So Why Buy a Patio Awning?

Enjoy sitting out on your patio but sometimes find the sun too much to bear? An awning provides shade to protect you from glare and regulates temperature, so you remain cool in hotter weather.

By supplying extra shelter, an awning also becomes a cost-effective way to extend your living space for social gatherings and alfresco dining. And don’t worry if you’re worried about the size of your back garden – there’s an awning out there for every home.

Get The Right Size

Make sure your awning is larger than the area it’s protecting and wider than any windows or doors. Remember, the sun moves position during the day so make sure the canopy is large enough to provide shade at any time of day.

Also, consider the length of the arms when it’s fully unfolded. You may find your awning stretches out too far if outdoor space is limited.

Other measurements to consider include height of the awning, overall width and depth of the area that you want to cover. Don’t worry if this all sounds tricky – at SWR we offer a free site survey to get the dimensions needed for your perfect awning.

Which Awning Type Is Right For You?

Patio awnings come in three distinct types: full cassette, half cassette and open cassette.

Full cassette – Fully protects the fabric as it retracts into a closed unit. This ensures your awning stays in excellent condition and safe from the elements. A full cassette awning is neater and takes up less space but tends to be more expensive.

Half cassette – The awning’s cover and roller are protected by a board to prevent wear and tear.

Open cassette – Does not give the protection that full or half cassette awnings do. May be a good option for those on a tight budget.

Choose Your Fabric

Acrylic – Easy to clean and UV-resistant, acrylic is a good choice for your awning’s fabric. It’s also very durable so ideal for outdoor use. Don’t expect great ventilation though.

Polyester – Inexpensive but sensitive to UV rays. Polyester fabrics is an ok choice if you’re prepared to use your awning occasionally and look after it.

Micro-perforated – The number one choice. Micro-perforated fabrics are UV resistant, durable, and breathable for good ventilation. It’s also easy to clean with just water.

Electric or Manual?

As you’d expect, manual awnings cost significantly less than electric versions. However, bear in mind that the bigger the awning, the more effort is needed to open and close it with the handle.

In contrast, electric awnings can be opened and closed at the touch of a button. They also come with a range of accessories such as lighting and even a weather sensor that automatically retracts your awning in strong winds. For larger awnings and budgets, an electric awning is the better choice.

We supply and install patio awnings from the world’s best manufacturers. Get in touch for more info and to arrange a free site survey.