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Awnings

Do you need to shade your windows or outdoor areas?  Awnings are the perfect solution as they will protect you from the harsh effects of the sun while allowing you to live comfortably indoors and get maximum enjoyment out of your outdoor areas.

Types of Awnings

There are many different types of awnings, from a simple design that shades a window to more complicated designs that are capable of shading an entire entertainment area.  The most common types of awnings are as follows:

• Aluminium/steel fixed or adjustable awnings – these have panels that can be opened or closed as necessary and are capable of deflecting up to 90 percent of the heat that you would normally feel through a window.
  
• Straight drop or clear PVC awnings – these types of awnings are ideal for enclosing a pergola or other outdoor area as they can be rolled down to keep the weather out without restricting the view.  These awnings come in clear PVC fabric, view fabrics or solid fabrics.
  
• Folding arm awnings or cassette awnings – these awnings are ideal for increasing your outdoor living areas as they are capable of shading large areas.  Cassette awnings are perfect for areas that are short on space, as open they create shade but closed, they are hidden away.
  
• Heavy duty canvas awnings – this style of awning is great for areas that are highly exposed and when you need stop heat from entering the home through the glass.
  
• Pivot arm awnings – are perfect for shading windows as they provide shade while allowing air to flow around the actual awning.  These awnings are also great for hard to reach areas.
  
• Polycarbonate window and door awnings- are waterproof, long lasting and will not crack or rot.  They are capable of cutting almost 100 percent of UV rays and come in a huge range of shapes and sizes.

Benefits of Using Awnings

Indoors and out, there are many benefits that come from having awnings installed.  These benefits include:

• aesthetics – awnings look great whether you are looking at them from inside or outside the home
  
• controlling the amount of light that enters the home  
  
• energy efficiency – awnings can block heat in the summer while being retracted in the winter to let greater amounts of heat in
  
• indoor temperatures can be lowered by as much as 15 degrees, a phenomenal heat saving
  
• you save money as you can have more control over both your heating and cooling systems
  
• the awnings can be operated automatically for ease of use
  
• awnings help to protect your interior furnishings from premature wear due to sunlight
  
• the operation of awnings can be integrated with any existing or new home automation systems
  
• awnings provide privacy in the home  
  
• awnings, as well as protecting windows, can also make your outdoor living areas larger, thus adding value to your home  
  
• the amount of sunlight and glare can be reduced by over 90 percent

Options with Awnings

When you are installing your awnings you have the option between operating them manually or having them motorised.  There are several benefits to having a motorised awning.  Firstly, both new and existing awnings can be motorised, with the choice of wired or non-wired installation.  A wired installation means that there will need to be a direct wiring connection between the motor and the controller, and also a connection to a power point.  Non-wired connections simply need the motor to be connected to the power point.

If you choose to motorise your awnings, the motorisation system will ensure that the fabric of the awning is always under the correct tension or is rolled correctly, and that the awning mechanics are never over-wound.  Essentially, this means that the awning will last longer.  Motorisation also gives you convenience, as you can adjust the awning at a simple push of the button.

As another option, you can also choose to install automatic sun and wind sensor controls.  These controls will open or close your awnings automatically depending on the weather. You can even operate your lights with the same remote that you use to operate your awning, if you so choose.

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