10 tips for choosing the best summer awning

• 1. Which awning should you choose depending on where you want to place it?

If you’re looking for an awning for your windows or balconies , awnings that attach to the railing are a very practical and easy-to-install option. Canopy awnings are also ideal for windows and can be labeled for commercial and retail applications. Another suggestion is the straight point where the arms of this type of awning for windows or balconies allow constant pull on the fabric. The arms allow a range of tilt angles of up to 180°. If you have a larger terrace, box awnings are our favorites. Stability, precision, and perfect aesthetics complete the look of your terraces, plus their box or box keeps everything neatly organized and protected from the elements.

• 2. For the garden, awning or pergola?

The truth is, if you have a larger terrace or garden, you can choose a pergola . They are fixed structures, very safe and practical for enjoying your terrace both in summer and winter. They can be placed against a wall, in the middle of the terrace, patio, or in any corner of the garden. Pergolas also have adjustable slats so you can choose the amount of light you want to let in, allowing you to enjoy the sun to the fullest.

• 3. WITH A CHEST, A GREAT IDEA!

There are three types of awnings for your terrace: those with a cassette, those with a semi-cassette, and those without. The truth is that adding a cassette is an advantage, as it better protects the fabric and structure from the elements. We also have the option of choosing a semi-cassette, which is very practical and also protects part of the awning from rain and wind. We’d like to highlight the automatic sensors, such as wind, rain, and sun sensors, that greatly help and extend the awning’s life.

• 4. More comfortable: we motorize it!

In just a few seconds, the awning lowers to the desired terrace height. It does this thanks to the motorized system, which you can easily install, even on an existing awning. In addition to being more comfortable, the fabric remains perfectly taut and the awning lasts longer, as openings and closings are smoother. SOMFY is a smart system that offers remote control, 100% convenience, and great security. With the TaHoma® home automation system, you can centrally control and automatically schedule the opening and closing of your electric veranda awning, according to your daily routine. Create scenarios with your lighting, blinds, and awnings to create the perfect atmosphere and activate it with a command to your voice assistant.

• 5. Do I also include sensors?

You can complete your terrace awning’s equipment with wind and vibration sensors, so the awning closes automatically if it rains or is windy. The most sophisticated systems include time scheduling, occupancy sensors, and even the ability to simulate occupancy! The truth is that sensors, aside from the convenience they offer, are a great advantage for extending the awning’s lifespan. You can ask our specialist department about the variety of sensors and prices.

• 6. And LEDs for the night

You can choose to incorporate LEDs into your awning, LED strips to enjoy the most beautiful evenings on your terrace. The blue hour describes the most beautiful light of the day, just before dusk. With the new lighting, integrated into the articulated arms, you extend this magical light, and the resulting atmosphere, for as long as you want. The light intensity can be regulated with the remote control or conveniently with a smartphone or tablet. A striking element that attracts attention in the evening. The illuminated exit profile is available in five colors and is dimmable. The right lighting defines the ambiance: not only inside, but also on the terrace and balcony. Who said light sources for the balcony or terrace can only be mounted on the wall? With dimmable LED ambient lighting, your sun protection creates colorful highlights at night.

• 7. How to choose the fabric for an awning?

The fabric of a terrace awning must effectively block the sun. Among the different types of fabrics, we find high-quality acrylic fiber with a high level of comfort and UV protection. We apply a process that guarantees colorfastness, obtaining a range of bright, vibrant, long-lasting colors. The best fabrics for sun protection with reduction coefficients that allow you to save energy and also generate a level of well-being, comfort, and controlled brightness. They also have a finish that repels dirt and the effects of pollution and ensures easy cleaning. Finally, microperforated fabrics are also perfect, filtering 94% of UV rays and providing the best ventilation.

• 8. Colors do matter

There is a wide variety of colors for our awnings, from white or beige fabrics to very dark ones like black or anthracite. But which one should I choose for my home? Dark awnings attract more of the sun’s heat, but they also have their advantages when choosing an  awning , as they cast more shade and, therefore, provide better  heat insulation. In addition,  dark colors  also release heat more quickly. Therefore, a  dark awning color would be a very good option for protecting homes from ultraviolet rays. Did you know that the colors of awning fabrics can increase serotonin levels in the human body? Yes, that’s right. According to a study, these are the colors that bring us the most happiness: Green: 96%, yellow: 94%, blue: 80%, orange, red, violet, white, black, and gray. It seems extraordinary, but it is indeed true; colors stimulate our bodies.

• 10. And take care of it so that it lasts much longer

Now that the good weather is starting to arrive, open the awning on the terrace and wash it with a hose, on both sides. The water pressure will help remove debris and stains. If it’s a window awning, you can use a water spray bottle and scrub with a brush. Use a neutral soap (never use chemicals or abrasives) and occasionally go over the entire mechanism with a sponge. We also recommend adding a storage box to keep everything neatly stored and protected from rain and wind, so the structure and fabric will last longer.