There are several features that should be accounted for when buying an awning; the type, angle of projection and colour.
Types of awning include:
Cassette and Semi- Cassette
Cassette awnings are ideal as a long-lasting canopy, when retracted they provide all-round protection in a small concealed case for the fabric and mechanism. The awning stays protected, preventing weather damage and maintaining the quality of the components. Semi-Cassette awnings provide similar protection, at a slightly cheaper cost.
Open Awnings
Open awnings don’t have a protective case for the fabric or mechanism, meaning they provide less protection to the awning itself. These are most suited for sites under overhanging roofs, balcony ceilings or wall projections which will shield the awning from the worst of the elements. Despite this, these awnings are the cheapest.
Free Standing
Free standing awnings are suited to catering events, as they can be assembled and disassembled virtually anywhere. They can also double up as an advertising opportunity for businesses.
The angle of projection depends on which direction the windows/area you want to shade are facing. For windows facing east or west, the drop should be 65-75%, for best coverage. Whereas for a window facing south the drop can be just 45-60%, since the sun is at a higher angle from this direction.
There is now a wide range of colours and patterns, which makes choosing the perfect shade or design a lot easier. Obviously darker colours do provide slightly stronger shading.
Where there is restricted width to accommodate an awning it is possible to install a type of awning that has overlapping arms and is thus able to have a longer projection than width. For example, it is possible to have a 3metre projection with a width of only 2.5metres. For obvious reasons these are commonly known as Little and Large awnings.
Awnings can be just right for conservatories, patios or just keeping an outdoor area cool. It protects furniture and window panes from sun damage and are great for hosting outside social gatherings.