FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a custom shade solution comes with a lot of decisions, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. These FAQs are here to provide clarity and helpful guidance, but the best way to find the right fit for your home is to speak directly with a Nuimage professional.
Permit requirements will depend on your town. In most cases, retractable awnings or aluminum awnings do not require permits as they are considered non-structural. Some towns do require permits for porch enclosures, pergolas, and other freestanding shade structures to ensure safety and code compliance. Your Nuimage installation team will advise and guide you on the permitting process for your local area.
A screened-in porch uses fixed mesh panels to keep out insects while allowing airflow, but they offer little protection from rain, wind, and pollen and is limited to warm-weather use. Because the screens are permanently installed, repairing torn mesh is difficult, often requiring full removal or visible patches. A three-season room, like the Porch Enclosure systems Nuimage installs, features easily interchangeable screens and glass sashes that slide to adapt to the weather. You can enjoy an open-air feel on warm days and a protected outdoor space during rainy or cold weather, extending use to spring, fall, and even winter. Many of our three-season room conversions begin with an underperforming screened-in porch, transforming it into a space that feels finished, flexible, and comfortable.
While there are many unique features for each of our awning models, the biggest differences lie in their housing type when closed—non-cassette, semi cassette, or fully-cassette. Your choice of housing type will impact where/how the awning can be mounted, how much seasonal maintenance it requires, and the warranty. Talk to a Nuimage representative to discuss which option is right for your home.
Our average time from order to install is just 14 days. Your installation timeline will depend on location, season, and team availability but be confident we’ll get you booked and loving your outdoor space as soon as possible. Once your install team arrives, your product will be ready to use within 1 day.
While we are technically a dealer and installer, our parent company, SummerSpace manufactures every one of our product offerings from awnings and motorized screens to porch enclosures and freestanding cabanas. Our main offices in Auburn, ME are located inside the SummerSpace factory so we’re connected to your shade product from start to finish.
Yes! There’s no need to wait till spring to get started on a porch enclosure, awning, or motorized screen. And in fact, the sooner you get in touch, the faster we can order your custom product and get your installation on our books so you’re ready to enjoy it as soon as weather allows.
At Nuimage, every project includes installation by our factory-trained team. Unlike off-the-shelf awnings you might find at a big box store, our shade systems are custom-built and professionally engineered. These products are often complex and can include heavy components that require mounting more than 9’ in the air. Safety and flawless installation are our top priorities, and we come prepared to every job with the right tools to get it done in less than a day. With thousands of shade structures installed across New England, you can be sure that your project will be completed with the utmost care.
Awnings can be a great way to enjoy your outdoor space during light rains, shedding water from their marine-grade, water-resistant fabrics. However, heavy rain can press down on your awning, causing water to pool and often is accompanied by higher winds. In these situations, you should close your awning to avoid damages that aren’t covered by your warranty. We offer wind-sensors as an add-on feature for all retractable awnings, making sure your product safely closes even when you’re not home. A good rule of thumb: if you’d rather be inside, your awning should be closed.
Some awnings require seasonal removal of the front valance only, but as long as your awning is retracted during winter, it is perfectly safe.
Our awnings are designed for durability with weather-tested components like powder-coated aluminum frames and marine-grade Tempotest USA fabrics making them extremely low-maintenance. However, to get the longest life out of your shade product, we recommend an annual cleaning with a soft brush and soapy water. If you have a traditional or semi-cassette awning, we also recommend checking the housing for animals like squirrels and birds which can damage fabrics.
We’re proud to partner with Tempotest USA to offer more than 400 fabric options with the highest standard for durability and resistance to stains, mold, and sun fading.
If you’d like a new color or pattern, or your fabric is past its 10-year warranty and beginning to show signs of wear, get in touch with us about replacement fabric. We will custom cut and install new fabric to make your existing awning look brand new.
Our installers are factory-trained on SummerSpace products and come prepared with the tools and parts specific to those systems, so most of our repair work focuses on what we manufacture and install. That said, customer service comes first. In some cases, especially when safety is a concern, we may be able to assist with emergency repairs or help you explore replacement options. It never hurts to call (tel:8009462216)— we’re always happy to talk through your situation.
We’re proud to offer industry-leading warranties on all our products. Each product has a unique warranty, split by components like frames, fabrics, and motors. You’ll receive warranty info with your official product quote and again when you purchase and install. Feel free to reach out to our team at any time with questions about your warranty.