Awnings can dramatically revamp your outer space and make it usable around the clock. Just by adding shade, your patio or decks become more livable and enjoyable, even on rainy nights.
Whether you want to host a barbeque party or wish to enjoy rainy mornings, coffee, and music, they will keep you covered!
Even business owners can profit a lot by installing awnings. How? It works as extra floor space and also adds to the aesthetics. Restaurant and cafeteria owners can offer a great view, no matter the weather. So, deciding a specific type isn’t tough, but keeping all the factors in mind and concluding is the best policy.
Every space deals with different weather conditions. An external accessory awning needs to be installed as per an area’s average to max wind speed, the intensity of rain, and snow.
So, if you have decided to go for a restaurant awning for your home or business. You will be required to choose a model that suits your family or business needs. Here is an ultimate guide that includes everything you need to know before market hunting.
Types of Awnings
Pergola
Pergola awnings are mounted on the wall but have a permanent frame design that remains in place even when it gets retracted. However, extra front support offers additional stability.
Patio
Patio Awnings are the standard type, and most of the people go by a wall-clambered patio setting. These are mounted on a wall and are extended outwards over the seating space. These are also used for window shading.
Freestanding
These awnings are different from the rest as they don’t need a wall to install. They are free-standing frames that are fixed with patio awnings. A free-standing top is an excellent option for outer space, and its robust construction can cover large areas like lawn, poolside, cafeterias, and restaurants.
The patio awnings need to be purchased separately, offering you a chance to be flexible with your choices.
Conservatory
Conservatory awnings offer a unique design, which is fixated on an existing roof framework. Internal structures deliver shade from beneath the glass, whereas external fixtures are equipped over it. These types utilize hard-wearing fabrics capable of enduring harsh outdoor conditions, preventing harmful sun rays from reaching the glass ceiling. This offers better temperature control, and both the designs are even remotely operated.
Vertical
Vertical awnings can be referred to as the advanced window blind. They utilize retractable awning technology and weather-resistant awning fabric and are fixed outside a window using internal settings.
Vertical awning rocks a drop-arm design, extending away from the wall offering perfect window shading. Every model is different from others, so analyze properly and then decide the location to fix such a setting.
Commercial and domestic
Commercial awnings need to be robust enough to combat challenging conditions. For this very reason, domestic awnings can also be employed in a hospital or retail sector. They offer a way to use the extra flooring space, enhance the outlook, and can build brand awareness if you get detailed.
Some specific products are better suited to cover up ample space. A full cassette might be needed to prevent defacement.
Types of Cassette Awnings
Full Cassette
When the awning is retracted, the arms and fabric are stored in an in-built casing. Full cassette awning provides 360° degrees from rain, dirt, wind, frost, and snow. A full cassette is not always needed since most of the gardens provide little to no protection in fences to block side wind. If you don’t need this type of protection, you can seek other options too. However, both conservatory and vertical awnings only come with a full cassette.
Open
Open awnings do not include the cassette section. So, only if your garden has additional protection, this option offers the right aesthetic. Look for Rollac Open Style Awnings; they are durable and provide a light-weighted appearance altogether.
Semi-cassette
The term suggests this awning type has a middle ground between full and open casing designs. This cassette type provides partial protection that means it is enclosed from the sides and from above too.
With this type, the underside is opened while retracted, but the installation will be protected from snow, wind, and rain.
Cover boards
Usually, cover boards are mounted on the wall, acting as a roof overhang. Also, sometimes they are equipped with the awning.
Operation types
Retractable awnings can be closed and opened at your convenience, with the cover rolling and arms folding away. There are many different operation types; here are the common ones.
Remote control
Remote control offers ultimate comfort and convenience. It is also possible to control additional accessories like lighting and heating via a multi-channel remote control system. If you put comfort over everything, this operation type will be best suited for you.
Motorized
Electronic window shading is a popular choice, as it makes the operation of the installation easy. An excellent tubular motor is enclosed in the barrel, saving a lot of space. It will be linked to your house’s main electrical line and controlled with the remote control handset or via a switch.
Manual
This needs a bit of physical strength; as it is operated with the help of a crank. You hook the moniker onto the awning and turn to operate the cover. These are suitable for spaces away from the electricity supply, as a freestanding awning in outside space.
Sensors
Wind and sun sensors are an extra option that helps your awning to care for itself. Sun sensors roll the cover away, offering your optimal shade on a bright sunny day. In comparison, wind sensing will help it retract itself to prevent vandalism. For all awnings, sensors can be helpful to extend their quality over time. Most of the sensors are connected to your electric supply; some also come with solar capabilities.
Conclusion on Awnings
An awning will serve you right only when you have selected the type as per your requirement. Buying one is a long-term investment, so do not compromise with quality. Research well, see all the available options in your budget and then decide on the convenience factor.
Always seek help from a professional installer, or else you can end up installing it wrong, preventing its maximum effect.