Awnings: a shelter from the sun
The awnings are covered with canvas or other resistant fabric, which are used to block the sun. This cover can be placed on a balcony, terrace, commercial premises, etc.
Today, awnings have become a very interesting decorative item, exceeding their initial use of just providing protection from the elements.
Types of awnings:
There are countless types of awning, these are the most common:
Extendable arm awnings:
It has the advantage of covering large surfaces without taking up much space. It is a very comfortable system since the extendable bars are placed at both ends of the awnings, which means that it does not generate any discomfort or interruption to space.
Canopy awnings:
It is designed in the shape of an arch, and it is used especially in windows with a small or medium size since it covers it completely.
Straight point awnings:
It is the most traditional and most used, especially in terraces and shops. It is placed with a system of front arms that are fixed to the wall and lower in a triangular way.
Vertical Awning:
it is ideal for balconies and galleries as it is rollable. It is special for external use and is an excellent option to divide spaces.
Criteria for choosing awnings:
To choose the correct awnings you must take into account the following points:
Colour:
You can choose from a wide variety of colors. We recommend always sticking to light and neutral colors. White, beige, and light gray are always good options.
The color also influences the protection of the awnings in the rays that it filters and, above all, in the luminosity that it lets through. The light canvases filter the sun’s rays, thus bringing luminosity to the covered area. The darker the color, the more they protect from the light intensity of the sun. In data, a fabric with a high density – around 280g / cm2 – reduces light (which can dazzle) and heat. You should know that if you live in a community, the color of the awning fabric can be given and you must respect it.
The type of awning fabric
The most important thing is that the fabric in which the patio awnings are made as protection against UV and infrared rays, so it will be a screen. Ideally, it should block 90-99% of UV and infrared rays, thus avoiding the sensation of heat. In addition, most of the fabrics are micro-perforated, which favors micro-ventilation and avoids the greenhouse effect.
Type of fabric: the durability, permanence of the color and the protection it offers.
Protection:
They provide coverage from harmful sun rays such as UVB and UVA.
Measures:
the width and depth of the place where the awning will be placed should be measured.
Place where it will be placed:
define what type of awnings is the most appropriate in relation to the space and type of decoration that we have in the rest of the house.
How large should the awnings be?
To know what measure you need for your patio, measure the width of the space where you want to install it and the length you want it to be, that is, how far you want it to cover. For fixed arm awnings, the length of the awning will be from the anchor point to the one that is projected with the arms extended. Those with extendable arms have an adaptable projection. There are standard measures -which usually reach 2.5 m wide- and made to measure.
What is the advantage of choosing a good awnings for the patio?
You will get a suitable shade area for your house, the size of the patio, and the orientation. This way you will use outer space more time in summer.
A good quality patio awning will keep its color intact for longer and will really keep you out of the sun, even underneath it, as long as you have UV protection.
It regulates the temperature and makes it not only comfortable to stay in the patio but the interior of the house is cooled when the patio awning covers windows that communicate with rooms (this influences energy savings because it will not be necessary to use the air conditioning, for example).
Whether for our main home or a summer apartment, we must pay attention to the characteristics to choose the right awnings. The composition of the canvas, the type of structure, the opening system, the color, and of course the size are the main ones. factors that we must assess when choosing our awnings.
How to take measures?
- How high will it be installed? We must take into account the advance or projection of the awning, which is the distance at which the fabric reaches once it is opened. This, as it has an inclination, has to be at a height where it does not bother us,” they explain from Bauhaus. “We recommend about 3 meters in height so that the projection is over 2.5 m for a 3 m advance.”
- What will be the total width of the awning? “Here you have to take into account that the measurements of standardized awnings are not usually those of the fabric, you also have to take into account the mechanisms of the crank, the trims, etc.”
- If it is placed on top of a door or window, “you have to see the distance that remains between the highest part of the window or door and the lowest part of the awning”.
- The area we want to cover since there are different lengths of advance and this will help us decide on some measures or others. “In addition, this will depend on the location of the awning, the inclination that we have decided to give it, and the season of the year.” The inclination with which the sun falls changes with the seasons and this implies modifying the inclination of the awnings.
How to care for the awning to enlarge its life?
It is effective to install an awning in the patio with a box that protects it when it is not used, especially during the long periods when it is collected in winter.
Always remember to pick it up when it rains or the wind blows (we have already commented on the usefulness of a sensor in these cases).
If the awning gets wet, let it dry before picking it up.
Keep clean. To do this, wash the canvas by brushing and/or vacuuming it if possible. You should know that it is not recommended to use strong pressure cleaners on the awning or its structure. For stains, rub gently with a mixture of mildly soapy water.
