Guide to external sunblinds and awnings

GUIDE TO EXTERNAL SUNBLINDS AND AWNINGS


External sunblinds and awnings are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

Traditional canvas blinds have been seen outside shop fronts since the 19th Century. In the last 50 years, blinds of new styles and types have appeared, made of aluminium components, with rot-proof and fade-proof fabrics.

In continental Europe, modern sunblinds have always been popular, both domestically and commercially. Until the last 20-25 years, there were relatively few domestic awnings sold in the UK. Most of the systems available have been from reputable continental manufacturers.

The advantages and attractions of external sunblinds are many:

· Providing shade and shelter from the heat of the sun
· Prevention of solar heat gain inside the house
· Protecting furniture and furnishings from fading
· Making your garden an extension of your house
· Lifestyle enhancement


TYPES OF EXTERNAL BLINDS AND AWNINGS

Folding arm awning
Folding arm awnings (also known as foldaway awnings) have, in the past 25 years, almost replaced the traditional awning (see below). The folding arm is a very versatile awning. It allows an excellent view outside and is now popular on domestic properties.

Drop arm and sliding arm blinds
The front profile of a drop arm blind lowers by gravity and is fixed to side arms that fall from a pivot point. This is the simplest form of awning that is ideally suited to shorter drop windows.

Dutch (continental) blinds
A popular external blind and is widely used on shops, restaurants, hotels and on domestic properties.

Traditional awnings
The “traditional” blind, as we know it today, was the standard form of shop blind before the introduction of folding arms.


QUALITY AND SAFETY

External sunblinds and awnings are primarily designed to provide shade, and not shelter in inclement conditions such as rain or wind. There will be times when a blind is left out in gusty conditions. A strong gust of wind can subject a sunblind to considerable forces which could damage it, and even the building on which it is fixed.

The last year has seen an upsurge in new products coming onto the market. It is important to realise that, as in many things in life, there are differences with products. Unfortunately some products are not all they may seem to be, and there are a number of sub-standard external blinds and awnings appearing on the market.

Whilst, superficially, looking identical to some of the long-established European makes of awning, apart from a light weight cloth, the whole frame and many of the components are much lighter. Not only does this mean they will be weaker, less durable and not last as long, but there is also a safety issue. A strong gust of wind can bend or even break poor components.

In fact, the European Construction Products Directive requires that external sunblinds and awnings meet minimum standards regarding resistance to wind. Does the sunblind/awning you are considering meet these requirements?



FITTING

It is vital that an external blind or awning is correctly fitted. Can they be fitted by the DIY enthusiast? Theoretically, they can, but they are best left to the expert. An awning can be heavy, some have powerful springs in the folding arms and usually a minimum of two people are needed to carry out the work.

Then there is the question of the building onto which it is going to be fitted: brick, breeze block, cavity wall, steel structure etc. What type of fastening should be used? Fastening technology is highly developed and there are many different types of fastener, suitable for different applications, including screws, expanding bolts and chemical fixings. Knowing what is right for the job only comes through training and experience.

· Expanding bolts can cause brickwork to crack – making it weaker.
· Fixing an external blind or awning to a single-storey building requires the use of spreader plates or “bungalow brackets”.


CARE OF YOUR SUNBLIND AND AWNING

· External sunblinds and awnings are specifically intended as providers of shade and are not to be left out in windy conditions. They can withstand a surprising amount of wind and rain, but they are not designed for this sort of application. If the awning will be left unattended then it is recommended that it is retracted. This can be done manually or there are automatic options which will ensure the awning retracts automatically in adverse weather.
· You may leave the awning out in light rain but allow it to dry as soon as possible before retracting it.

· External blinds and awnings are not play-things. Do not allow anyone to swing on the arms!

· If you have a problem with your awning, get it checked by a professional.


KEY POINTS

· Think about the quality of the blind/awning you are purchasing.

· Make sure it is properly fitted

· Look after it. Don’t leave it out in high winds.