A retractable patio awning is an excellent solution for adding shade to your outdoor area. There are two main ways to retract them: manually or with a motor. It’s essential to know how each type operates to help you select the ideal option for your outdoor living space.

These two types of retractable patio awnings serve the same purpose, but they operate in distinct ways and are constructed with different components. Check out the information below to learn how these awnings function and what sets them apart.

A manual retractable patio awning operates with articulated arms that move in stages to open and close. The initial arms are typically spring-loaded, while the subsequent ones either furl to pull the awning back or unfurl to extend it. You can control this process by manually turning a shaft either clockwise or counterclockwise to roll out or roll up your awning. As you crank the awning shaft, the articulated arms will move in sync with the awning, allowing it to extend or retract smoothly.

A motorized retractable patio awning features telescopic arms that allow for smooth and efficient opening and closing. Unlike traditional articulated arms, these telescopic designs utilize gas-filled cylinders to extend or retract the awning, eliminating the need for folding mechanisms. Additionally, you won’t need a manual crank to operate them; simply press a button to roll the awning in or out. When you push the button, the motor operates quietly, smoothly extending or retracting the awning with the help of the telescopic arms.

A manual retractable patio awning is a fantastic choice since its crankshaft mechanism needs very little upkeep. You have complete control without depending on a motor, making it easy to operate.

Conversely, a motorized retractable awning offers the convenience of effortless operation. With just the push of a button, you can extend or retract the awning, allowing you to stay relaxed without the need to get up and manually adjust it. Plus, the telescopic arms used in these awnings are among the most durable materials available for this type of structure.

A retractable awning features a sturdy aluminum frame that is covered with acrylic fabric, providing excellent protection from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the fabric is waterproof, ensuring you stay dry during unexpected rain while enjoying your outdoor area. This versatile awning easily adjusts to suit your preferences.

As a homeowner, you have the option to select from various materials for your awnings, including polyester fabrics with an acrylic coating, cotton-polyester blends that also feature an acrylic layer, or fabrics made entirely of acrylic. Additionally, vinyl is commonly used to coat retractable awning fabrics.

A retractable awning can project out 4 meters (13 feet), making it perfect for even the biggest patios or terraces. For added convenience, consider a motorized option that allows for easy push-button operation. We also provide full customization to meet your specific needs! Reach out to us today with your requirements, and we’ll assist you in finding the perfect solution. Our patio awnings come with a 5-year warranty, and all are proudly made in Canada, designed for both durability and quality.

By equipping the glazed surfaces of your home with sun protection (awnings), you can lower the indoor temperature by more than 5 degrees. An awning is a great natural solution that enhances comfort in the area it covers and significantly helps in saving energy.

Research has indicated that installing shading systems (awnings) on the southwest-facing sides of buildings significantly reduces energy consumption for air conditioning. Additionally, placing awning on north-facing facades in areas with long sunny summers also results in considerable savings.

Even in cities with less intense sunlight, like Toronto, the energy consumption of air conditioning systems decreases by 80%.

Awnings have a significant impact on reducing the energy consumption required for air conditioning systems. They can greatly lower CO2 emissions, equivalent to 80 million tons per year, by decreasing the energy usage of these cooling systems.

When selecting a awning, it’s essential to maintain the right balance between the area that needs coverage and the size of the awning itself.

To find the most suitable awning size for the end user, it’s important to accurately measure the area that requires shade. This measurement should take into account the location of the surface being covered, the angle of the sunlight, and the time of day.

A Good Example

In August, we had lunch with friends at 1:30 PM. We settled on the terrace, which is entirely on the south side.

A few friends will take a seat at the table. Let’s say we have one garden table (0.80 m) plus two people sitting (2 x 0.5 m) and a distance of 0.35 m from the wall. The minimum shaded area needed to protect everyone from the sun is 2.5 x 4 m, which equals 12 square meters.

Sunlight reaches the ground much faster in areas facing south compared to those that face east (in the morning) and west (in the afternoon).

The angles at which sunlight hits the Earth have a significant impact on seasonal variations: during summer, the sun is at its highest point, while in winter, it is at its lowest relative to the horizon.

To ensure proper shading, the projection of the awning must be calculated and adjusted based on the layout of the surface being covered.

The angle of the awning is crucial for creating a shaded area. With the right tools, you can easily adjust the angle. A larger canopy can provide extra shade if it’s positioned at the right height to allow for easy passage.

These days, protection against solar radiation has emerged as a significant concern, as the intensity of sunlight increases annually, adversely affecting our health and overall well-being.

Through sunlight, we are exposed to:

• ultraviolet radiation (4%), which can lead to cancer, premature skin aging, and cataracts;
• visible light radiation (45%), which is harmful to the eyes;
• infrared radiation (51%), which generates high temperatures, resulting in fatigue and difficulty in breathing.

The installation of awnings can effectively address many of these issues, as the fabric can reflect, absorb, and filter the radiation.

Various materials available for the production of Welda awnings enhance your well-being through different types and methods:

• thermal comfort (high temperatures caused by rays): a solar factor measured according to standards;
• vision protection (reduction of brightness): in accordance with established standards;
• protection from UV rays (indicated by the UPF – Ultraviolet Protection Factor): the material’s ability to block UV rays;
• brightness in the area under the awning (psychological comfort): creating a warm or cool atmosphere.

The materials and fabric density play a crucial role in determining how much sunlight is reflected, absorbed, and transmitted.

The temperature variations above the fabric (absorbed heat) and below it (transmitted heat) indicate the insulating properties of the material.

These are the key factors that ARQUATI considers when designing and producing its range of fabrics.