Retractable Awning FAQs

Check out our FAQs to help find the right awning for you.

 

Shade Space Awning Advice

Awning FAQs

Welcome to Shade Space, where luxury meets functionality in our high-quality collection of residential and commercial retractable awnings. Elevate your outdoor living or business space with our premium selection of awnings crafted from the finest materials and designed with impeccable attention to detail. Whether you seek to enhance the ambiance of your home’s patio or create an inviting outdoor oasis for your commercial establishment, our retractable awnings provide unparalleled elegance and versatility. We appreciate it can be hard to navigate what awning is right for you so check out our FAQs for assistance. If you don’t find what you need, feel free to reach out to us for further support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of retractable outdoor awnings?

Retractable outdoor awnings provide versatile shading solutions, allowing you to control the amount of sunlight and shade in your outdoor space. They also protect against UV rays and can help reduce energy costs by keeping your space cooler.

Are your retractable awnings suitable for both residential and commercial spaces?

Yes, our range of retractable outdoor awnings is designed to cater to both residential and commercial needs. Whether you need shading for your home, patio, or rooftop bar, we have options to suit all environments.

Do you offer customised awnings for outdoor shading needs?

Absolutely! We work closely with our suppliers to provide bespoke outdoor shading products tailored to your unique space and preferences. Our goal is to help you create the ideal atmosphere for your home or business.

Can your retractable awnings withstand different weather conditions?

Our retractable outdoor awnings are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, providing protection against various weather elements. However, it’s recommended to retract them during extreme weather conditions to prolong their lifespan.

Do you offer motorised options for retractable awnings?

Yes, we offer motorised retractable awnings for added convenience and ease of operation. With motorised options, you can effortlessly extend or retract your awning with the touch of a button.

How do I maintain and clean my retractable outdoor awning?

Regular maintenance involves cleaning the fabric with a mild soap solution and rinsing it thoroughly with water. It’s also important to check for any signs of wear and tear to address them promptly.

Do retractable awnings require any special care during the winter season?

It’s advisable to retract your awning during heavy snowfall or strong winds to prevent damage. Regularly check for any snow accumulation on the fabric and remove it gently to avoid stretching or tearing.

Can retractable awnings be used for creating outdoor dining spaces in commercial settings?

Yes, retractable awnings are excellent for creating comfortable outdoor dining areas in commercial settings such as restaurants, cafes, and bars. They provide shade and protection for patrons while enhancing the overall ambiance.

Do you offer different fabric options for your retractable awnings?

Yes, we offer a variety of fabric options for our retractable outdoor awnings, including different colors, patterns, and materials. Our team can help you choose the right fabric that suits your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

How long does it take to install a retractable awning?

The installation time for a retractable awning can vary depending on the size of the awning and the complexity of the installation. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeline based on your specific requirements.

Can I add additional features such as lighting or heating to my retractable awning?

Yes, we offer optional features such as outdoor heating and lighting systems that can be integrated with your retractable awning to enhance your outdoor space. These additions can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for relaxation or entertainment.

What sizes are available?

All Shade Space awnings are custom manufactured to specific sizes.
Traditional folding arm awnings are capable of spanning widths ranging from 1.5 metres to 7 metres within a single unit. They offer projections varying from 1 metre to 4 metres. For larger coverage areas, units can be coupled together, or alternatively, a frame-based system can be installed.

What do the different operation types mean for the awnings?

With manual operation, you’ll extend and retract the awning by using a winding handle. Opting for electric operation entails a built-in motor within the barrel, offering the convenience of push-button or remote control functionality. Motorised awnings also offer various sensor options for added functionality.

Do I need a full cassette, semi cassette or an open awning?

Your decision will depend on the placement of your awning and the exposure of the area. We can provide guidance on which products suit your design and budget.

Open: If you have ample roof overhang and an enclosed garden, installation may be sheltered from adverse weather conditions without the need for a cassette casing. In our open models, mechanisms and rollers remain exposed, although a protective top cover can be added.

Semi Cassette: Offering a moderate level of protection, semi cassette awnings are suitable for most situations. The top is shielded from weather damage from above by a durable case, while end caps provide further defence against rain and dirt.

Full Cassette: Providing the highest level of all-around weather protection, full cassette awnings completely enclose the roller and arm system when retracted. This shields them from dirt, wind, and heavy rainfall, making them ideal for street-facing shop fronts and cafes where vandalism may also be a concern.

Get in touch with us today to discuss which awning is suited best for you.

How much is a retractable awning?

The cost of an awning is influenced by the model and specifications selected. You can gauge how factors such as size, operation methods, and lighting affect prices on the specific product pages of our website. For a customised quotation, please contact us today for more information about any of our retractable awnings.

Can my awning be used in the rain and snow?

Your awning can be used in a light shower, but it shouldn’t be used in a heavy rain downfall as it will damage your product and void your warranty. It should NEVER be used in snowfall. If you’re looking for a product to use in these conditions.

What is your warranty period?

Depending on the brand most of our products come with a 5-year warranty and a 1-year warranty on your installation. Please enquire.

Are Awnings Rain Proof?

Patio awnings, if set with a suitable pitch, can be used to provide shelter from rain showers. To guarantee rainwater runs off and does not pool on the material, patio awnings must be set with a pitch of 14 degrees (or greater), as set out in European Directive EN13561.

Can patio awnings be installed on single storey buildings?

Single storey buildings, including extensions and bungalows, pose two main issues when it comes to installing patio awnings; limited mounting space above the top of the patio doors/window and lack of structural strength at the top of the wall where the awning needs to be attached/positioned. However, with specially designed brackets, these obstacles can be overcome and patio awnings safely and securely installed with a good mounting height and subsequently pitch (angle).

Patio Awning on Spreader Plates

Spreader plates are typically used on single-storey extensions where there is adequate space above the doors/windows to position a patio awning. Spreader plates, as the name suggests, spread the fixing load created by patio awnings safely down the façade, whilst positioning the patio awning to the top.

 

It is important to remember that while there may be the required space for a patio awning above the doors/windows, it may not allow for a suitable pitch, so cantilever brackets as detailed below will most likely be required.

Patio Awning on Cantilever Gutter Brackets

Sometimes referred to as gutter brackets, cantilever brackets are typically used on bungalows where there is not sufficient space above the doors/windows to position a patio awning. They are similar to spreader plates, in that they spread the fixing load created by the patio awning safely down the façade but they wrap around the fascia, positioning the patio awning in front of the guttering, ensuring a sensible mounting height and subsequently pitch for the patio awning.

 

Cantilever brackets are also regularly used on two storey properties where the upper section is hanging tiles, mounted to the brickwork beneath but positioning the patio awning higher up the façade, in front of the hanging tiles.

Please Feel Free to Get in Touch

For more information about any of our retractable awnings, contact our team today! Call: 0203 924 0000 or Email: sales@shade-space.co.uk, alternatively send a Message via our enquiry form.

T: 0203 924 0000