In true British Summer style, the less-than tropical weather has been a topic of conversation for staycationers, pub garden enthusiasts, golfers and the like. We are desperate to spend the summer months enjoying the great outdoors but with the weather changing like the wind (excuse the pun) and potential downpours, we are quickly drawn to those venues who have cosy and covered outdoor areas where we can still benefit from being outdoors whilst keeping warm and dry.
Showpiece Design’s external cover solutions come in a range of shape and sizes so we can be sure to find the right fit for your venue. This series of blogs will delve into the different types of cover solutions, including awnings, jumbo umbrellas, pergolas and roof systems and we will explain the benefits and limitations of each so you can decide which cover solution would best be suited to you. Firstly, we will be looking at awnings and some FAQ’s we often get asked.
What are awnings?
Awnings are retractable structures that tend to be wall-mounted. They are versatile, provide shelter and protect from direct sunlight.
How do they operate?
Our motorised awnings come with an easy to use remote control, allowing you to retract your awning at a touch of a button. Traditional awnings are manually operated using a custom hook and pull down/push up system that triggers an internal spring.
What sizes do they come in?
All our awnings are made to measure and so can be tailored to fit your space exactly. The largest wall-mounted awning we do is 6m wide. Projection can be up to 3.5m and this is dependent on the width of the awning. Awnings can be paired side by side to cover a large area. Goal post and back-to-back awnings can be made to a maximum width of 7m. The system below had 3 back to back awnings butted up together covering an area of 21m long by 7m wide.
Do they provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain?
The fabric used on the awnings is made from high performance solution dyed acrylic which filter high percentages of UV rays and therefore provide excellent protection from the sun and have a UV protection factor of 80+.
The acrylic fabrics have a special coating applied which gives it a level of water repellancy and will keep you dry during short and light periods of rain. If you are planning to use your awning during heavy rainfall, you will need to apply special formulated waterproof treatment which we can advise you on. There are also some waterproof fabrics that can be used and rain gutters can be added to ensure there are no gaps in between awnings, keeping those underneath dry.
It is important to be aware that awnings are primarily designed for sun protection and protection from light rainfall and due to the structure of them, are best kept closed during bad weather or strong winds. In fact, we recommend installing a vibration sensor on your awning and when the wind picks up, they automatically retract in order to protect the arms and mechanism.
What if I want an awning but my building does not allow it to be wall mounted?
If there is not enough space for us to mount an awning, or if the structure of the building would not be strong enough to support an awning, we can fabricate a goal post frame that will be cemented underground. You also have the option of a self supporting back-to-back or butterfly awning which can either be anchored underground, or weighted with the use of weighted bases or planters.
Can they be branded?
Yes - they can be a great branding opportunity for your venue. They are completely customisable with over 100 fabrics to choose from, and can be printed with your company name and logo.
Are they manual or motorised?
Traditional awnings are manual and the cassette tends to be made from timber – these are particularly popular on restaurant fronts in older buildings and in conservation areas. More contemporary awnings are motorised and the retractable fabric and arms sits in an aluminium cassette.
What colour options do I have?
Both the timber and aluminium cassette can be painted/powder coated to any RAL colour and we have over 100 fabric choices to choose from in both plain and striped.
The fabric used on awnings is a high performance solution dyed acrylic that has a 10 year warranty.
What electrical supply is required for an awning?
We would require access to a 5amp supply for a motorised awning.
Can I add lights and heat to my awning?
Yes! Our motorised awnings have the option of LED lights integrated into the front rail, back rail and arms. We can add wall-mounted infrared heaters under your awnings, complete with a 'push for heat' timer switch.
Is my awning adjustable depending on the weather?
Yes – you can adjust the tilt on the awning dependent on the sun's location, to ensure you get maximum shade. You are also able to stop the awning at any projection if you only want part of the patio covered.
Will I need planning permission for an awning?
Commercial properties usually need planning permission for awnings, as they may extend into public areas, and perhaps advertisement consent if you are going to have the awning branded. Please check with your local council as they will be able to advise whether it is likely planning permission will be granted for your venue.
What is the process of ordering an awning?
We will come and visit you to carry out a site survey to decide which awning will work best at your venue and to take measurements so we can quote for the job. We will also bring along our fabric swatches for you to decide on the colour of your awning. If you want the awning branded, we will require a high res logo to be sent to us. Once the quote is approved, you will be sent a design proof to be signed off. Once signed off, we will begin manufacture and this usually takes around 4 weeks. We will then be in touch to arrange installation with yourselves. We would require any obstructions such as signage, hanging baskets etc to be removed prior to us installing.
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