What to look for when buying an awning – A Buyer’s Guide

Before Buying An Awning

You should first know what you need out of an awning. Defining what you need out of an Awning is the first step you need to take in order to determine its size and position in your home, from there you can decide on specs and durability by implementing the following:

Sizing & Positioning

The location of your awning dictates its width. Take for example, if you were to install an awning on the side of a house that faces east or west, you’d want to extend the awning as far as is to maximise the protection of your windows from sunlight. On the other hand, a north and south-facing awning will have completely different dimension requirements.

Although the position of the awning largely dictates its size and angle, it’s also worth taking the purpose of its installation into account. For example:

• If you want an extended living space:
  In this scenario, you’ll want to extend as far out as possible, without such an aggressive downward slope.
• If you want to protect your windows:
  You need not extend it as far, but it’s recommended to have the angled slope down relatively deep to cover your windows.

 After considering its purpose, you then need to think about specific measurements like height, width, and length:

• Height:
  This is arguably the simplest decision to make as you should now have a rough idea of its position and purpose. Provided that you intend to use it as a living space, you should have it marginally taller than the people who’ll be using it, for window protection, simply install it above your window.
• Length and Width:
  The general rule of thumb is that the awning must be larger than the area it seeks to protect.
  • The industry standard width is 3 meters
  • The industry standard length is 3.5 meters

Here at Appeal Shading, we have widths that can reach up to 7 meters and lengths that can reach up to 4.

Built-In Features

Cassette Systems

• Open Cassettes: An open cassette system offers a minimal amount of protection, which is why it’s recommended for rooves that already have an overhang. Unless you’re in a dryer climate, we wouldn’t recommend this for our UK customers.
• Semi Cassettes: Offers moderate protection against the elements, however, it’s the industry standard across the board here in the UK. It has a tough top casing and the option to have end caps along the sides to prevent dirt and rainwater from being collected.
• Full Cassettes: Offer the highest level of protection from the elements, completely covering the awning once it’s retracted. Protecting the awning from the worst of British weather conditions.

Weatherproofing and Durability

It’s worth noting that the materials used to construct the awning play an important role in its longevity. Take for example; Polyester.

This is the cheapest option of the typical materials used, however, it’s worth noting that it’s not UV-resistant. This means that over time, it will become increasingly vulnerable to discolouration, fading, and in the long run, structural wear and tear.

Our awnings mostly use a mix of polyester and acrylic material (dependent on colour) and are all Teflon coated for extra protection, giving our clientele the affordable price that polyester has to offer and durability that can withstand the elements for years to come.

Comfort Features

Often, most awnings are simply a cover that extends outwards. Though they’re purpose-built to be that way. Some brands include comfort features which becomes the difference between an awning and an extra living space.

Here at Appeal Shading, we’ve made it a point to set new standards for the industry to reach for. As a result, our Awnings come with all sorts of features which include:

• Heating: For the colder winter months, we’ve implemented infrared heating systems that direct heat downwards and trap it beneath the awning covers.
• Lighting: We use dimmable LED lights that are sustainable, long-lasting, and perfect for mood lighting.
• Remote Control Use: We’ve already mentioned the ease of use when using automatic awnings, however, having all these features accessible in the palm of your hand makes it so that you can seamlessly control your level of comfort without having to leave your seat.

If you’re looking to install soon

We have a wide array of awnings with an even wider array of comfort and design features that can suit any property and any budget. Visit our site for more information or alternatively, speak to a professional if your home has specific requirements and get expert advice from industry professionals.