An awning is a fabric canopy that attaches to the side of a building and extends and retracts using spring tensioned folding arms which keep the fabric taut at every position. Operation can either be manual (using a handle) or motorised (using a remote control) – or even an app on your smartphone.
With the ability to provide a quick, easy and affordable solution to transform any outdoor space, awnings are not only ideal for residential properties, but commercial too. Both practical and stylish, retractable awnings provide instant shade and shelter and can be designed and built to each application’s exact requirements.
The benefits
Awnings not only offer additional privacy – particularly in built-up areas – but they are essential for a healthy living environment. They provide instant shade from sunlight; both heat and glare (bright light), outstanding UV protection (typically 97.5% minimum UV block) and shelter from unexpected rain showers. They also provide a much-needed cooling effect to the indoor room adjacent to where they are positioned, ensuring a comfortable living space during both the summer and winter months, whilst filtering UV rays to stop furniture from fading.
Residential
External shading solutions such as awnings are continuing to grow in popularity as more homeowners are seeking quality products that allow them to utilise their garden by helping blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
High-end retractable awnings are widely considered to be more versatile than other shading systems including gazebos and parasols due to their ease of use, as well as the adequate shelter, privacy and instant style they add to any property.
A motorised awning that can be adjusted at just the touch of a button – with any add-ons such as lighting and heating – is the ideal solution for those who love to ‘live life outdoors’.
Commercial
During the pandemic, hospitality establishments had to re-evaluate the use of their outdoor spaces due to a new-found interest and growth in alfresco dining – a trend that has continued ever since. Because of this, it’s important that all commercial businesses prepare their outside areas for year-round protection.
Retractable awnings at the touch of a button extend to provide a welcome roof over the terrace that protects and shelter customers from both the sun and rain showers. Furthermore they add a striking new dimension the façade and can be finished in corresponding colours to match a corporate identity. When equipped with accessories including LED lighting and infra-red heating a warm and pleasant environment is provided year round.
Size
When choosing the size of your awning, you will need to consider a number of factors including any obstructions on the façade and terrace such as soil pipes and trees, as well as the position of the sun when it sets and rises – as this will determine appropriate levels of sun protection. If the space will be used primarily for outdoor dining, a projection of 2.5m is adequate for a small dining table, however, for a larger family or for those who like to entertain, a minimum projection of 3m is required. For commercial environments awnings should be sized to cover adequately the whole terrace.
Fabric
An awning that features fabrics woven from acrylic fibres will stand the test of time. Acrylic will not warp or stretch when under tension and will not fade due to the solution dye that impregnates the colour right through to the core of the yarn. Treatment with a nano-tech coating such as TEXgard will create an invisible protective shield that essentially generates a self-clean effect by preventing dirt and debris from settling, whilst also repelling water.
Our Managing Director, Stuart Dantzic, said: “A professional and expert installation is just as important as the quality of the awning itself. Bespoke awnings are made to measure to suit the property in which they are being installed, with appropriate brackets to distribute the load –the installation process can take anything from a few hours to a full day.
Attention to detail is key, so finishing touches such as concealed fixing brackets and colour co-ordinated stitching on the fabric will ensure an elegant installation that provides exemplary cover and fully transforms your outdoor space.”
To find out more about our luxury range of retractable awnings, bespoke Made in Britain in less than 2 weeks, contact one of our knowledgeable experts on 0344 800 1947.
