LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
PATIO AWNINGS : HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN A GOOD AND A GREAT AWNING
More versatile than other external shading systems including pergolas and canopies , retractable patio awnings are a quick , easy and affordable solution to transform any outdoor space . A good patio awning will ultimately provide shelter , block heat , diffuse light and protect against UV rays , however , a great awning will offer the user so much more . in a clean and finished look . For optimum tension , arms with twin springs kept under tension via two steel cables is recommended , and four steel cables for deeper projections .
HARDWARE 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 .
Low maintenance , extruded aluminium is the metalwork of choice for awnings . It ’ s lightweight , corrosion resistant and can be finished in hundreds of colours to match or contrast with the features of the property . QUALICOAT ® standard powder coated aluminium creates the hardest finish , meaning it will withstand the harshest of weather conditions , including hail and snow , as well as knocks and bumps in busy environments .
Although an expert specification and professional installation are key , it ’ s the attention to detail that makes a great awning . The use of quality fabrics , premium hardware finishes , British manufactured parts and app-controlled operation are just some of the elements that guarantee an awning will stand the test of time .
FABRICS All fabrics should be impregnated with a suitable coating such as TEXGard ® which generates a selfclean effect , deterring dirt and water from the surface and preventing the growth of mould and algae . For maximum durability , the fabric should be woven from solution dyed acrylic fibres . Dimensionally stable , they will not stretch , warp or tear when under tension and as the dye is permeated right through to the core of the yarn , colours will stay true and will
not fade over time .
Fabrics that are certified to UV standard 801 offer true protection levels against ultraviolet radiation , with more premium materials offering a minimum 95 % UV block ( the equivalent to SPF 40 ), guaranteeing protection to both the skin as well as any soft furnishings . To ensure a cooling effect , the fabric should be measured according to the heat and light that passes through it . Materials that filter 70 % of solar heat can reduce interior room temperatures by more than 10 ° C , even on the hottest of days .
FOLDING ARMS The retractable folding arms on any patio awning must be able to withstand strong breezes and sudden gusts . Pressure die cast or drop forged joints on the elbows of folding arms offer the highest wind loading capabilities , with Beaufort 5 ( 24mph wind ) as standard certification and Beaufort 6 ( 30mph ) offering the highest wind resistance rating .
Springs should be tensioned via stainless steel cables ( intertwined stranded cables won ’ t tear or break ) and looped around the elbow to ensure a crisp taut fabric at every position , allowing rainwater to run off the material . Fitting the springs and cables with sheathes will reduce friction and noise from the vibrations when it ’ s windy , as well as result
MOTORISATION Radio technology is the operation method of choice for motorised awnings as it permits the user to extend and retract at just the touch of a button ( on a handhand remote ). A secure rolling code and frequency is essential for no interference , whist bi-directional technology allows the user to view and adjust the exact position of the awning via an app . Additional functions such as sun and wind sensors can also be changed electronically to suit specific requirements .
Integrated tubular motors built within the awning roller tube should have steel internal bearings for resilience and be of an appropriate size ( torque ) for the chosen awning . 17RPM ( revolutions per minute ) will guarantee smooth and steady operation and a consistent load , increasing the lifespan of the awning .
INSTALLATION The installation of an awning is equally as important as quality of the awning itself . Due to the considerable load that an awning exerts , the appropriate fixing method must be utilised to guarantee a secure and safe attachment . For the most common masonry ( brickwork ) façades , epoxy resin and stud provide a stress-free anchorage , while cantilever brackets offer the best solution on low single storeys .
For rain shower protection , awnings need to be mounted a set distance on the façade ( determined by projection and leadrail height ) allowing for a 14-degree ( or greater ) pitch , preventing water from ‘ pooling ’ on the fabric and ensuring it can run off smoothly .
Any additional finishing touches such as concealed fixing brackets , alu end caps , elbow covers on folding arms and colour co-ordinated stitching will ensure a quality installation that provides exemplary cover and fully transforms the client ’ s outdoor space .
Stuart Dantzic , Managing Director , Caribbean Blinds
www . cbsolarshading . co . uk
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