Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about motorized screens, retractable awnings, and outdoor shade systems in Jacksonville, FL.

Our most-asked questions about motorized awnings, retractable screens, installation, warranties, and Florida-tough materials — answered by the team that installs them every day across Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns County, and St. Augustine.

How much do motorized screens cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your opening, the type of system (insect, solar, privacy, vinyl, or recessed), fabric choice, and installation requirements. Most Jacksonville-area projects start with a free on-site measurement so we can quote accurately — no pressure, same-day local follow-up. Financing through Enhancify is available if you'd like to spread the cost out.
What is the difference between motorized screens and motorized awnings?
Motorized screens create a vertical barrier for insects, UV, privacy, or wind — perfect for patios, lanais, porches, and garages. Motorized awnings extend overhead shade over decks and outdoor dining areas. Many homeowners combine both for full outdoor-living comfort, and we install and service each system throughout Northeast Florida.
Do motorized screens really keep bugs out in Florida?
Yes. Our track-guided systems use sealed-edge construction that creates a true insect barrier against mosquitoes, flies, and no-see-ums. When you want open air, the screen retracts fully into a compact housing at the push of a button.
Can you help me choose fabric and screen options for sun glare, UV protection, and privacy?
Yes. Choosing the right fabric or screen comes down to how much sun, UV, and privacy you want. For blocking harsh sun and glare, we recommend denser, UV-resistant fabrics or solar screens that stop most rays and keep your patio comfortable. Lighter, open-weave screens let in more light for a brighter space while still cutting glare. For maximum privacy, darker fabrics and privacy screens make it hard to see in from outside, and many options also help keep insects out. During your free consultation, we tailor the recommendation to your outdoor space and what matters most to you — blocking the evening sun, keeping the area cooler, or added privacy.
What fabrics and frame materials do you use to hold up to Florida sun, humidity, and storms?
We use heavy-duty, UV-resistant fabrics — including solution-dyed acrylics and premium Phifer and Twitchell screen materials — built to block harsh sun, resist fading, and shrug off Florida's heat, humidity, rain, and mildew. Frames and housings use powder-coated aluminum and anti-corrosion hardware that won't rust in salty coastal air and stays strong through storms. The combination keeps your screen or awning looking good and operating smoothly for years.
Can screens and awnings be controlled by remote, smartphone app, or voice assistant?
Yes. Systems can be controlled by wireless remote, smartphone app, or voice assistant, and many pair with home-automation platforms so you can open or close your screen or awning from anywhere. A manual override is included for reliability, so you're never locked out if the power is off.
Do your patio awnings come with integrated LED lighting?
Yes, integrated LED lighting is available as an upgrade on many motorized patio awnings. The lights install right in the arms or under the cassette so they blend in cleanly and light your patio at night. You can control both the awning and the lights from the same remote or smartphone app — instant shade during the day and comfortable lighting after dark, all from one system.
How long does installation take?
Most residential single-opening installs are completed in a day once the custom system is fabricated. Larger multi-opening or commercial projects may take longer. We schedule cleanly, keep noise and mess to a minimum, test motors and remotes on site, and walk you through operation before we leave.
What's involved in installing a retractable awning, and how do you secure it for Florida weather?
Installation starts with a detailed measurement of your space so the awning fits perfectly. We then identify solid structural support — typically wood or concrete at your patio or home — for secure mounting, using heavy-duty, contractor-grade hardware rated for Florida wind, humidity, and salt air. The awning is set with precise alignment and tension so the fabric won't sag or flap, the motorized controls (remote or smart controls) are programmed, and everything is tested for smooth operation. We clean up the work area and do a final check to make sure the system is tight, stable, and ready for Florida's sun and storms.
Can you install an awning if my patio doesn't have an existing header beam?
Yes. Awnings can be installed even if there's no existing header beam. Our team checks the structure to find a safe, solid mounting point and uses contractor-grade tools to anchor into another strong structural support — adding reinforcement where needed — so the awning is secure and stable. The goal is always a safe, reliable installation that stands up to Florida weather without damaging your home.
Do you offer deck awning installation?
Yes. We install motorized retractable deck awnings for outdoor spaces that need shade and weather protection, with options like UV-resistant fabrics, adjustable support arms, and integrated LED lighting. Each awning is custom-sized to fit your deck or patio and can be mounted on most solid structures, then built to handle Florida weather so your deck stays comfortable and protected from sun and rain.
Do you install commercial or oversized screen and awning systems?
Yes. Screens and awnings can be custom-sized to fit wide patios and large commercial outdoor areas — you're not limited to standard sizes. We install commercial-grade vinyl and motorized screen systems, plus wide-span awnings, for restaurants, bars, outdoor venues, and multi-opening commercial spaces throughout Northeast Florida, with support arms and hardware selected for stability across the full span.
Are your systems built for coastal Florida weather?
Absolutely. We specify anti-corrosion hardware, UV-resistant Phifer and Twitchell fabrics, and weather-resistant housings designed for humidity, salt air, and storm-driven wind. Optional wind sensors can auto-retract awnings when conditions pick up, protecting your investment.
Do you offer maintenance to keep my motorized screen or awning working smoothly?
Most of our motorized awnings and retractable screens are designed with durable, weather-resistant materials and don't need much upkeep. Simple care — brushing off debris and rinsing the fabric with water — keeps them looking good and running smoothly. If you ever notice an issue or need a part adjusted, just call our team for professional service or a quick assessment and we'll make sure everything keeps working the way it should.
Can you replace or upgrade an old awning to a motorized retractable system?
Yes. If your current awning is worn out or damaged, we can remove it and install a new motorized retractable system in its place. We handle the full process — measuring, mounting, and making sure everything is secure and operates smoothly — so you get the latest features like remote control, adjustable support arms, and tough, weather-resistant fabric, all installed by our own trained crew for a reliable, seamless result.
What warranty do you offer, and is it transferable if I sell my home?
Cheetah Screens provides a limited lifetime workmanship warranty on our installations, plus manufacturer-backed warranties on motors, fabrics, frames, and hardware. Because the workmanship coverage lasts for as long as you own the product and the manufacturer warranties are transferable, a new owner can still benefit from that coverage if you sell your home. If there's ever an issue with our work, we make it right.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Flexible financing is available through Enhancify with fast approvals and payment options designed to fit your budget, so you can get your screens or awnings installed without paying the full amount upfront. Ask about financing when you schedule your free estimate.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Jacksonville, St. Johns, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Fruit Cove, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and communities across Duval, St. Johns, and Clay counties in Northeast Florida.
Do you offer financing options for motorized awnings and screens?
Yes. Cheetah Screens offers flexible financing for retractable awnings and motorized screens through our lending partners, with fast approvals and payment plans built to fit your budget. That means you can add shade and comfort to your Northeast Florida home without paying the full amount upfront. Just ask about financing options when you request your free quote .
How do you install a retractable awning so it stays secure in Florida weather?
Our installation process starts with precise measurements of your patio or lanai, then we locate solid structural support — usually wood framing or concrete — for a secure mount. We use heavy-duty, contractor-grade hardware rated for Florida wind, humidity, and salt air, then set fabric tension so it won’t sag or flap. Motorized controls are configured, everything is tested for smooth operation, and we do a final stability check before cleanup. Serving Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns County, and St. Augustine, we build every motorized awning to stand up to our coastal climate.
Can I control my retractable awning with a remote, smartphone app, or voice commands?
Yes. Our motorized retractable awnings can be operated by handheld remote, smartphone app, or voice commands through compatible smart-home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Open or close your awning with the push of a button, a tap on your phone, or a simple voice command — whether you’re relaxing outside or inside the house.
What warranty comes with your motorized awnings, and is it transferable?
Every motorized awning includes a limited lifetime workmanship warranty on our installation, plus manufacturer-backed coverage on key components like frames, hardware, and tracks. Best of all, the coverage is transferable — so if you sell your Northeast Florida home, the new owner keeps the protection. It’s peace of mind whether you’re staying put or planning to move.
How do I choose the right fabric or screen for sun, UV protection, and privacy?
It comes down to how much sun, UV, and privacy you want. For blocking harsh glare and heat, denser UV-resistant fabrics and solar screens keep your patio cool and comfortable. Open-weave screens let in more light for a brighter feel while still cutting glare, and darker privacy fabrics make it hard to see in from outside. Many retractable screens also help with insect control. During your free consultation, our Jacksonville team recommends the right option for your space and priorities.
Do you offer maintenance service to keep my motorized awning and screens running smoothly?
Most of our motorized awnings and retractable screens are built from durable, weather-resistant materials and need very little upkeep. Simple care — brushing off debris and rinsing the fabric with water — keeps them looking and working great. If anything ever needs adjustment or a part replaced, our team provides professional service and quick assessments. We also offer rescreening when it’s time to refresh worn screen fabric.
Can you replace my old awning with a new motorized retractable system?
Absolutely. If your current awning is worn or damaged, we remove the old unit and handle the full installation of a new motorized retractable awning . We measure, mount, and test everything for secure, smooth operation, and you get the latest features like remote control, adjustable support arms, and tough, weather-resistant fabric — all installed by our certified Northeast Florida team for a clean, seamless look.
Do your patio awnings offer integrated LED lighting?
Yes — integrated LED lighting is available as an upgrade on many motorized patio awnings . The lights install right into the arms or under the cassette so they blend in cleanly, and you can control both the awning and the lights from the same remote or smartphone app. You get instant shade during the day and comfortable, ambient lighting at night from one system.
Can retractable awnings be custom-sized for a wide patio or commercial space?
Yes. Our retractable awnings are custom-sized to fit wide residential patios and large commercial outdoor areas, with a range of widths and projections plus adjustable support arms for added stability. That means even oversized spaces get full sun protection and a clean, tailored look — you’re never limited to standard sizes. Explore all of our shade solutions to find the right fit.
Will installing a motorized awning disrupt my daily routine?
Not much at all. Most motorized awning installations take just a few hours, and our installers use precise tools to keep noise and mess to a minimum. We may move furniture out of the mounting area, but we handle the full setup and clean up afterward — so you can start enjoying your new awning the same day with minimal interruption. See how our installation process works.
Do you install deck awnings for shade and weather protection?
Yes. We install motorized retractable deck awnings with UV-resistant fabrics, adjustable support arms, and optional integrated LED lighting. Each awning is custom-sized to your deck or patio and mounted on solid structure using contractor-grade tools, built to handle Florida sun and rain. Homeowners across Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra trust us for durable, comfortable deck shade.
Can you install an awning if my patio has no existing header beam?
Yes. Even without an existing header beam, our installation team inspects your structure to find a safe, solid mounting point. If needed, we anchor into other strong structural support or add reinforcement so the awning is secure and stable. The goal is always a safe, reliable install that holds up to Florida weather without damaging your home. Have a tricky setup? Contact our Jacksonville team for an assessment.
What fabric and frame materials hold up best against Florida sun, humidity, and storms?
We use heavy-duty, UV-resistant fabrics like solution-dyed acrylics that block harsh sun, resist fading, and handle Florida heat, humidity, rain, and mildew. Frames are typically powder-coated aluminum, which won’t rust or corrode in salty coastal air and stays strong through storms. This combination keeps your awning or screen looking great and working reliably, season after season.

More Answers From Our Customers

Do motorized screens and awnings hold up in Florida’s heat, humidity, and storms?
Yes. We install marine-grade, UV-resistant screens and awnings built for Northeast Florida’s sun, humidity, and coastal salt air. Motorized systems can also be retracted quickly ahead of heavy wind or summer storms to protect them.
Can I operate my motorized screen or awning with a remote or switch?
Absolutely. Every motorized system comes with easy remote or wall-switch control, and many can be set up with sun and wind sensors or smart-home integration so they open and close automatically.
Which areas around Jacksonville do you serve?
We serve Jacksonville and the surrounding Northeast Florida communities, including Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and Duval County.
Are your screens and awnings custom-fit to my space?
Yes. Every install is measured and custom-built to fit your patio, lanai, garage, or deck for a clean, gap-free finish — no one-size-fits-all products.
How long does a typical installation take?
Most residential motorized screen and awning installations are completed in a single day after your custom order arrives. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your free in-home estimate.

Reviewed by Kent Taylor, Managing Partner of Cheetah Screens — 15+ years serving Northeast Florida homeowners.

Still Have Questions?

Our Jacksonville team is happy to help. Give us a call or request a free estimate today.