The A-Z of Awnings

In a single press of a button, you can extend your awning to protect against the sun and even create an extension of your home. In this blog, we will expand on what's possible with awnings and discuss their various advantages.

Benefits of Awnings

Awnings allow you to control the level of shade, not only in your outdoor space, but inside your home too. In terms of energy efficiency, awnings are extremely useful in preventing sunlight from reaching windows which can greatly reduce the need for air conditioning and help to keep inside cool. For entertainers, awnings offer the possibility of year-round entertaining outside as they provide shade and shelter from the harsh elements. For families with children, awnings are perfect for creating a space for children to play outside without being exposed to harmful UV rays.

What Materials Can I Make My Awning From?

Awnings can be made from a wide variety of materials. The shading cloth can be woven from cotton, polyester, vinyl laminates, acrylics or a combination thereof. The supporting beams are most commonly built from aluminium in the domestic setting but may still utilise steel or very occasionally timber in large arrays.

There are several variations in awning design, including traditional window awnings with side bars, patio awnings and retractable awnings. The size, location and demand of your awning will determine what materials and technologies will be most appropriate for it.

Motorised Retractable Awnings

The future is here! No longer must retractable awnings be jerkily cranked by hand using inconvenient handles. Now it only takes the push of a button for motorised awnings to be deployed or retracted. The perfect addition to any outdoor patio dining area, poolside lounge or entertaining deck. These awnings can be paired with motorised external screens to turn outside spaces into enclosed outdoor rooms.

Sensor Coupled Awnings

With Somfy-motorised awnings, you don't have to fear damage from high winds or brutal storms. With Somfy wind and sun sensors, your awning will automatically retract or extend, based on pre-set thresholds, leaving you with complete peace of mind.

Somfy are the market leaders in motorisation and automation solutions for awnings. If you are interested in motorised awnings for your home, obtain a quote today!