Adjustable pitch lets you change where the shade falls and gives light rain a clearer path to run off. Knowing when to change the angle also makes it easier to use your awning as the sun and weather shift.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- Change the pitch as the sun moves. A shallower angle works well when the sun is high, while lowering the front can block sunlight that reaches farther beneath the canopy.
- Lower one side during light rain. This gives water a path to run off. Retract the awning if water still pools.
- Roll the awning out about halfway before adjusting it. Use the pitch loop at the base of the awning arm and turn the crank gradually.
- Return both sides to level before retracting. This helps the fabric roll up evenly.
- Bring the awning in when the weather turns rough. Marygrove recommends retracting it when winds exceed 25 mph or gusts are forecast.
Keep reading to see how adjustable pitch works and when to change it for better coverage.
What Is Awning Pitch?
The pitch is simply the slope or angle of your awning from back to front. In other words, it describes how far the front of the awning drops when the canopy is extended.
That angle affects how the shade falls across your patio. A higher front can leave the space underneath feeling more open, while lowering it can help block sunlight coming in from a lower angle.
That flexibility is one reason adjustable pitch is useful on motorized retractable awnings. You are not locked into one position after installation, so you can respond to changes in how sunlight reaches your patio.
When Should You Adjust the Pitch?
There is no single angle that makes sense for every afternoon. The useful setting depends on what the sun is doing and how you want to use the space beneath the awning.
When the Sun Is High
On a bright summer afternoon, you may prefer a shallower pitch that keeps the front of the awning higher while still casting shade over the patio. After adjusting the pitch, step back into the seating area to see where the shade falls. A small change may be enough to cover the table or the chairs you use most.
When the Sun Sits Lower
The sun sits lower in the morning and later in the day. That lower angle becomes more noticeable as fall approaches, sending sunlight farther beneath the canopy. Lowering the front of the awning can help block more of that low-angle light. If the sun is still finding its way in, Marygrove front and side screens can add vertical shade without requiring you to keep lowering the pitch.
During a Light Rain
Rain is one time when an uneven pitch can be useful. Lower one side so water runs toward that edge instead of settling in the middle of the fabric. Keep an eye on the canopy while it is open. If water still pools with one side lowered, return the awning to level if you can, then retract it right away. Once the rain stops, roll it back out so the fabric can dry.
When Wind Picks Up
Wind is not a reason to keep changing the pitch. Marygrove recommends rolling the awning in when winds exceed 25 mph or when gusty conditions are forecast. A wind sensor can provide an extra layer of protection, but it is a safety net rather than a substitute for bringing the awning in before rough weather.
How to Adjust the Pitch on a Marygrove Awning
Adjusting the pitch only takes a few steps once you know where to start. Here’s how to do it using Marygrove’s current awning care instructions:
- Step 1: Roll the awning out about halfway. Keeping it only partially extended takes weight off the shoulder gears and makes the pitch easier to adjust.
- Step 2: Find the pitch loop at the base of the awning arm. Insert the crank pole into this loop, not the black motor override loop.
- Step 3: Stand directly beneath the loop. Hold the crank so it follows the same angle as the pitch loop. Cranking from the side can make the mechanism much harder to turn.
- Step 4: Turn the crank clockwise, a little at a time, to lower that side. Check the result from the part of the patio you are trying to shade, then repeat on the other side if you want both sides lowered.
- Step 5: Return the awning to level before you roll it in. This lets the fabric roll evenly and completely into the integrated housing.
For more detailed care instructions and troubleshooting, check out the Marygrove Awning Care Guide.
Make Small Adjustments as the Season Changes
The sun shifts throughout the year, so the pitch that works in June may need a slight change by September. A few turns of the crank can move the shaded area back across the part of the patio you use most.
If you are considering a retractable awning and want to see how adjustable pitch could work with your patio, book a free in-home consultation with Marygrove. We can help you plan shade around the way you use your outdoor space.
Josh Eberly
Josh Eberly's background in home renovation runs from the ground up. After years successfully flipping houses and seeing firsthand what adds real value and livability to a property, he brings that practical, hands on perspective to the outdoor space at Marygrove. Today he focuses on retractable awnings, patio covers, and custom shade solutions that help homeowners turn underused patios and decks into spaces they actually enjoy. Outside of work Josh enjoys spending time with his family, sports (WE ARE!), and cultivating experiences with his close friends.
Favorite Marygrove Awning - Harbor Grey with White Frame.
