A Detailed Look at Retractable Awnings 

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A Detailed Look at Retractable Awnings 

If you live in Australia, you are surrounded by awnings of all shapes and sizes, as homes and businesses across the country seek the stylish shading solutions that retractable awnings offer. As you might have guessed, retractable awnings are the most popular way to provide shading and if you are looking into ordering one for your home or office, here is a detailed breakdown of the state of the art awnings that are available today. 

The Framework 

The frame would be fabricated from powder coated aluminium, with stainless steel fixings and self-lubricating bronze bushes and would be of the folding arm type, which moves inwards as the unit retracts. Most awning are attached to the wall, yet there are free standing varieties, should it better suit your needs and with bespoke fabrications, there isn’t an area that can’t be tastefully shaded with a retractable awning. If you are looking for folding arm awnings in Melbourne, or any other city, a Google search will help to locate an established supplier. 

The Covering 

Acrylic fabrics provide the best all round awning covering as they are designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate and have been successfully tested in desert conditions and are therefore guaranteed not to fade, crack or split. Stunning designs include rich single colours, stripes and patterns, so there will be something that goes with your existing décor. If you would like some inspiration, next time you are out and about, take note of the various colours and patterns that you see on commercial awnings, or failing that, a Google image search will reveal some unique combinations. 

Number of Folding Arms 

You can have 2, 3, or even 4 folding arms, with the latter spanning a maximum of 8 metres, which is more than ample for most outdoor relaxation areas. Projection ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 metres and there are a number of ways to install the unit, depending on the layout of your terrace. If you would like to explore the possibility of installing a retractable awning, an online search is the best way to locate a local supplier and with a home visit, you can take a look at the many different designs. 

Choice of Automatic or Manual Operation 

You can choose the crank handle type, which is very easy to adjust, or if you would like the ultimate in effortless adjustment, a remote controlled motorised version would be the best solution. Some models use a hardwired switch that is affixed to a nearby wall, but if you are happy with the crank type operation, then you can save it little money. 

While the older generations of awnings were cumbersome and chunky, the modern retractable awnings of today are slimline in appearance and the folding arm mechanism is neatly concealed. For those who want a permanent and elegant shading solution, retractable awnings tick all the boxes and with made to measure solutions, you can be sure the awning will look like it belongs.