Retractable awnings vs fixed awnings
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Awnings can provide a way to protect properties from sun damage and provide a safe space protected from the heat of solar radiation and harmful UV rays. However, with a range of designs and styles on the market, it can be difficult to know which option is best.
This article outlines the difference between the two most popular choices – retractable awnings and fixed awnings.
[edit] Retractable awnings
One of the most popular options on the market, retractable awnings are able to open and retract as required, allowing them to cover a window, an al fresco area, an exposed facade and so on.
Many people choose this style due to its flexibility, as it can change position with the season, the occasion, or the time of day. For example, if it is a mild autumn day, you may find you’re not in need of any form of coverage, or if it’s a sunny summer afternoon, you may want a shady place to entertain outdoors and extend your retractable awnings accordingly.
Made from a durable fabric, purchasers can generally choose between acrylic, canvas or mesh, depending on their needs. There are also options to consider when it comes to opening and closing. A crank is less expensive, whilst motorisation allows push-button operation.
[edit] Fixed awnings
Unlike their retractable counterparts, fixed awnings are designed to be installed exactly where they are needed, providing permanent cover in one place. These can be a good choice for those who want awnings to become part of the building itself.
Frequently used by businesses as they can be used to incorporate signage, such as the name and contact details of the establishment, fixed awnings have recently become popular in homes too, offering an affordable option for those sticking to a tight budget.
However, rather than covering an al fresco area, they are primarily used for shading windows, increasing privacy and blocking out the sun and glare. Depending requirements, it is possible to choose a blockout style, which stops light from penetrating at all, or a more translucent option, which simply filters light to a more comfortable level.
When choosing fixed awnings, it is important to look for a fabric and a frame that can stand up to the elements, as they can’t be retracted during poor weather conditions. Check for a fabric that is UV and mould resistant.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Anticlastic.
- Architectural fabrics.
- Carbon fibre.
- Catenary.
- ETFE.
- Fabric structures.
- Inflatable building.
- Natural fibre reinforced polymers (NFRPs) in the construction industry IP 14 14.
- Nylon.
- Plastic.
- Polyvinyl chloride PVC.
- Tensile structures.
- Thermal behaviour of architectural fabric structures.
- The history of fabric structures.
- The development of structural membranes.
- The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes.
- The structural behaviour of architectural fabric structures.
- Types of building.
- Types of roof.
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.
ECA shares advice for those who may be exposed to risks.
How to revolutionise UK housing with MMC
CIC and Supply Chain Sustainability School unveil a plan.
From the UKs largest manufacturer and supplier of lime.
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history from 7000BC to a future on the moon.
Regulator of Social Housing publishes latest fire safety report
Covering remediation of 11 metre plus social housing sector buildings.
Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
Approved for priority drafting by Government of Ireland.
The long list with in the frame of key historical events.
Competence frameworks for sustainability in the built environment
Code of practice, core criteria consultation draft for comment.
New Floods Resilience Taskforce
With a wet met office autumn prediction.