FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does a SunSetter Awning installed through D. L. Gibson Enterprises stack up against its competition?

Why SunSetter? The Gold Standard in Retractable Awnings

When it comes to retractable awnings, SunSetter is America’s #1 best-selling brand—and for good reason. With over 1 million satisfied customers nationwide, SunSetter is the largest retractable awning manufacturer in the U.S., combining high-quality craftsmanship with unmatched value.

Proudly made in the USA at their headquarters in McAllen, Texas, SunSetter Awnings are built using only the highest quality materials available to consumers—ensuring exceptional durability, performance, and aesthetics at a highly competitive price.

Unmatched Craftsmanship & Materials

  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Frame – SunSetter awnings feature high-tensile, extruded aluminum with a light cream, powder-coated enamel finish for superior strength and longevity. This aerospace-quality material delivers outstanding durability without adding excess weight.
  • Premium Awning Fabrics – SunSetter’s woven acrylic fabrics are manufactured by Glen Raven Inc. (the parent company of Sunbrella), utilizing advanced techniques to ensure fade resistance, crack prevention, and long-term durability.
  • Stronger Seams for Longer Life – Unlike traditional stitched seams, SunSetter’s Ultrasonically Seam-Sealed fabric technology creates seams that are 7.5 times stronger, eliminating weak points that could compromise your awning’s longevity.

Why Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Stands Behind SunSetter

At Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, we sell, install, and service SunSetter products—and there’s a simple reason why:

Because they’re the best.

With SunSetter’s superior engineering, high-performance materials, and industry-leading reputation, we confidently stand behind every awning we install. When you choose a D. L. Gibson Enterprises Awning Package, you’re not just getting an awning—you’re investing in quality, longevity, and service you can trust.

Why buy a SunSetter Awning from D. L. Gibson Enterprises Inc.?

Why Choose Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises for Your Awning?

When you choose Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, you’re not just purchasing an awning—you’re investing in expert craftsmanship, top-tier customer service, and long-term peace of mind.

Unmatched Expertise & Experience

  • Nearly 50 Years in Home Remodeling – With decades of experience, we’ve mastered the art of precision installations, ensuring your awning is securely and seamlessly integrated into your home.
  • Over 2,000 Awnings Installed – Serving homeowners across Southeastern Pennsylvania, we have the expertise to handle any unique structural challenges your home may present.
  • A Commitment to Quality – Whether you’re purchasing a SunSetter Retractable Awning or a SunSetter EasyShade, our team ensures a flawless installation that enhances both function and curb appeal.

Comprehensive Warranty Protection

When you invest in a SunSetter Awning through D. L. Gibson Enterprises, you’re backed by industry-leading warranties that provide unparalleled peace of mind:

  • SunSetter’s All-Weather Limited Warranty – Covers defects and damage for the term of your warranty, including Acts of God such as wind, rain, and snow. Depending on your awning model, this warranty extends for 5 or 10 years, ensuring long-term protection.
  • D. L. Gibson’s Full Service Promise – Every awning package includes:
    • 5 Years of Labor Coverage for any warranty-related service.
    • 60 Days of Free Maintenance & Adjustments post-installation.
    • Customer Loyalty Discount for exclusive savings on tune-ups and maintenance for the lifetime of your awning.

With these warranties, you can be confident that your awning is protected against defects, damage, and unexpected weather events, all while receiving superior service from a trusted, fully insured installation expert.

A Local Business You Can Trust

  • Family-Owned & Operated – We take pride in serving our community with integrity and professionalism.
  • Fully Insured & Reputable – Your investment is backed by a trusted, fully-insured company that prioritizes your satisfaction.
  • Lifetime Support – We’re here for you long after installation, providing guidance, maintenance, and expert service whenever needed.

At D. L. Gibson Enterprises, we don’t just install awnings—we build lasting relationships with homeowners who value quality, reliability, and expertise. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team dedicated to your home’s comfort and your complete peace of mind.

What’s the Warranty on a SunSetter Awning bought through D. L. Gibson Enterprises?

The Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Full Service Promise

At Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, we believe in delivering not just premium awning solutions, but also peace of mind. That’s why every awning package we sell comes with SunSetter’s All-Weather Limited Warranty—a one-of-a-kind protection plan designed to keep your awning covered no matter what life (or the weather) throws at it.

What’s Covered?

With SunSetter’s All-Weather Limited Warranty, if any part of your awning becomes defective for any reason, SunSetter will replace the necessary components at 100% of the cost for the term of your warranty. But what makes this warranty truly stand out is its “All-Weather” protection—covering damage from wind, rain, snow, and other Acts of God, so you never have to worry about unexpected weather mishaps.

Additionally, for the duration of your warranty (whether 5 or 10 years), you have the option to purchase replacement fabric sets at a significantly reduced price—typically 50% off or more. We strongly recommend taking advantage of this benefit before your warranty expires!

What’s Not Covered?

SunSetter’s warranty does not cover shipping charges on replacement parts after the first year or installation labor costs for repairs.

That’s where The Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Full Service Promise comes in.

Your Added Protection with Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises

As a D. L. Gibson Enterprises Awning Customer, your awning is backed by our exclusive Full Service Promise, which includes:

  • 5 Years of Labor Coverage for any warranty-related service.
  • 60 Days of Free Maintenance & Adjustments after installation.
  • Customer Loyalty Discount—providing exclusive savings on tune-ups and maintenance for the lifetime of your awning.

This commitment applies to any D. L. Gibson Enterprises Awning Package purchased from 2018 to the present, ensuring you receive the best service long after installation.

With Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, you’re not just buying an awning—you’re gaining a long-term partner in shade, comfort, and service.

Full Service PromiseAll-Weather Warranty

What is D. L. Gibson Enterprises Inc.’s relationship to SunSetter Awnings Co.?

A Trusted SunSetter Dealer Since 2005

Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Inc. has been a proud Authorized Dealer of SunSetter Awnings since 2005. Our journey with SunSetter began in 2004, when Doug Gibson, President & CEO, was approached by SunSetter to become a dealer. Instead of rushing into a decision, Doug took a full year to thoroughly evaluate the awning business, product quality, customer value, long-term durability, and its impact on home remodeling needs.

SunSetter’s superior craftsmanship, reliability, and overall value quickly won Doug’s admiration. Since then, D. L. Gibson Enterprises has been committed to selling, installing, and servicing SunSetter Awnings exclusively—ensuring every homeowner receives expert guidance, precision installation, and long-term support.

Serving the Greater Philadelphia Region with Excellence

  • 2,000+ SunSetter Awnings Installed
  • 2,500+ Square Miles Serviced in Southeastern Pennsylvania & Greater Philadelphia

For nearly two decades, our team has helped homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with top-quality retractable awnings, backed by industry-leading warranties and professional service.

When you choose Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, you’re choosing a company with deep expertise, proven experience, and an unwavering commitment to quality—ensuring your awning investment is in the best hands.

How long has D. L. Gibson Enterprises been in business?

Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises: A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Quality Since 1979

For over 45 years, Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Inc. has been a family-owned and operated small business, built on the foundation of smart decision-making, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality. We’ve outlasted many other companies of our size by consistently putting our clients’ needs first and ensuring every project is done right the first time—or not at all.

That’s why our motto is:

“Craftsmen Committed to Quality.”

We take pride in every job we do, treating your home as if it were our own—whether it’s a remodeling project or a SunSetter Awning installation.

A Full-Service Remodeling & Awning Expertise

  • Decades of Word-of-Mouth Success – Our remodeling division thrives on referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of our clients.
  • 2,500+ Square Miles of SunSetter Awning Service – As a SunSetter Authorized Dealer for 20 years, our reach has expanded across Southeastern Pennsylvania, helping homeowners enhance their outdoor spaces with expert installation and service.

Through our commitment to craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and adaptability, Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises continues to be a trusted name in home remodeling and SunSetter Awnings—delivering quality that stands the test of time.

What materials are used to make my SunSetter Retractable Awning?

Why SunSetter? America’s #1 Best-Selling Retractable Awning

SunSetter Retractable Awnings are the #1 best-selling awnings in America, and for good reason. Their industry-leading buying power allows them to source the highest-quality materials at competitive prices, delivering exceptional value without compromising durability or performance.

Unmatched Craftsmanship & Durability

Every SunSetter Retractable Awning is built using Aircraft-Quality, High-Tensile Extruded Aluminum (HTE Aluminum)—the strongest aluminum available in the consumer market. Each major structural component is finished with a light cream powder coating, which is electro-chemically bonded to the surface for superior resistance against chipping, rusting, and peeling.

Premium Fabrics for Long-Lasting Beauty

SunSetter awning fabrics are engineered with advanced industry-leading techniques to ensure unmatched durability and performance:

  • Ultrasonically Seam-Sealed – Provides a seam that is 7.5 times stronger than traditional stitched seams, eliminating weak points.
  • 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fibers – Ensures deep color penetration for exceptional fade resistance over time.
  • Mold & Mildew Resistant – Unlike traditional canvas awning or umbrella fabrics, SunSetter’s 100% polymer-based woven acrylic resists mold and mildew growth.
  • Enhanced Water Repellency – A protective membrane is applied to both the topside and underside of the fabric, promoting excellent water resistance and durability.

A Smart Investment for Long-Term Comfort

SunSetter awnings are more than just shade solutions—they’re a long-term investment in comfort, protection, and style. With industry-leading materials, expert craftsmanship, and proven durability, a SunSetter Awning provides years of enjoyment at an unbeatable value.

When you choose Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, you’re not just getting a premium awning—you’re backed by a team that ensures your investment remains in top condition for years to come.

Do I need to do anything special for winter storage?

Winter Storage Tips for Your SunSetter Awning

Whether or not you need to prepare your SunSetter Awning for winter depends on the type of awning you own and any features or accessories you’ve purchased. In general, no special winter maintenance is required, as SunSetter awnings are built to withstand winter weather.

That said, based on our 20+ years of experience servicing SunSetter products, we’ve gathered practical recommendations to help ensure your awning remains in excellent condition through the winter months. These tips are based on real-world scenarios our customers have encountered and the solutions that have worked best for them.

General Rule of Thumb

Awnings are designed to provide shade and protection from the sun—not to endure extreme weather. If you wouldn’t want to be outside in certain conditions, your awning wouldn’t either.

As a best practice, avoid operating your awning during:

  • ✅ Snow, freezing rain, or ice storms
  • ✅ High winds
  • ✅ Heavy rain

Winter Storage Recommendations

For Windy Environments

Some customers have noticed that their valance fabric flaps in the wind while the awning is closed, creating an unnecessary nuisance. If this happens, we recommend removing the valance fabric, which is a simple process. If you need guidance on how to do this, feel free to give us a call—we’re happy to walk you through it.

For Motorized Awnings

To prevent accidental operation during harsh weather, we suggest:

  • Unplugging the unit for the winter months
  • Deactivating the breaker/GFCI outlet that powers your awning

This extra step completely disables the motor, ensuring your awning remains safely stored until spring.

For Awnings Without the Aluminum Hood Assembly

If your awning does not include the SunSetter Protective Aluminum Hood Assembly, we recommend installing a SunSetter Awning Cover. This durable tarping system, made from SunSetter’s Traditional Laminated Fabric (Cream Color), provides additional protection from snow and ice buildup.

  • ✔ The cover wraps around the fabric roller bar and is secured with tie-downs.
  • ✔ It’s designed for seasonal storage only and must be manually installed.
  • D. L. Gibson Enterprises can order and install it for you!

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

If you have any questions or need assistance with winter preparation or awning storage solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your SunSetter Awning—all year long.

How should the awning be used in different weather conditions?

How Do SunSetter Awnings Perform in Harsh Weather?

When it comes to durability, SunSetter Retractable Awnings lead the industry in performance under challenging weather conditions. Through wind tunnel testing, SunSetter awnings have been proven to withstand winds of up to 75 mph (50 mph for Oasis free-standing awnings).

While some customers have successfully used their awnings during substantial rain events without experiencing water pooling (under specific conditions), this is not a recommended practice by D. L. Gibson Enterprises or SunSetter.

Protecting Your Investment

To help safeguard your awning year-round, we strongly recommend:

  • Wireless Wind Sensor – Automatically retracts your awning in high winds for added protection.
  • Protective Aluminum Hood Assembly – Shields the fabric and components from the elements for both wall-mounted and roof-mounted installations.

General Weather Guidelines

A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t be comfortable outside in certain weather, your awning wouldn’t be either.

While SunSetter awnings are built to handle harsh conditions when necessary, they are not designed for regular exposure to extreme weather events.

The Best Time to Enjoy Your SunSetter Awning

SunSetter Awnings are specifically designed to provide shade and protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. They are best enjoyed on hot, sunny days, where the shade they provide can make your space feel up to 20 degrees cooler.

By using your awning as intended and taking simple precautions, you’ll extend its lifespan and continue enjoying the perfect blend of comfort and protection for years to come.

How long will my fabric last?

SunSetter Awning Fabrics: Built to Last

SunSetter fabrics are designed for long-term durability, ensuring your awning remains vibrant and functional for years to come. Under proper and normal use, SunSetter guarantees their fabrics will not fade, crack, disintegrate, or rot for:

  • 5 Years – SunSetter Series (Woven Acrylic & Traditional Laminated Fabrics)
  • 10 Years – Platinum Series (Sunbrella Woven Acrylic Fabrics & Performance Acrylic Fabrics)

Superior Fabric Engineering

SunSetter’s high-performance fabrics are crafted using industry-leading techniques that set them apart from inferior alternatives:

  • Ultrasonically Seam-Sealed – Provides a seam that is 7.5 times stronger than traditional stitched seams, eliminating weak points.
  • 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fibers – Ensures deep, rich color saturation for exceptional fade resistance.
  • Mold & Mildew Resistant – Unlike traditional canvas awning or umbrella fabrics, SunSetter woven acrylic is 100% polymer-based, making it inherently resistant to mold and mildew growth.
  • Enhanced Water Repellency – Each woven acrylic fabric is treated with a water-repellent membrane on both the topside and underside, improving its hydrophobic properties.

With advanced durability, strong UV protection, and superior weather resistance, SunSetter fabrics are designed to provide long-lasting shade and beauty for your outdoor space.

How long will my awning last?

Built to Last: The Durability of SunSetter Retractable Awnings

SunSetter Retractable Awnings are engineered to withstand the elements and provide long-term durability for your outdoor space.

  • Wind Tunnel Tested – SunSetter awnings have been tested to endure 55–75 mph winds, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
  • Corrosion & Paint Protection – Constructed with high-quality, rust-resistant materials, SunSetter awnings are designed to withstand harsh environments without rusting, blistering, or chipping.

Proven Longevity

While no official lifespan data has been collected, Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises has serviced SunSetter awnings that are approaching 20 years old—still fully functional with no structural or superficial damage to their components. This real-world performance speaks to the exceptional craftsmanship and materials used in every SunSetter awning.

A Lasting Investment with Expert Support

SunSetter awnings are designed with longevity in mind, and when paired with the expert service and maintenance from D. L. Gibson Enterprises, you can be confident your awning will stand up to anything Mother Nature throws its way—season after season.

If you’re looking for a retractable awning built for durability, performance, and lasting value, SunSetter is the clear choice. And with Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises by your side, you’ll have the support you need to enjoy it for years to come.

I have purchased a hand crank awning. Can I convert it to a motorized unit?

Can You Motorize Your Existing SunSetter Awning? Yes, You Can!

If you own a SunSetter Manual (formerly known as model name Vista) Retractable Awning, you don’t need to purchase a brand-new unit to enjoy the convenience of motorization. With the Vista Upgrade Kit (now called a Manual to Motorized Upgrade Kit) from Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, we can install a motor into your existing awning, giving you the ease of push-button operation without the expense of a full replacement.

With over 20 years of experience selling, maintaining, and servicing SunSetter Retractable Awnings, we’ve seen firsthand how upgrading to a motorized unit can extend the lifespan of your awning while adding incredible convenience. Many of our Vista customers have found this upgrade to be a smart investment—enhancing both usability and long-term value.

If you’re ready to make your SunSetter Vista Awning even better, we’re here to help!

How is the awning attached to my house?

Secure & Professional Awning Installation with D. L. Gibson Enterprises

When you choose D. L. Gibson Enterprises for your awning installation, you’re getting more than just expert craftsmanship—you’re getting a solid, secure, and weatherproof attachment designed to last.

Built for Strength & Stability

  • Hot-Dipped, Galvanized Steel Bolts & Hardware – Your SunSetter Retractable Awning is anchored using high-strength, corrosion-resistant hardware, ensuring a firm and lasting connection to your home’s structure.
  • Damage-Free Installation – Our expert team installs your awning without disturbing or damaging your siding or roofing.
  • Weatherproof Protection – We guarantee a seamless installation that prevents water infiltration, keeping your home safe from the elements.

Versatile Installation for Any Home

D. L. Gibson Enterprises is fully equipped to install SunSetter awnings on a wide range of home exteriors, including:

  • Vinyl & Aluminum Siding
  • Asbestos or Masonry Siding
  • Brick Facades & Cinder Block
  • Stucco & Plaster
  • Most Roofing Materials (for Roof-Mounted Systems)

No matter the structure, we ensure the same solid anchoring strategy across all installation types, giving you confidence in your awning’s strength, security, and longevity.

With D. L. Gibson Enterprises, your SunSetter Awning is installed right—the first time.

FIVE Reasons to Own a SunSetter Awning
from D. L. Gibson Enterprises Inc.

Five MORE Reasons to Own a SunSetter Awning
from D. L. Gibson Enterprises Inc.

Why Choose Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Inc.
to be Your SunSetter Awning Authorized Dealer?

How is a SunSetter Awning Made?
a Factory Tour from Malden, Ma

SunSetter Awning Customer Testimonials
Why Buy a SunSetter Awning?

Life is Better,
Under a SunSetter Awning

Douglas L. Gibson Ent. SunSetter Customer Movie (circa 2016)

View some of the SunSetter Awning Projects we have performed

Request your FREE In-Home Consultation Today!