A. An awning acts as an excellent form of compliment to any kind of electrical cooling appliance. Awnings restrict the amount of heat entering into a building through glass windows and doors thus reducing interior temperatures 5 – 8 ⁰C and reducing energy ( airconditioning ) costs by up to 20 percent. Awnings also provide that extra space protected from the weather elements which can be used for recreation or utility .
Q. What more do awnings do in addition to reducing energy costs ?
A. Awnings can be designed to complement the architecture of any building using various types, fabrics, colours, patterns and styles thus adding décor to the building. Awnings provide a sense of hospitality and extend your living space beautifully. Awnings provide protection from Sun and Rain, combine functional elegance with decorative appeal to enhance the appearance ofany home or business. Awnings also protect curtains, furnishings & carpets from fading from direct UV light.
Q. How long does an Awning last ?
A. Awning frames made of Aluminum or Steel last a life-time. Today's Fabrics last over 5 - 10 years. With proper maintenance and care, they can last even longer.
One of the most weather resistant fabrics in the world are 100% solution dyed acrylics , we use one of the most respected and well known collections in the world - Orchestra from Dickson Constant , France. These fabrics are warranted for fading and rotting for 10 Years*.
Q. What colors are available ?
A. Today's fabrics come in hundreds of colors in solids, Stripes and Multiple patterns. You must ask your awning supplier to ask for the complete range of available fabrics.
Q. What kind of fabrics are used in Awnings ?
A. Awnings worldwide use mainly Solution dyed acrylic fabrics which are available in beautiful styles and colours. In India some PVC fabrics are also used because of their more economical prices.
Q. What should I look for in an awning professional ?
A. You must look for an assembler who is using Quality ensured branded awning components.The assembler should have a back-up in terms of warranty and after sales service. You must check whether the awnings parts are Quality assured and not locally made spurious products. Choose Quality assured branded awning fabrics as they form the most important part of an awning. Lastly if the assembler has an office or a showroom pay him a visit to see awning models physically.
Q. If there are no poles, what supports a retractable awning ?
A. Retractable awnings have been designed to be self supporting. This style of awning relies on secure mounting in conjunction with spring loaded arms. The arm tension is created with internal springs, and large radius elbows keep the fabric tight by applying outward force.
Q. What kind of wind loads can a retractable awning handle ?
A. Retractable awnings are for primarily sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions . However, wind is a very unpredictable force, with a tendency to change direction and speed very quickly. In a wind tunnel test, which is very controlled environment, a retractable awning withstood straight on wind forces at over 50 kmph. In real life applications, the general rule of thumb is: If you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading a newspaper, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with wind is the up-lifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force; therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind resistant the unit is.
Q. Why would I want my retractable awning be motorized ?
A. Nothing could be more convenient than simply flipping a switch and watching your awning roll out on its own. Once fully extended or retracted, the unit will stop automatically. You may also stop the retractable in any position with wall mounted switch. Research has shown that a motorized awning is used four times as much as a manual unit. Don't believe it ? Consider how few times you would change the TV channel if you didn't have a remote control.
Technology has also provided awnings with artificial intelligence with the help of light , rain and wind sensors . With the help of these sensors , your awning would open & close depending on the weather conditions by itself and also control temperatures inside your home or office automatically .
Q. When would I need a protective hood ?
A. Protective hood, available at an additional cost, have been designed to provide adequate unit protection when structural protection is not available. Hood often are purchased when the retractable awning is being fascia mounted and when not located directly under a ledge or overhang.
Q. How will my retractable awning mount to my facility ?
A. Installers locate the structural framework and pre-drill the mounting bracket holes through the structure or the wall. For roof or ledge mountings L - shaped brackets are fixed on the roof by pre-drilling through the ledge and fixing using expansion fasteners.
Q. What does an average sized retractable awning cost ?
A. Because most awnings are customized for each residence and are available in various models, prices cannot be given without verified measurements and on site inspection. Your awning supplier typically can meet with you for a free, in-home consultation to design an awning that's right for you.
Q. Are there any other precautions I need to take while using a retractable awning ?
A. As discussed earlier awnings should typically be retracted in windy conditions. During rainy conditions it should be ensured that the fabric on the awning is properly taut to keep water from pooling on the fabric and causing damage or irreversibly fabric stretching.
