Semi-Cassette Retractable Awnings
The perfect balance of protection and affordability — Ontario's most popular awning design for residential patios and decks.
What Is a Semi-Cassette Awning?
A semi-cassette awning includes a protective hood or housing mounted above the fabric roller. This design significantly extends the life of the awning fabric compared to open roll systems while keeping costs lower than a fully enclosed cassette.
The underside remains partially exposed, but the fabric and roller tube are protected from most weather exposure — making it suitable for most typical residential installations.
- Fabric rolls up into the protective hood when retracted
- Top of the awning is fully shielded from rain and debris
- Arms fold underneath, out of sight
- Cleaner visual appearance than open roll systems
Benefits of Semi-Cassette Awnings
Increased Fabric Protection
The protective hood shields the fabric from rain, debris, bird droppings, and harsh UV exposure — helping preserve colour and structural integrity.
Longer Lifespan
Partial protection when retracted means less fading, less dirt accumulation, and reduced wear on the fabric compared to open roll designs.
Clean Architectural Appearance
The housing conceals the roller tube, giving the awning a more refined look when closed — a popular choice for modern homes.
Mid-Range Pricing
Better protection than open roll without paying for a fully enclosed cassette. The ideal balance of durability, appearance, and value.
Smart Automation Ready
Integrates with wind, rain, and sun sensors plus smartphone controls — automatically retracting when weather conditions change.
Semi-Cassette Awnings in Action
Ideal Uses
Semi-cassette awnings work well in most typical residential installations, providing durable shade for a wide range of outdoor environments.
- Backyard patios and deck seating areas
- Outdoor dining spaces
- Poolside shade areas
- Most exposed or semi-exposed locations
- Modern homes where clean appearance matters
How It Compares
Open Roll
- Most affordable
- Fabric exposed when retracted
- Best for protected locations
- Optional hood cover available
Semi Cassette
- Mid-range price point
- Fabric protected by top hood
- Suitable for most locations
- Clean appearance when closed
- Most popular residential choice
Full Cassette
- Premium enclosed system
- Full fabric & mechanism protection
- Best for fully exposed locations
- Maximum weather resistance
Motorized Semi Cassette Awnings in Ontario
A semi cassette retractable awning is Ontario's most popular residential awning design — and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between the affordability of an open roll system and the full weather protection of a full cassette. The protective hood shields the fabric and roller tube from rain, bird droppings, and UV exposure when retracted, while keeping the system more affordable than a fully enclosed cassette.
Canadian Shade's semi cassette awnings come standard with a Somfy motor, smartphone app control, and automatic wind sensor retraction. Choose from hundreds of premium Copentek fabric colours and three powder-coated frame finishes. Optional sun sensors extend the awning automatically on bright days, and integrated LED lighting extends your outdoor entertaining into the evening.
Semi cassette awnings are the ideal choice for most backyard patios, deck seating areas, and outdoor dining spaces across Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, and London. They perform well in semi-exposed locations where a full cassette isn't necessary but fabric protection still matters. Use our product configurator to design your awning and see instant pricing with professional installation.