Advice on buying and owning an awning

Yes they will but you won't be able to see the lovely day outside!

Whether the curtains are closed or not, once the heat is through the glass your interior room temperature will rise. An awning keeps the room cool by casting a shadow on the window and blocking sunlight from reaching the glass.

That very much depends on the application and the window but it should extend past the window opening by at least 200mm (8 inches) if possible. The projection depends upon how much of your patio you want to cover but generally the maximum projection will be about 500mm (20 inches) less than the width.

A maximum projection of 3500mm (140 inches) is recommended.. The amount of shade you get will vary with the time of year.

The awning will be fitted with substantial bolts, drill size 10/12mm (1/2 inch), so the wall needs to be in good condition. Deans surveyor will check it out to make sure and most problems can be overcome by using special plates to spread the load or chemical fixings to bind together a suspect area. Sometimes special extension brackets may be required - especially on bungalows or single storey extensions.

The higher the awning can be fitted the greater the pitch and the stronger it will be but you should try to obtain at least a 10 degree angle

Yes, you can but awnings can be heavy and contain very powerful springs which can be dangerous if not handled with great care. The installation of an awning should not be considered unless you are experienced at the more sophisticated levels of DIY and have appropriate tools and access equipment. See Our DIY section for self fit awnings

Patio awnings are specifically intended as providers of shade and are not to be left out in windy conditions. Awnings will withstand a surprising amount of wind and rain - as can be seen on many UK High Streets - but they are not all designed for this sort of application. We recommend the use of automatic wind sensors for all awnings.

In controlled environments awnings can stand wind speeds of 50 MPH or more but in the natural environment the wind gusts and can change direction rapidly making it unpredictable. As a rule of thumb if you are comfortable to be sitting outside then the awning is likely to be perfectly safe. The greater the pitch (slope) of the awning the greater resistance to wind it will have.

You may leave the awning out in light rain and your awning may well save the day in a shower affected barbecue but you should not allow water to pool on the cover and, if you have to retract it whilst still wet then open the awning to allow it to dry as soon as possible.

We suggest you look at the Pergotenda all weather awning system which has been tested up to Force 8 on the Beaufort scale.

Just leave it where it is - it will come to no harm. You may wish to slide off the removable valance but may be surprised at how much you want to use it in the winter especially when the sun is low.  Do not operate your awning if it is frozen shut nor allow snow to accumulate on it.

Whilst awnings are easy to operate with the standard winding handle it is so much easier to just press a switch, activate the remote or just let the automatic function take over. So many electrical options are available that there is bound to be one that suits you. Power draw is very low and a normal 13 amp supply is sufficient.

The frame is made from powdercoated aluminium so it will last a very long time and stay looking good if you just wash it down with soapy water occasionally. Deans use solution dyed rot proof polyacrylic fabrics for the covers which are uv and soil resistant view the colours here Deans Blinds and Awnings - Swela awning fabrics.