Why Retractable Roof Systems are a Smart Investment for Your Business

Ideal for restaurants, cafes, hospitals and more, retractable roof systems are becoming more and more popular with Australian businesses. In large part, this is due to their versatile, durable, and flexible nature.

As you can probably gauge from the name, these systems are designed to expand whenever your business needs coverage or shade. When you no longer need them, they are also easy to retract. However, this is only a small part of the story.

In this article, we’ll dive into why retractable roof systems are a smart investment for your business, as well as everything else you need to know!

Retractable Roof Technology

In general, there are two ways that retractable roof systems function; motorised or automated. Let’s cover both of these now.

Motorised

These retractable roofing systems bring a new level of convenience and functionality to outdoor spaces. Because they can be operated via a remote control or wall switch, this allows your staff members to extend or retract the roof effortlessly.

Here are the Core Components of Motorised Systems

Frame Structure

The frame structure provides the backbone of the retractable roof, ensuring stability and durability. It is typically constructed from robust materials like aluminium or steel to withstand the elements.

Roofing Material

The roofing material is usually a high-quality fabric that offers protection from sun and rain. The fabric is designed to be taut when extended and collapse neatly when retracted.

Motorised Mechanism

The motorised mechanism is the core component that enables the movement of the roof. It includes an electric motor connected to a system of pulleys and cables that drive the front fabric support bar.

Tracks and Guides

Tracks and guides ensure smooth operation of the retractable roof. They guide the movement of the fabric and the support bar, keeping everything aligned and functioning correctly.

Sensors

While basic motorised systems may not include advanced sensors, some models can be equipped with optional sun and wind sensors to enhance functionality.

Safety Features

Safety features may include obstacle detection to prevent accidents and emergency stop buttons for immediate halting of operation.

This is How Motorised Systems Work

Motorised retractable roofs operate by activating the motor through a remote control or wall switch. When deployed, the motorised mechanism engages, pulling the front fabric support bar forward, which in turn pulls the fabric taut across the frame. This creates a sturdy and visually appealing cover. When retracted, the motor reverses the process, pulling the fabric back into a compact, concertinaed stack.

Automated Systems

Automated retractable roofing systems build upon the convenience of motorised systems, with advanced automation features. These systems are typically integrated into the building's infrastructure and can be controlled via a wall switch or a smartphone app.

Components of Automated Systems

Motorised Mechanis

Similar to motorised systems, the automated version includes an electric motor that drives the movement of the roof, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

Tracks and Guides

Tracks and guides facilitate the precise movement of the roof, ensuring it extends and retracts seamlessly without misalignment.

Controls

Controls for automated systems include wall switches and smartphone apps that allow users to operate the roof remotely and set schedules for automatic operation.

Sensors

Automated systems come equipped with a variety of sensors, including:

Rain Sensors: Automatically activate the roof when rain is detected to protect the space underneath.

Wind Sensors: Retract the roof in high winds to prevent damage.

Sunlight Sensors: Extend the roof when sunlight is detected, providing shade automatically.
Temperature Sensors: Adjust the roof based on temperature changes for optimal comfort.

Safety Features

Advanced safety features in automated systems include emergency stop buttons and obstacle detection sensors, ensuring safe operation even in unforeseen circumstances.

How Automated Systems Work 

Once the system is set up, it can be programmed to respond to environmental conditions without user intervention. On a sunny day, for example, the sunlight sensor will detect the increase in light and automatically extend the roof to provide shade. If rain or high winds are detected, the corresponding sensors will trigger the roof to retract, protecting the structure and its occupants. 

These systems are particularly popular in commercial settings such as cafes, restaurants, and bars, where they provide effortless and reliable shelter to enhance customer comfort and safety.

The Benefits

Whether you buy a motorised or automated system, retractable roofs offer countless functional and aesthetic benefits. These advantages also apply to a diverse range of commercial industries. This is why so many Melbourne based businesses and facilities use retractable roof systems.

Weather Protection

Australia’s climate poses a number of challenges for any business owner with outdoor premises. From the temperate climate of Melbourne to the tropical weather of the Gold Coast, each destination has its own distinctive set of demands.

The good news is that retractable roof systems are purpose built to provide excellent weather protection. Unlike folding arm awnings, which won’t typically hold up well in windy or rainy weather, these systems can withstand a variety of conditions. All the while, they’ll keep staff and patrons protected from wind, rain, and UV rays. 

As we noted earlier, some systems also come with sensors that automatically expand or retract depending on the weather. Once you experience the convenience of these features we doubt you’ll ever turn back!

Practicality

Above all, retractable roof systems are highly practical and versatile. As a business owner, they give you the ultimate flexibility and allow you to react to any weather conditions with ease. Whenever you need coverage for patrons, guests, and staff, all you need to do is activate the system. When it is no longer needed, you can retract it–it’s all that simple!

Retractable roof systems also contribute to energy efficiency and cost savings. By controlling the amount of sunlight and shade, they actually help you to regulate the temperature of your space, thereby reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Additionally, the ability to quickly adapt to weather changes means less wear and tear on outdoor furniture and fixtures. 

The combination of flexibility, user-friendliness, and cost efficiency make retractable roof systems an invaluable addition to any business.

Customer Experience

Whether you’re running a restaurant, bar, cafe or function space, the onus is on you to offer a comfortable experience for your customers and guests. One simple way to achieve this is investing in market umbrellas, folding arm awnings or retractable roof systems. Outdoor furnishings allow you to regulate temperature, protect patrons from the rain, and shield them from sunlight on warm days.

Customer experience can also have an effect on the success of your business. People that have a positive experience are more likely to recommend you to their friends, family and colleagues, while those that don’t may leave bad reviews or warn others to steer clear.

In the long run, these systems are a minor expense when compared to the countless benefits you receive.

Size and Style

Retractable roofs come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet different needs and preferences. It's important to consider the size of the area you want to cover, ensuring the roof provides adequate protection and fits well within the space. Additionally, you should decide between a flat or pitched roof, as each design offers distinct aesthetic and functional benefits.

When selecting a retractable roof, think about the shape and colour to ensure it complements the style of your home or building. The right design can enhance the overall appearance of your property, blending seamlessly with existing architecture. A well-chosen retractable roof not only adds functionality but also enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

Materials

Retractable roofs can be constructed from various materials, such as metal, fabric, or polycarbonate. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding durability, weather resistance, and maintenance requirements. For example, metal roofs are typically very durable and weather-resistant but may require more maintenance to prevent rust. Fabric roofs offer flexibility and a softer aesthetic but might not withstand harsh weather as well as other materials.

Consider your area’s climate and weather conditions when selecting a material for your retractable roof. Choosing the right material is crucial to ensure the roof can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability. Evaluating these factors will help you select a roof that meets your needs while offering reliable performance and minimal upkeep.

Folding Arm Awnings vs Retractable Roof Systems

To the untrained eye, it's easy to find the difference between folding arm awnings and retractable roofs a little confusing. Before you go ahead and make a purchase, it’s important to understand that they do have distinct differences, benefits, and requirements.

Unlike fixed awnings or stationary pergolas, retractable roof systems excel in handling various weather conditions, be it intense sun, heavy rain, or storms. These systems can seamlessly adapt to different climates, providing reliable protection regardless of the weather.

One notable example in Australia is the Genius roof system by Global Awning. Renowned for its versatility and timeless design, it fits well in a wide range of environments.

The unique advantage of retractable roof systems lies in their ability to switch between open-air and sheltered spaces. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for patios, decks, and commercial venues like restaurants and cafes.

If you’re tossing up between the two, check out our recent article for a full breakdown of Folding Arm Awnings vs Retractable Roof Systems.

Getting a Retractable Roof System Installed

If you’ve heard all about the benefits and want to add a retractable roof to your property, the next step is to find a reputable installer. Remember, even a state-of-the-art system is likely to fail or cause further issues if it is not properly installed. This is why it's so important to go with an experienced team that has a strong track record and in-depth industry knowledge,

The installation process also needs to be tailored to the requirements of your property/premises. For example, some systems can be installed as freestanding structures, while others need to be wall-mounted or attached to other sections of the building. An experienced installer will be able to identify which approach is most suitable and keep you in the loop from start to finish.

During installation, there may also be the chance for customisation. This generally extends to features such as lighting, heating, or sound systems. If you’re after custom retractable awnings in Melbourne or any other city in Australia, reach out to us today!

Indoor Outdoor - Your Trusted Partner for Retractable Roof Systems in Australia

Welcome to Indoor Outdoor Imports, where we’ve been an industry leader in outdoor furnishings since 1989. With over three decades of hands-on experience, we can supply and install the finest retractable roof systems on the Australian market. 
Whether you need retractable roof systems in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or the Gold Coast, you’re in great hands with our knowledgeable team.