high cost of energy consumption for cooling without sacrificing visibility through a window
  • Exterior solar shades are the best defense against the heat and are a great green home cooling option

Retractable Canopies are so versatile; they can provide sun and rain protection when and where you need it.

  • Better sun protection than umbrellas
  • Privacy and shade for your hot tub
  • More seating space for outdoor dining
  • Increases shade under pergolas
  • Use as needed for poolside sunbathing and sun shelter
  • An efficient home cooling method – cover the spots you want shade and let the sun hit what you don’t

back to top

Awning, Canopy, and Solar Shade FAQ’s

Can I install the awning myself?
We recommend professional installation for your awnings, to achieve the best use and operation. back to top

How effective are the awnings at providing shade?
Awnings block 97% of the harmful UV rays. They significantly improve the comfort of your patio or deck. back to top

What is the effect of awnings on my utility bills?
Awnings will lower your cooling costs In addition, the benefit of retractable awnings is that you can allow the winter sun into your home for extra warmth. back to top

What options are available?
Our awnings come with a variety of options including:

  • Motor options include remote control operation, switch operation, motorized with manual capability for areas with frequent power outages, and automatic sun and wind sensors.
  • Telescoping legs for extra stabilization
  • Vario-Valance for additional screening  back to top

Can the awnings be used in the rain?
Awnings are primarily a sun shade, not a rain cover. As such, the fabric is designed to “breathe” so you don’t swelter under your awning. Our Teflon® coating helps repel moisture, but it is not waterproof. Keeping the awning extended during a heavy rain will cause water to collect in the fabric and could cause the awning to collapse. back to top

How big can you make the patio awnings?
Our patio awnings extend up to 13 feet 1 inch. A professionally installed Estate awning can be as wide as 40 ft. back to top

What if I get tired of the color?
The fabric can be replaced. We can replace the fabric at your location, or the awning can be shipped back to the factory and re-covered. back to top

How does the automatic sun and wind detector work?
The optional state of the art electronic sensors extend your awning automatically when the sun comes out – and retract it at night. The wind sensor retracts your awning automatically when wind gusts above 20 mph. The wind sensor overrides the sun detector for damage protection. back to top

Can we adjust the pitch of the awning?
The pitch of the awning can be adjusted by the installer to meet your shade requirements. The Vario-Valance is a great addition to protect you from the glare of low setting sun, and provide privacy as well. back to top

What kind of material do you use for the fabric?
Unlike old fashioned canvas awnings, Aristocrat Retractable Awnings feature 100% solution dyed acrylic fabric from the world’s leading mills. Choose from hundreds of fabric patterns and colors to create a totally unique look for your retractable awning. All Aristocrat Retractable Awning fabrics are backed with a guarantee against rot, mildew and variations in dimensional stability and color. back to top

How long do they last?
In our experience, a well cared for awning will function well for 10-12 years or more. back to top



Craft-Built Shade Awnings, Canopies, & Solar Shades
Manufacturers Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty

The following warranty applies to shade products manufactured by Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company, Souderton, Pennsylvania. This warranty, if applicable, is limited at the manufacturer's discretion, to the repair or replacement of fabric, hardware, systems, and in-factory manufacturing labor costs, free of charge. This limited warranty is valid with proof of purchase.

  • Lateral Arm, Drop Arm and Basket Awnings: The warranty on the front profile, torsion bar, roller tube, tray, hood and cassette protects the purchaser should these parts become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for the lifetime that the awning remains as originally installed.
  • Retractable Canopies: The warranty on extruded aluminum supports protects the purchaser should these parts become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for the lifetime that the canopy remains as originally installed.
  • Solar Shades: The warranty on the extruded cassette, roller tube, terminal profiles and tracks protects the purchaser should this part become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for the lifetime that the shade remains as originally installed.
  • Thread: The Gore™ Tenara® sewing thread will not be damaged by exposure to sunlight or water for the life of the fabric warranty.
  • Ultrasonic welded and glued seams: Ultrasonic welded and glued seams will not be damaged by exposure to sunlight or water for the life of the fabric warranty.
  • Lateral Arm, Drop Arm and Basket Awnings: The warranty on the arms, pitch adjusters, mounting brackets and assembly brackets protects the purchaser should these parts become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for a period of 12 years from the date of sale, provided the awning remains as originally installed.
  • Retractable Canopies: The warranty on the cast aluminum brackets and fittings protects the purchaser should these parts become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for a period of 12 years from the date of sale, provided the canopy remains as originally installed.
  • Solar Shades: The warranty on the cables, rods, mounting and assembly brackets protects the purchaser should these parts become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for a period of 12 years from the date of sale, provided the canopy remains as originally installed.
  • Motors, gears and controls: The warranty on motors, gears, and electronic controls including switches, connectors, remote control devices and sensors protects the purchaser should these components become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect for a period of five (5) years from the time of sale, as long as the awning remains as originally installed.
  • Paint: The warranty on the paint finish on the aluminum extrusions of the shade products protects the purchaser should the shade product become unserviceable as a result of a manufacturing defect that causes the paint to crack, peel or check for a period of five (5) years from the date of sale. Chalk in excess of a numerical rating of six (6) as measured using ASTM procedures that renders the product unserviceable as a result of a manufacturing defect is covered for a period of three (3) years from the date of sale. Exclusion: This warranty does NOT cover damage to paint surfaces from exposure to salt spray or water from pool or spa.

This limited warranty protects the purchaser should the fabric become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect resulting in color or strength loss from normal usage and exposure conditions, including sunlight, mildew and atmospheric chemicals. The limited warranty coverage period is from the date of sale. This limited warranty covers awning fabric from the 685 and 119 Series only. Other fabrics that may be selected are covered in accordance with the warranty offered by the fabric manufacturer. This limited warranty does not cover normal fabric care and cleaning; damage from misuse, abuse, or improper installation; or costs associated with replacement of the fabric, including labor and installation. Craft-Bilt’s liability is expressly limited to this warranty and reserves the right to inspect the fabric submitted for claim. Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company will supply new equivalent fabric to replace the fabric that becomes unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect.

In the first eight (8) years of the warranty period, Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at no cost. During the ninth (9th) year, Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at the then-current selling price, less a 30% discount. During the tenth, eleventh and twelfth years (10th, 11th and 12th), Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at the then-current selling price, less a 15% discount. Replacement fabric is warranted under the remaining term of the original warranty.

In the first eight (8) years of the warranty period, Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at no cost. During the ninth (9th) year, Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at the then-current selling price, less a 30% discount. During the tenth (10th) year Craft-Bilt will provide replacement fabric to the purchaser at the then-current selling price, less a 15% discount. Replacement fabric is warranted under the remaining term of the original warranty.

Installation labor costs, on-site labor costs and shipping charges are not covered under this warranty.

Damage that occurs due to wind is not covered under this warranty. Retractable awnings and retractable canopies should be and remain retracted at wind speeds of 20 mph and greater.

Damage that occurs due to the accumulation of water or weight loads on the shade product is not covered under this warranty. Lateral arm awnings should be and remain retracted during periods of rain. Normal wear, weather soiling, or stains from environmental pollution or other sources are not covered.

This warranty does not cover damage caused from acts of nature, fire, accident or similar hazards.

This warranty does not cover dents, scratches, corrosion, oxidation, rust, chipping or peeling of painted finish or weathering that results from normal use or wear and tear.

The shade products must be properly installed, utilized, and maintained. The warranty is considered invalid if deteriorations of any kind occur due to abuse, negligence, vandalism, burns, misuse, or improper use and care.

Purchaser must retain the dated contract, invoice or purchase order for this Warranty to be valid. If it appears within the warranty period that the shade product does not meet the warranty specified above, the purchaser should contact the dealer from whom the product was purchased. The dealer or an authorized representative of that dealer must be permitted to inspect the product to determine whether or not the components are defective and covered by this Warranty. Alternatively, the purchaser may contact the Manufacturer directly at Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Co., 53 Souderton-Hatfield Pike, Souderton PA 18964. If the purchaser contacts the Manufacturer directly, the Manufacturer or an authorized representative must be permitted to inspect the product to determine whether or not the components are defective and covered by this Warranty.

NO IMPLIED STATUTORY WARRANTY OR IMPLIED STATUTORY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY BEYOND THE AFOREMENTIONED WARRANTY PERIODS.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER STATUTORY, WRITTEN, OR ORAL WARRANTIES, AND NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, ARE GIVEN OR HEREIN EXPRESSED. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the abo THE MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS, OR DAMAGE THAT ARISES FROM THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE, THE AWNING. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

back to top


Retractable Canopy Features

Our versatile canopies give you shade for your Deck, Patio, or Outdoor Space when and where you want it! Aristocrat Retractable Canopies provide shelter from the sun and rain whenever you need it. Install anywhere - freestanding, mounted to a wall or beneath your pergola.

  • Available in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes to custom fit your space
  • Join units together to cover large spaces
  • Hundreds of fabric choices for a fabulous look
  • Perfect for poolside, hot tub, patio or balcony
  • Outdoor cafes, sidewalk seating
  • Ideal under existing pergolas to add shade
  • Manual or motorized operation
  • Professionally installed by trained technicians
  • Standard height 8’ 6” - custom heights available

Retractable canopies are versatile shading structures that match your home décor to create a comfortable outdoor space. Ideal to cover verandas, terraces, and roof gardens, retractable canopies can also provide shade around your pool or spa and give you the atmosphere you need for entertaining.

For your balcony… For poolside shade… To create a covered patio… Under an existing pergola… If you can dream it, a canopy can cover it!

back to top


Canopy Styles

Pergola Canopies

Create a private spa, shade your seating area, add to your pergola, or remain open to the elements. The side curtains block chilly winds, and the overhead canopy provides protection from the blaring sun and the rain!

Shade Your Outdoor Space with color and style!

Click here to choose from a selection of over 200 handsome fabric patterns and colors - solids, stripes, tweeds - to create a totally unique look to accent your exterior.

back to top


Exterior Solar Shade Features

The MOST EFFICIENT way to block the heat of the sun is from the outside - BEFORE it has a chance to heat the window glass!

Solar shades can add privacy and block the sun’s heat while still providing visibility to the outside

Exterior solar shades pay for themselves year after year in reduced comfort and air conditioning costs, and protect your furnishings from harmful UV rays that cause fading.

50% of the solar heat entering a room comes through the glass...accounting for approximately 20% of the load on an air conditioner! (Source: American society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers)

back to top


Unique Features

  • Exterior solar shades glide along stainless steel rods, cables or heavy duty aluminum extruded tracks
  • Control how much light enters your home by selecting from one of three fabric types: acrylic exterior awning fabric, PVC coated polyester, or fiberglass screen
  • Hundreds of colors and pattern choices
  • Motorized options for joined units include common operators which control all joined shades with one push of a button - or separate operators to give you flexibility to adjust each shade independently
  • Available for residential and commercial applications
  • White, desert sand or bronze frames.
  • Available in 3ft to 16ft widths, made to order in ¼” increments
  • Remote control option available

back to top

Solar Shade Styles


Window Solar Shades

Patio Solar Shades

Deck Solar Shades

Commercial Solar Shades

Exterior Solar Shades can add privacy and block the sun’s heat, while providing visibility and adding comfort to your outdoor area!

Let a little in and keep a lot out all while perfectly complementing your space!

Click here to choose from a huge selection fabric patterns, styles, and colors!


back to top

Jacob Sunroom & Exteriors is an Authorized Dealer of Aristocrat Awnings, Canopies and Solar Shades for home and businesses.


Copyright© 2011 Jacob Sunroom & Exteriors.  All rights reserved.