When summer arrives, and it’s one of those really hot days, wouldn’t it be nice to have some shade?
Enter outdoor awnings.
They are a stylish addition to your garden that has many practical benefits. Imagine warm evenings under cover, chatting as the sun goes down, and, of course, some sun protection for the whole family – including your furry members.
If you’re thinking of adding an outside awning to your home, here are 5 questions you need to ask first to ensure you’re getting the awning you really need.
What Are Outdoor Awnings?
Awnings are a stylish and practical way to add some shade and overhead protection to your outdoor space. They consist of a strong fabric which can usually be collapsed or adjusted to your requirements. Often, awnings are placed over a doorway or window to your home or building, extending the usable space to the outdoors.
There are several types of outdoor awnings, the most popular being patio awnings, conservatory awnings, balcony awnings and pergola awnings. Every variety includes a large area of durable waterproof fabric, which extends out to provide enjoyable sun protection.
The most effective and long-lasting awning style is a cassette or semi-cassette awning. This means the fabric folds away into a protective yet unobtrusive casing, either completely or partially.
So, what are the benefits of having an outside awning?
- You will be cooler on hot days
- It keeps the sun from entering the room positioned below
- Enjoy UV protection for your skin
- Protection from rain
- It keeps outdoor furniture protected
- You can still use your garden in all weather
- Enhanced privacy
Will It Fit Your Space?
First things first, you need to know where your awning will be most useful and where it will look best.
To take the first step, have a look at the space where you might want to put your awning. Now it’s time to ask some questions.
How wide is the space? How long? Are there trees? What position is the sun in throughout the day? What times of day are you most likely to sit outside beneath your awning? How high do you want it? Is your garden going to be big enough?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll have a clear vision in your mind of what you want from your awning and where exactly it should go. This is valuable information, as you don’t want to get the awning installed and discover it’s in the totally wrong position or doesn’t fit in at all.
What Material Is Best?
Outdoor awnings come in many different materials and designs. Some are purely aesthetic, and others have practical benefits.
You can get fabrics that are:
- Waterproof
- Self-cleaning
- UV filter
It’s important to bear material type in mind, given the UK climate is so changeable, and you want your awning to be as resilient as possible. Some of the best choices for the material include:
Acrylic
Acrylic awning fabric is a hardy yet luxurious option. It’s highly regarded by homeowners who want to keep their awning extended year-round because of its oil-resistant and weatherproof properties.
Polyester
Polyester is popularly woven into other materials to create a hybrid strength and versatility. It’s capable of protecting you from the British weather and blocking UV rays whilst allowing a small amount of sun through. It’s a popular choice for outdoor awnings used in gardens and over patios.
Micro-perforated
Micro-perforating involves a material weave that can give you a perfect balance between visibility and protection. A wider weave means better visibility and a lower UPF protection, while a closer weave gives you total shade and more privacy. This is a popular choice for poolside outdoor awnings where you want a little sun to keep you warm.
Electric or Manual?
Did you know you can choose to have either an electric or manual awning? Electric options are quickly becoming the standard choice for many, but which is right for you?
Outdoor awnings come in electric or manual, meaning you can adjust the awning by hand or using a remote control. Both have pros and cons;
Manual
- Easy to do. The design makes it simple to extend and retract without much effort at all.
- Manual use is low-maintenance, never requiring a new battery in the remote or a replacement remote.
- It gives a classic look that can be more fun to extend by hand!
Electric
- An electric awning provides total convenience.
- It will need more maintenance, as you must ensure proper care of the electrical components.
- Better accessibility if you may struggle to operate your awning manually.
What Will It Cost?
The big question. Cost is an important factor that can help you decide on the type of outside awning you want to buy.
At Just Blinds, our awnings start from £2995, and you receive a professional consultation to decide on your awning style and expert installation for total peace of mind. Not all awning fitters are made equal, so it’s worth considering what kind of service you’re getting at the price.
It’s also crucial to note that cost is impacted by the choices you make in customising your outdoor awning. Such as…
- Type
- Size
- Fabric
- Electric vs manual
Do You Get Protection For Your Protection?
By nature, outdoor awnings are exposed to the elements, even when tucked away. So you’ll likely worry about your investment when the bad weather hits. Your peace of mind comes with a 5 year guarantee.
At Just Blinds, we provide guarantees that mean you get to see your awning in use for a good few seasons knowing that anything that arises will be dealt with.
Your Outdoor Awning Answers…
Hopefully, you feel more clued up on outside awning and what to ask before you buy. But if you’re still not sure what you want from your awning, request a copy of our outside awning information flyer to get the answers you’re looking for.
