Retractable Awnings Could be Perfect for Your Outdoor Space
By Betta Blinds and Awnings - 22nd December 2021
Folding Arm Awnings are an extremely popular option for covering outdoor living zones and it’s likely you have seen these awnings used on caravans during your travels. While we don’t manufacture awnings for caravans (we’ll leave that to the specialists) we certainly love making high performing Folding Arm Awnings for use around the home.
Folding Arm Awnings are an extremely popular option for covering outdoor living zones and it’s likely you have seen these awnings used on caravans during your travels. While we don’t manufacture awnings for caravans (we’ll leave that to the specialists) we certainly love making high performing Folding Arm Awnings for use around the home.
Why Should I Consider Folding Arm Awnings?
Retractable Awnings really are a fantastic alternative to permanent shading structures for your outdoor living areas. The projection of Folding Arm Awnings allows them to effectively shade your outdoor spaces while still being able to make use of the sunshine in colder periods.
Additionally, they work perfectly in locations where space limitations mean that support beams and poles are not a practical option. This also helps to create an uncluttered visual appearance which is highly desirable particularly if space is already a luxury.
Additionally, they work perfectly in locations where space limitations mean that support beams and poles are not a practical option. This also helps to create an uncluttered visual appearance which is highly desirable particularly if space is already a luxury.
Our Key Retractable Awning Takeaways
Pros
Cons
- Fantastic Versatility
- Provides a shaded extension to your home
- Creates a sophisticated and uncluttered look
Cons
- Must be retracted in poor weather conditions
- Cost
What are the Key Features of Retractable Awnings?
Folding Arm Awnings are a highly practical option for your outdoor spaces and help improve the usability of these vital areas. By taking a look at the design and function of our Folding Arm Awnings you will be able to decide if they are the best option for your home.
Folding Arm Awnings consist of? You guessed it, folding arms! These two (or sometimes three) arms are connected to the base rail and fold and extend as the awning is used. The fabric is attached to a tube, which allows the fabric to recoil neatly as the awning is retracted. The other end of the fabric is attached to the front bar which holds the fabric secure as the awning extends and retracts.
We offer two different options that can help protect your awning fabric and components. The addition of a hood will offer improved protection from the elements and the awning can neatly retract underneath it. For the best protection, a full cassette is a perfect way to help enclose the components and afford improved protection. These options vary across our product range so if you are looking to protect your awning fabric and components ensure you select a product with your desired cassette option available.
With the design aspect now covered...let's take a look at the function of our Retractable Awnings. The folding arm design allows the awnings to extend out from the wall and provide shade for your outdoor areas while still maintaining the ability to retract the awning and enjoy the sunshine.
Folding Arm Awnings can be operated with either a crank handle or motorisation however these options will depend on the range of awning you have selected. A crank handle allows you to simply rotate the crank to extend and retract your awning. Motorisation is a great addition for those who are seeking improved convenience and is our recommended control option. With the touch of a button, motorisation allows you to easily control the awning with little effort.
Our Motorised Awnings can integrate seamlessly with many of the home automation systems currently available for those seeking improved convenience. Additionally, they can be equipped with wind and sun or motion sensors to detect a variety of different conditions.
Fabric options are an important consideration for any awning purchase. Our External Awnings come with a range of fabrics that ensure you can get the perfect option to compliment your home. We offer a range of acrylic fabrics on our Folding Arm Awnings which are perfect for providing shade while creating a sophisticated look. Acrylic fabrics are well suited to the task and their unique properties allow them to perform in the harsh conditions Australia has to offer, as well as being water-resistant. Some acrylic fabrics feature patterns that can be used to create a designer look.
Folding Arm Awnings consist of? You guessed it, folding arms! These two (or sometimes three) arms are connected to the base rail and fold and extend as the awning is used. The fabric is attached to a tube, which allows the fabric to recoil neatly as the awning is retracted. The other end of the fabric is attached to the front bar which holds the fabric secure as the awning extends and retracts.
We offer two different options that can help protect your awning fabric and components. The addition of a hood will offer improved protection from the elements and the awning can neatly retract underneath it. For the best protection, a full cassette is a perfect way to help enclose the components and afford improved protection. These options vary across our product range so if you are looking to protect your awning fabric and components ensure you select a product with your desired cassette option available.
With the design aspect now covered...let's take a look at the function of our Retractable Awnings. The folding arm design allows the awnings to extend out from the wall and provide shade for your outdoor areas while still maintaining the ability to retract the awning and enjoy the sunshine.
Folding Arm Awnings can be operated with either a crank handle or motorisation however these options will depend on the range of awning you have selected. A crank handle allows you to simply rotate the crank to extend and retract your awning. Motorisation is a great addition for those who are seeking improved convenience and is our recommended control option. With the touch of a button, motorisation allows you to easily control the awning with little effort.
Our Motorised Awnings can integrate seamlessly with many of the home automation systems currently available for those seeking improved convenience. Additionally, they can be equipped with wind and sun or motion sensors to detect a variety of different conditions.
Fabric options are an important consideration for any awning purchase. Our External Awnings come with a range of fabrics that ensure you can get the perfect option to compliment your home. We offer a range of acrylic fabrics on our Folding Arm Awnings which are perfect for providing shade while creating a sophisticated look. Acrylic fabrics are well suited to the task and their unique properties allow them to perform in the harsh conditions Australia has to offer, as well as being water-resistant. Some acrylic fabrics feature patterns that can be used to create a designer look.
Limitations to Consider?
When deciding on any awning product it is important to consider the limitations to ensure that you will be getting the product that will best suit your needs.
The first thing to consider is cost. Due to the more sophisticated design and increased time required to manufacture Folding Arm Awnings, they can have a more luxurious price tag.
Additionally, Folding Arm Awnings are not designed to endure strong weather conditions and must be retracted to safely store them in these situations.
The first thing to consider is cost. Due to the more sophisticated design and increased time required to manufacture Folding Arm Awnings, they can have a more luxurious price tag.
Additionally, Folding Arm Awnings are not designed to endure strong weather conditions and must be retracted to safely store them in these situations.
What Maintenance is Required?
We recommend regular cleaning (at least every 3 months) to ensure surfaces are free from dirt, dust and grime. Use a soft brush to clean the blind, paying particular attention along the side channels to prevent dust and dirt from building up. Aluminium extrusions can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water or a small amount of mild detergent if required. Do not use any oil-based sprays as it can cause dirt and grime build up in the side guides and can damage certain fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Retractable Awnings stop rain?
They can withstand a level of rain and they feature a pitched design to allow water to run off. However, to avoid accelerated wear and tear it is best to retract them in poor conditions.
Do Retractable Awnings block light?
They will reduce the amount of direct light hitting your space but are not completely block out.
How does a Folding Arm Awning Work?
The folding arms work to push out the fabric as the Awning is extended. They work in the opposite way when the Awning is retracted. Some can be operated using a crank, while others can be operated using a remote.
They can withstand a level of rain and they feature a pitched design to allow water to run off. However, to avoid accelerated wear and tear it is best to retract them in poor conditions.
Do Retractable Awnings block light?
They will reduce the amount of direct light hitting your space but are not completely block out.
How does a Folding Arm Awning Work?
The folding arms work to push out the fabric as the Awning is extended. They work in the opposite way when the Awning is retracted. Some can be operated using a crank, while others can be operated using a remote.
Summary
Folding Arm Awnings are a desirable alternative to permanent shading structures and have a number of different benefits which make them a fantastic solution for shading your outdoor area.
The unique design allows you to have the perfect amount of shade while still being able to retract the awning and access full sunlight when desired. They come with a variety of different acrylic fabrics and patterns which are sure to add a sense of luxury to any exterior. Finally, their versatile nature and ease of use make them a very practical option.
