For the longest time, patio awnings have helped home and business owners maximize the outer parts of their buildings as relaxation spots at best and sun shades at least.
One could easily transform an under-utilized patio to a coffee spot with the help of an awning. Awnings allow you to optimize your outdoor space, all the while protecting you from rain, wind and sun. They can also be used over several structures, from windows to decks,doors and patios. Awnings may either be fixed to the spot, in which case they are permanent and cannot be moved or they may be retractable which lets you decide when to remove or set up the awning depending on weather conditions. With the popular crave for retractable awnings, that give you control over how covered your patio is, came a desire to improve on the efficiency of awnings and the ease with which these awnings can be used. Electric awnings can easily be said to be improved retractable awnings. They are motorized and with the aid of a tube motor can simply be retracted and extended using a remote. Whether being installed in a home or a business building, electric awnings offer maximum pleasure with minimal effort. They eliminate the stress involved with hand-operated retractable awnings and leave you to enjoy your patio rather than having to deal with manually setting up an awning every time.
With electric awnings, you are assured your comfort as operating it is as easy as the press of a button. The fact that these awnings are easily retractable help ensure their longevity as they are better protected from harsh weather as against non-retractable and manually-operated retractable awnings.
How do Electric awnings work? Electric awnings may be very easy to operate, but the technology which runs the mechanism is exquisite. Here is a basic exposé on how it works. A motor powers the electric awning. Modern technology available is capable of controlling even the biggest awnings, while being portable enough to fit perfectly inside the barrel (the roller which the cover winds onto). What this means is that, all you’ll see is the awning alone once it's set up.
Awning manufacturers use integrated tube motors because of their shape and built-in design. The wire which connects the motor will pass through one end of the awning, ready to be connected to your power supply by a trained electrician.
When operated the motor will wind the barrel, opening the fabric cover. The arms work because of a spring tension system or gas pistons. Many people assume they push the cover open, but the arms simply automatically follow the cover as it opens or closes. The tension from the springs or pressure of the gas ensures they open and close softly.
Why should you bother with an electric awning? Electric awnings have several advantages that make them a total must-have for home or business owners. First off, they add great value to the building they are attached to. When it comes to aesthetics, electric awnings contribute their fair share of beauty to a building. They also allow for an increased use of outdoor space for more enjoyable activities. Also, electric awnings for patios give you full control over the weather within their coverage. What this means is that you can decide to have your patio fully heated or air-conditioned depending on your needs.
Another advantage is that electric awnings are rarely left open when not in use, thus they are unlikely to suffer unnecessary wear, strain, or weather damage. This helps to lengthen the lifespan of the awning and most especially, the awning cover.
Lastly, electric awnings are often made with wind or motion sensors. These are electric devices which can auto-retract a canopy from wind, or automatically extend the awning to protect interior furnishings from the glare of strong sun. These sensors also help your awnings last longer as they make the awning retract once they record a speed above the threshold that has been set. Hence, on days where you forget to retract or extend your awning before leaving home, you do not have to worry as these sensors will serve as assistants for you.
The purchase of an electric retractable awning can be quite an investment with the high-end types tending to cost quite a lot. Awning prices range from £330 for smaller and less-equipped awnings, to above £2000 for the more luxurious and bigger models. However, specific prices ultimately depend on the manufacturer you are purchasing from. Regardless of how much you're willing to invest in electric awnings however, you can rest assured that these mechanisms will give you the value for your money.