The global pandemic meant that many commercial establishments had to reconsider the use and functionality of their outdoor areas, and for many, this is still a priority. Today, the hospitality sector continues to utilise every inch of available outdoor space – with year-round flexible shading solutions being a popular option.
Both practical and stylish, a patio awning will act as an extension of any restaurant’s outdoor space, offering instant shade and shelter from the sun as well as rain showers, whilst also withstanding wind speeds of up to 31mph.
Year-round protection
Commercial awnings are growing in popularity within the hospitality sector because they serve two main purposes for a functional yet beautiful outdoor dining space. Firstly, they provide instant shade from sunlight; both heat and glare (bright light), outstanding UV protection (typically 95% minimum UV block) and shelter from unexpected rain showers.
Secondly, they help regulate the temperature in the indoor room adjacent to where they are positioned, both during the summer and winter months. As a result, they ensure a comfortable indoor dining space too, eliminating any bright light to prevent glare, all whilst filtering damaging UV rays to stop fixtures and furnishings from fading.
Design
The framework of any awning should ideally be manufactured from powder-coated aluminium, as this super-strong, corrosion resistant and highly durable material can be finished in hundreds of colours to match or contrast with any restaurant design and will withstand the harshest of weather conditions – including hail and snow – as well as knocks and bumps in busy environments.
A full cassette casing design will not only provide a neat hideaway for the awning when retracted but also protect the fabric and operating mechanism from inclement weather. A flush-fitting cassette casing is the most visually appealing and will appear as an integral part of the façade.
Fabrics
A patio awning within a commercial space is more likely to stand the test of time if the cover is manufactured from acrylic fibres –the highest quality material available for use within these types of products. Fit for purpose and dimensionally stable, acrylic will not fade or warp/stretch when under tension.
Treating the material with a nanotech coating such as TEXgard – an invisible protective shield embedded into the fibre – essentially generates a self-clean effect by preventing dirt and debris from settling, whilst also repelling water. The latest generation of acrylic, CBA (Clean Brilliant Acrylic), ensures up to 50% less dirt adhesion in comparison to regular acrylic.
Operation
As the default mechanism for most awnings, the motorised operation allows for consistent movement as well as an effortless extension and retraction process, subsequently lengthening the lifecycle of your product as a result.
Integrated motors safeguard against exposure to the elements, whilst secure rolling codes and frequency guarantees no interference. Intelligent sensors (in particular wind protection sensors) are highly recommended as once incorporated, they can allow for closure of the product when left unattended.
Our Managing Director, Stuart Dantzic, said: “In the commercial sector, it is likely that more temporary covers such as brollies and parasols won’t stand up to the UK’s adverse weather conditions, however, retractable awnings are a quick, easy and affordable solution and can protect and shelter customers from sun, shade and light rain showers at just the touch of a button.
“Patio awnings can be designed to match any interior or exterior style, with finishing touches such as concealed fixing brackets and colour co-ordinated stitching ensuring a quality installation that provides exemplary cover and fully transforms a restaurant’s outdoor dining space.”
Our retractable patio awnings provide instant shade and shelter from the elements, resulting in the ultimate al-fresco dining space. For more information on our UK made shading solutions, contact one of our knowledgeable experts on 0344 800 1947.
