Expert guide to the types of awnings and their mechanisms

Types of awnings for your home and business

Whether in a residential or commercial setting, awnings are a great way to enhance an outdoor space. However with so many different types of awnings available, which one is the right solution for you?

Here at Shade-Space, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of high-quality awnings. Our shading products are tailored to you, your environment and your particular requirements.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of this practical shade option as well as identifying the different types and styles of awnings available.
What are the benefits of awnings?

Installing an awning offers a range of benefits for both residential and commercial spaces. Here are some of the key advantages:

✓ Outdoor enjoyment: The addition of an awning can make an outdoor space more comfortable in hot weather. It is ideal for creating shaded seating areas, whether that’s a garden deck, restaurant terrace, the patio of a bar or a pub garden. They make it more comfortable to live, work and entertain outdoors by significantly reducing glare from the sun.

✓ Sun protection: Awnings are a highly effective way to create shade and block harmful UV to protect against direct sunlight. Awnings can reduce the risk of skin damage as well as fading of furniture and décor.

✓ Protection from the rain: Waterproof and water-resistant awnings are an ideal way to protect outdoor entertainment areas from rain – a real necessity in the UK!

✓ Regulated indoor temperatures: When located above windows that face into the sun, awnings can help regulate the temperature indoors to make it more comfortable in the hotter months.

✓ Stylish: Our awnings are available in a wide range of styles and colours, with something to complement every aesthetic and type of architecture.

✓ Branding: Awnings are frequently used for commercial spaces – especially businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. Our commercial awnings can be customised with your logo and colour-matched to your branding to build awareness with customers.

Extended entertainment space

Whether you’re interested in an awning for a residential property or a commercial premises, it is a great way to increase your usable entertainment space. An awning creates a comfortable, functional extension, enabling you to entertain, dine and relax outdoors. As well as protection from the elements, awnings also add privacy and can enhance the atmosphere – especially for gatherings at night, when you have integrated lighting.

With so many types of outdoor awnings to choose from, they are a versatile solution. Available as retractable, stationary or freestanding, you can select a model that perfectly suits your needs and space.

Different types of awnings

Awnings provide shade, as well as protection from rain, to improve outdoor comfort. As shading specialists, we offer various different types of commercial awnings and those for residential use.

Here’s an overview of the types of awnings we offer, each with their own unique features:

✓ Retractable awnings: These motorised canvas awnings can be adjusted, extended or retracted based on weather conditions and other factors.

✓ Stationary awnings: These fixed awnings are often used in areas where constant shading is needed – they are ideal for patios or decks that are always in the sun.

✓ Folding arm awnings: Folding arm awnings are designed to be used on patios, decks and balconies. Our motorised folding arm models are stylish and practical. They look like a traditional awning when extended but can retract to be stored in a slim cassette.

✓ Cassette folding arm awnings: These are ideal for a modern, minimalist aesthetic and are also a very popular choice. These sleek and contemporary awnings allow the most use from your outdoor area by providing an all-weather solution without poles. These obstacle-free systems are ideal for residential and commercial areas, enabling total flexibility of the floor space.

✓ Drop arm awnings: Our drop-arm window awnings are popular with retailers, bistros and offices, adding character whilst providing sun protection and reducing glare.

✓ Conservatory roof awnings: Our retractable conservatory awnings keep out excessive heat and glare – perfect for hotter days. Our conservatory roof shading systems also help to retain the heat in the winter months. These practical awnings enable homeowners to make the fullest use of their extension, all year round.

✓ Markisolette awnings: Our Markisolette angled awnings are ideal for shop fronts, hopper windows, balconies and office windows.
These awnings slide downwards and then extend to your desired point, enabling a full view whilst also providing privacy.

✓ Markilux retractable awnings: Our German-engineered Markilux awnings are a beautiful yet practical addition to your patio or balcony. Boasting seamless smooth operation, they are available in a range of colours.

With so many types of patio awnings to choose from, it might seem like a daunting task. However, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed – our team is here to help and can talk through the styles of awnings that are best suited to your needs.

Choosing from the different types of patio awnings

Whether you are looking for your home patio or a bar or restaurant terrace, we have the answer with our commercial and residential retractable awnings.

Considerations for choosing the right awning:

Space size – measure the area carefully
Location/direction – is the awning covering the right area?
Installation – are there any obstacles or issues? Do you need permission?
Health and safety – e.g. is this appropriate for a public area?
Material – choose something durable and weatherproof
Mechanism – do you want a retractable or stationary awning?
Purpose – e.g. mainly for shade, rain protection, privacy or branding?
Climate – do you mainly need sun protection, rain protection or both?
Aesthetic preferences – align with your exterior scheme and architecture
Other functions – e.g. do you need integrated lighting?

If you’re unsure of where to start, please call us on 020 3924 0000. We will be happy to discuss your requirements and advise you on the best solution for you.

Call the awning experts

Awnings offer many benefits, protecting from the elements and increasing the size of your entertainment space. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to keep your awning looking fresh and the mechanisms performing optimally for longer.

At Shade-Space, we can also provide integrated heating and lighting systems to ensure that your outdoor area is comfortable, all year-round. Our experts can help you to design an outdoor area that is welcoming on a summer day and just as usable on an autumn evening.

Whether you’re looking for types of awnings for your home or shade for a business premises, we’re sure to have the perfect solution. For all enquiries about our range of awnings, please call us today on 020 3924 0000. or email: sales@shade-space.co.uk. Alternatively, please send our team a message via our enquiry form