Next we will talk about an element present in 99.9% of homes. I am referring to the awning. We will see the different types of awnings that exist today, as well as some aspects to take into account.
Traditionally, the awning has been used exclusively as sun protection. However, for a few years now, this sole use is also expanding as protection against rain and wind.
The reason for this is the gradual change that the customs and tendencies of the human being are undergoing. Now we like to enjoy outdoor areas much more, both in summer and winter, seeking maximum comfort at all times.
Therefore, awnings now have to cover a much larger spectrum than before. Now it is used as protection against inclement weather, whatever it is.
Precisely for this reason, details must be taken into account, which were not so necessary before.
Depending on the use that we are going to give it, it is important to choose the most suitable type of canvas. There are tarpaulins that reduce glare up to 95% and protect up to 97% from UV rays.
Micro-perforated awnings
And don’t forget the installation. We will have to choose the appropriate installation and the right design, depending on whether we want coverage only for the sun, for water or for air, and also depending on the orientation of the area in which we will install the awning, among other factors.
How to choose the right type of awning
Awnings are not only a thing of homes, but also of many businesses and, specifically, of the hospitality sector, precisely because of the change in the tendencies of the people that I mentioned before.
The experienced DIY fan could carry out a simple installation of a small awning whose purpose was to protect the interior of the house from the strong external light. However, he does not have enough knowledge to carry out a study of a more complex installation or with more specific needs. Therefore, this must be done by a technician or company specialized in the matter.
It is not about choosing just an awning, it is about choosing a company with extensive experience, which is capable of responding to our needs.
One of the best ways to choose the most suitable one is by references from people close to us and of our complete trust. In the event that this is not possible, an important aspect is that the company has the Quality Certification. This already indicates seriousness and professionalism.
Precisely to document this article, I have gone around the internet and not all companies dedicated to the manufacture and installation of awnings have quality certification. However, we have been able to verify that, for example, www.toldoscostablanca.com does have the ISO 9001 Quality Certificate.
retractable awning
Types of awnings
Due to the significant investment in innovation and development of new products that companies currently make, there is a huge variety of types of awnings that cover, as I said before, a very wide spectrum. Below I will list schematically some of the different types of awnings that are marketed.
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As you may have seen, there are types of awnings for any need that may arise, making it possible to enjoy outdoor areas with total comfort and convenience throughout the year.
Triangular sail awnings
Maintenance
Both the awnings and the installation require some maintenance. It is usually minimal, but they have it.
Installation maintenance
The maintenance of the installation basically requires keeping the rails, as well as the gears, properly lubricated, ensuring correct operation and sliding of the different elements. Thus extending its useful life.
If the awning is motorized, periodic maintenance tasks should also be carried out on the motors.
awning maintenance
When talking about awning in this section, I am referring exclusively to the canvas.
If it is only used as protection against the sun, it has practically no maintenance.
pergola awning
However, if we also want to use it as protection against the rain, we do have to do regular maintenance.
The awnings come from the factory with a protective film that makes them waterproof. However, over time, this protection is lost mainly due to the effect of the strong action of the sun.
The indicator for this maintenance is when we observe that the awning stalls.
This maintenance consists only of applying liquid silicone to the upper part of the horizontal awnings.
Liquid silicone is sold in containers like paint, to be applied with a brush or gun. But it can also be found in spray cans.
If you are looking for simplicity, without sacrificing efficiency, the latter is the ideal option. The bottle is shaken, and it is applied exactly as if it were spray paint.
This treatment against rain, guarantees a total waterproofing of around 3 or 4 years, depending on the geographical area that we are in, due to the direct incidence of the sun.
In this article on our blog, you can see in detail how to carry out the application of liquid silicone “liquid silicone, how to waterproof awnings”.
Remember, if you want to fully enjoy your terrace, garden, patio,… leave the advice and the technical part to the awning specialists.
