Awnings have a large range of applications due to the protection they provide from sun and rain. Awnings are used in windows, terraces, patios, decks and walkways. The coverage of furniture is also done with awnings in several places. Vertical awnings play a major role in front of showrooms, shops, restaurants and even offices for giving protection from the rays of sun and the waters of the rain.

Awnings are manufactured to suit both residential needs and commercial requirements. One of the main benefits of awnings is their heat reduction capacity, thus providing more protection to the furniture, carpets and floors. Research data also show that awnings are able to reduce air conditioning costs. Awnings are supplied in two major types, fixed and retractable. Let us find out the major features and applications of these two types of awnings.

Fixed Awnings

Fixed awnings find a wide variety of applications. Canvas awnings are affordable solutions for doors both in homes and in offices. They are available in various sizes and attractive colours, designs and patterns. Metal awnings are much more rigid and sturdy for enhanced looks and extra protection from sun and rain. Dome awnings are another type of option to improve the building aesthetics with added safety. Spear awnings are a design improvement in canvas awnings to offer more variety in fabric, colour, style and patterns.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are becoming increasingly popular due to ease of operation and total protection from the vagaries of weather. They also help in increasing the living space by extending them as temporary structures in any open area of houses, offices, restaurants and other commercial establishments. These awnings are operated by either gear systems or fitted with motors.

Awnings with gear systems are operated by hand. The vertical supports can be set on the floor to support the awnings when needed or they can be retracted back to the walls when not required. Motorised awnings do not have vertical supports but are fitted with lateral arms that provide shade without any obstructions. The motor is kept away from the view inside the roller bar in the awning and is operated by a wall mounted switch or a remote control.

Awnings are constructed from aluminium or corrugated polycarbonate or corrugated fibreglass. The modern retractable awnings are also provided with wind sensors for automatic retraction when the wind speeds exceed tolerable levels. Urethane compression joints are another optional accessory in latest awnings.

Apart from the protection from the fury of nature, awnings are also popular for their advertisement values and the increase in floor space. In many places, people use awnings just like billboards or signboards. They are also used to extend the restaurant area or to provide instant cover in the lawns for parties. For more technical details on awnings, talk to our experts.