If you’re looking for a way to make the most of your outdoor space regardless of what British weather throws at you, you’ve come to the right place.
What is an awning?
An awning is a sheet of high-quality, weather-resistant material stretched on a frame that serves as a shelter. Most of the time, awnings are installed on the exterior wall of your building. Sometimes, they are installed in other places like on top of a conservatory. Think of awnings as an extension of your home that gives you more control over your outdoor environment.
How do awnings work?
The basic principle is simple: awnings create a barrier between you and the elements. Retractable awnings can be extended when needed and retracted when not in use, either manually using a hand crank or automatically via an electric motor. Fixed awnings remain in place permanently.
The angle and positioning of an awning are crucial to its effectiveness. South and west-facing awnings provide maximum shade during the hottest parts of the day, while east-facing awnings protect from morning sun.
What are awnings made of?
Modern awnings utilise a range of materials. The fabric is typically made from acrylic or polyester. The fabric is water-resistant, UV-resistant, and treated to prevent mildew and fading.
The frame of an awning is usually made from aluminium or steel for durability and rust resistance. Other components of the awning like joints, springs, and other mechanical parts are usually made from weather-resistant plastics and metals.
Weinor awnings are particularly notable for their high-quality German engineering and premium materials that stand up to years of use in variable conditions.
Why were awnings invented and when?
Awnings have been around for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Syrians used woven mats to shade market stalls and homes. The Romans expanded on this concept with the velarium, massive retractable awnings that covered the Colosseum to protect spectators from sun and rain.
By the 19th century, awnings became popular fixtures on storefronts across Europe and America, providing shade for window displays and customers. Awnings were no longer just practical ways to stay cool, they began to become a part of architectural style and company branding.
Modern awnings as we know them today began to develop in the early 20th century, with technological advancements creating more durable, versatile, and user-friendly designs.
What are the benefits of awnings?
- Shade and UV protection: blocking harmful rays while allowing you to enjoy outdoor spaces.
- Temperature control: reducing indoor temperatures by preventing solar heat gain through your windows.
- Weather protection: creating outdoor spaces that you can still use even if it’s raining a little or the sun is intense.
- Extending your living space: transforming your patio or garden into a functional area for relaxing and entertaining.
- Improving curb appeal: adding some character to the outside of your home.
- Energy efficiency: reducing cooling costs by preventing direct sunlight from heating your rooms.
What are the different types of awnings?
Patio awnings
Patio awnings are typically retractable models that extend over decks or patio areas. They create instant outdoor ‘rooms’ where you can entertain, dine, or simply relax away from direct sunlight and light rain.
Retractable awnings
The best retractable awning systems offer flexibility that fixed awnings can’t match. When you want sun, simply retract the awning. When shade is needed, extend it fully or partially. These come in two main varieties:
- Manual: operated by a hand crank
- Electronic awnings: controlled by the push of a button, remote control, or even smartphone apps.
Window awnings
Smaller awnings designed specifically for windows help reduce glare and heat gain inside your home. They also add architectural interest to your exterior.
Vertical awnings
These drop down vertically rather than extending outward, making them ideal for low-angle sun protection on porches, verandas, or large windows.
Pergola awnings
Combining the solid structure of a pergola with retractable fabric, these create defined outdoor spaces with adjustable cover. The Weinor awning Pergotex II is a prime example. These options offer maximum stability, but they are better suited to larger gardens because of the amount of space required.
Conservatory awnings
Designed specifically to prevent conservatories from overheating in the summer. These are mounted above the glass roof of your conservatory and can reduce internal temperatures dramatically.
Balcony awnings
Compact designs that work in limited spaces. Perfect for apartment dwellers wanting to make the most of small outdoor areas.
What is a smart awning?
Smart awnings take convenience to the next level by incorporating:
- Sun sensors that automatically extend the awning when the sun reaches a certain intensity
- Wind sensors that retract the awnings in gusty conditions
- Rain sensors for automatic protection
- Temperature controls that work with your awning to maintain ideal conditions
- Integration with home automation systems like Google Home or Amazon Alexa
- Smartphone apps for remote control – even if you’re not at home
A smart or electronic awning is the best way to achieve optimal protection without constant manual adjustment.
What type of awning is best?
When considering the best awnings for homes, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on:
- What kind of outdoor space you have
- Local weather conditions
- How you plan to use the covered area
- Aesthetic preferences
- Budget considerations
For most UK homes, a high-quality retractable patio awning offers the most versatility. Weinor awning systems are consistently rated among the top performers for British weather conditions, combining excellent weather resistance with sleek design.
If convenience is your priority, electronic awnings with wind sensors and automatic controls might be worth the additional investment. These smart systems can detect weather changes and retract automatically to protect themselves from damage.
Are awnings worth it?
Absolutely. Consider these benefits:
- Extended living space at the fraction of the cost of a conservatory or extension
- Reduced energy bills from improved temperature control
- Protection for your outdoor furniture from UV damage and weathering
- Increased usability of your garden or patio throughout the year
- More curb appeal and higher property value when you want to sell
Are awnings waterproof?
Most modern awnings are water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. Quality fabrics repel light to moderate rainfall, allowing you to keep enjoying your outdoor space during gentle showers. However, awnings are not designed to handle heavy downpours or persistent rain. The fabric needs to be pitched at a proper angle to prevent water pooling, which could damage the fabric and frame.
Weinor awning models feature particularly effective water-resistance treatments and proper tensioning systems to improve their performance in wet conditions.
Can awnings withstand wind?
Wind tolerance varies by model and quality. Most quality retractable awnings can handle light to moderate breezes (winds up to about 24mph). Premium electronic awnings often include wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when winds exceed safe levels, protecting your investment from damage. Without these sensors, you’ll need to manually retract your awning when winds pick up.
Can you leave an awning up all year?
While fixed awnings are designed for year-round exposure, retractable awnings should be retracted when:
- Not in use
- During high winds
- During heavy rain or snow
- When leaving your property for extended periods
In winter, many homeowners choose to remove the front bar and fabric of retractable awnings and store them until spring, particularly in areas prone to snow or freezing conditions.
Can awnings be used in winter?
Yes, but with limitations. On mild, sunny winter days, an awning can create a pleasant outdoor space by blocking low winter sun. Some homeowners combine their awnings with outdoor heaters and LED lighting to extend their use into the colder months. However, awnings aren’t designed for snow loads, so you’ll need to retract them if there’s snow in the forecast and during extra cold conditions that might lead to ice build up.
Do you need planning permission to put up an awning?
Generally, awnings fall under permitted development rights for most residential properties, meaning planning permission isn’t usually required. However, exceptions apply for:
- Listed buildings
- Conservation areas
- Awnings that project over public highways
- Very large installations
Do awnings add value to your home?
Awnings definitely add to the marketability of your property by improving curb appeal. Having a well looked after awning demonstrates your care and investment in the property. It also adds a premium feature that stands out in listings, as it offers potential buyers an immediately usable outdoor space. Estate agents often highlight quality outdoor living features like premium awnings in property descriptions, recognising their appeal to buyers.
Are awnings outdated?
Far from it! While basic canvas awnings might evoke nostalgia for shop fronts of the past, modern retractable awnings have evolved into sophisticated, high-tech additions to contemporary homes.
With sleek profiles, designer fabrics, and smart home integration, today’s best awnings for homes complement modern architectural styles while providing practical benefits. The clean lines and premium materials of Weinor awning systems, for example, add to rather than detract from contemporary home designs.
How to find your perfect awning
Whether you’re looking for a patio awning in Solihull, researching the best retractable awning for your specific needs, or exploring electronic awnings with smart features, the right awning can really transform how you use your home.
With proper selection, installation, and maintenance, a quality awning is an investment that will benefit your lifestyle for many years to come.
Contact our team of awning specialists today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you choose the perfect solution from your home, from style and fabric to smart features that make outdoor living effortless. Call us today or visit our showroom to see and experience our options in person.
