Awnings are an effective and attractive way to shade your home.  There are several different types of awnings that you can choose from.  Read on to learn all about them.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are mounted to a wall and they extend to cover an area such as a deck or a patio when they are required.  You can think of them as a type of roofing in this way.  When you don’t want to use them, they are safely retracted away inside a slim housing.  You can operate retractable awnings manually or automatically (at the push of a button), and they are available in a range of fabrics, colours, and patterns.

Automatic Awnings

Automatic awnings are one of the most popular used and they work by sliding up and down special guides, so that they can be very precisely adjusted.  They come in a range of lengths so suit all windows.  Automatic awnings are electrically operated.

Fixed Guide Awnings

Fixed guide awnings have guide rails that are permanently fixed in place, so that they are visible even when the awning is fully retracted.  The awning itself is like a blind that rolls down on the guide rails.  They are most commonly used on upper storeys of the home, and they can be manually operated or motorised.

Verandah Awnings

A verandah awning is mounted to the outside roof edge of a verandah or even a roofed patio or deck.  They are raised and lowered according to the position of the sun so that they provide protection from the glare.  They can also protect against light rain.  They operate using a system of ropes and pulleys.

Straight Drop Awnings

Straight drop awnings are similar to verandah awnings in the purpose that they serve but they can be used on verandahs, patios, pergolas, gazebos and any other roofed outdoor areas. As the name suggests they are pulled straight down to use.  They are either spring loaded (like a roller blind is inside the home) or they are geared.

Drop Arm Awnings

A drop arm awning is an awning that pulls out over a window or door to a maximum of ninety degrees. The fabric is tensioned so that it remains taut, no matter how far within that ninety degree arc the awning is lowered. They can be manually operated but they are most commonly motorised or fitted with a gearbox.

Freestanding Awnings

A freestanding awning is similar to a marquee in that it can be erected anywhere in the backyard or garden.  The fabric is extended over a frame to provide shade.
Find an awnings professional in your local area to enjoy the benefits of awnings today.