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AWNINGS: HOW TO CHOOSE THEM

awnings

AWNINGS: INTRODUCTION

Awnings are very useful for screening terraces, balconies, heavily exposed windows or gardens. Choosing them well means knowing in what material their structure is made and what material is used for their coverage.

In this article everything you need to know to buy awnings that are suitable for your needs.

Awnings are useful for creating shaded areas and for exploiting the external space of our home even in the hottest summers. In fact, terraces, balconies and gardens become places to enjoy to relax and have fun even in the hottest hours of the day.

In addition to sheltering from the warmer rays, they can also be a decorative element of the facade of a building. It is therefore necessary to choose them according to different criteria and for this reason it is necessary to know which are the characteristics that the models on the market have.

FUNCTIONS

Awnings can perform several functions:

  • repair an area or window frequently exposed to the sun, from the rays and heat of the sun in the summer;
  • protect the external area of a house from prying eyes;
  • decorate the facade of a building;
  • create a usable environment outside a house, even in summer;
  • limit electricity consumption, since the protection of windows by awnings allows less heat to penetrate inside the houses. In fact, in this way both air conditioners and fans will be used less.
awnings

WHERE TO INSTALL THEM?

The external elements where the awnings can find the right place are:

  • balconies;
  • terraces;
  • flat roofs;
  • gardens;
  • facades with windows.

Obviously, because the conditions for the installation of a awning exist, the environment to be covered with the awning must be frequently exposed to the sun.

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Awnings are composed of several elements, which are:

  • fabric or cloth: it is the main part, the one that actually provides the shelter;
  • load-bearing structure or frame, on which the sheet rests;
  • dumpster, an optional element, which serves as protection of the tent when it is rolled up and therefore exposed to the elements such as rain, snow or hail;
  • sheet metal cover, alternative to the box, to protect the closed awning.

FABRIC

First of all, the first criterion for choosing a sun awning is the type of fabric to be purchased for the fabric, the main element of the awning. To choose this element, several factors must be taken into account.

Awning fabrics can be natural, such as cotton. However, these materials are prone to tearing, mold and aging caused by sun, wind and pollution, as well as discoloration due to sun exposure.

If you choose 100% acrylic fibers instead, you can rest easy. In fact, these fabrics are resistant, they are not subject to tearing, they are not subject to discoloration as they undergo a special full-body dye.

In addition, the acrylic fibers are subjected to treatments with resins and Teflon which give them compactness and hydro-oil-repellent capacity. As an alternative still to acrylic, PVC can be chosen, with similar properties.

The curtain must first protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun and the protection factor of a curtain varies according to some characteristics of the fabric:

COMPOSITION OF FIBERS

which depending on how they are structured, have a different ability to absorb and therefore not to transmit UV rays. Synthetic fibers are the best in this regard.

awnings
COLOR

as the darker shades provide a barrier that is more resistant not only to light but also to harmful rays, compared to lighter colors. The disadvantage of dark colors however is that they attract a lot of heat instead.

THICKNESS

as a dense and compact texture is much more effective than a light texture in retaining UV radiation.

RESISTANCE TO WATER

The second criterion for choosing an awning fabric is water resistance, because the awning could be exposed to rain, hail or snow.

RESISTANCE TO TEARS

The third criterion is the resistance to tearing, which can occur during the movement of the tent.

AESTHETICS

Finally, the fourth criterion for choosing the fabric for awnings is aesthetics. In fact, shapes and colors must be compatible with the general appearance of the whole building if you live in an apartment building.

TYPES

There are different types of awnings that vary in shape and materials. Based on the use you will make of it, each of these models can be for you:

ARM AWNINGS

Commonly used for balconies or windows and small surfaces and offers only frontal protection. It is fixed to the wall or ceiling and consists of a sheet that unrolls from a tubular structure and is fixed by means of two lateral extendable arms.

The advantage of this type of awnings is that they are very easy to install, the disadvantage, however, is that they are more vulnerable to bad weather. For this reason it is good to always remember to close them when bad weather arrives.

FALL AWNINGS

Used for balconies and windows, especially on those that already have a roof, such as a canopy or simply the balcony of the neighbors above. The curtain descends vertically by a roller on the facade.

They offer front and side coverage, excellent privacy and are a perfect decorative element. It can also be used divided into two sections, the first one going down vertically, the second one sticking out on the balcony to let in more light.

ATTIC AWNINGS

Perfect if you have a large space to protect from the summer heat like a terrace or a portion of the garden. It is also suitable for restaurants and bars with outdoor space.

It is, in fact, a sheet that slides on side rails installed on the wall and on the ground. It also offers front and top coverage.

The advantage is that it is very resistant to bad weather but they are difficult to open and close manually. Better therefore to use an automated system.

CANOPY AWNINGS

Also in this case they are awnings used mainly for balconies, windows or windows which offers superior and partially frontal protection. It is a more eye-catching solution than the others because it has a fan-like structure, with a cloth sewn on a loom-shaped frame.

PERGOLA AWNINGS

Perfect for terraces, sun roofs or gardens. Consisting of a fixed structure anchored to the wall and to the ground.

The sheet can open and close in a package by sliding inside prepared guides or passes between the beams of the structure. The tent also offers superior coverage, but fall awnings can be combined with it if necessary.

awnings

ADVANTAGES

Since it offers good protection from the sun and plays an important role in thermal control, the outdoor blind has become a must. This especially for those who want to enjoy their terrace at times when the sun is higher.

The curtain allows you to extend the living space to the outside and its protective effect avoids excessive heating of the house. The awning also combines practicality and aesthetics and is also useful on rainy days thanks to its waterproof fabric.

Motorized or not, large or small, whatever your home, there will always be an outdoor tent that allows you to protect yourself from the sun!

LEAVE A COMMENT

If you found the article interesting, leave a comment with your considerations on it.

Finally, if you need personalized advice on the choice and installation of your awnings, send an email to valeriadesign@casaomnia.it!

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