An awning is a type of roof structure that is made up of plastic or canvas while serving as shelter over the windows, storefront, and deck. The canvas roof is actually supported by a frame to offer added protection against the weather. The frame may be constructed of aluminum made in aluminum sheets. Both commercial and residential spaces may use folding arm awnings. The use of an awning is to reduce the glare of the sun, protect the interiors and windows from the harmful rays of the sun. It not only offers shade but also reduces heat.
There are various kinds of folding arm awnings available and choices can be made as per preference. An awning should be stylish, functional and should also blend well on the interior. A lateral arm retractable awning is the awning that may be rolled and closed as and when needed. There is no support post which is usually found in canopies or fixed awning. The design of this awning is simple.
 |
| Folding Arm Awnings |
There are various components of retractable awning:
Among the various components of a retractable awning, you must know about the following:
- The frame is the skeleton of a retractable awning which is constituted of components such as mounting bars, roller tube, and arms
- The mounting bar is the base of this awning which is mounted. When you retract the awning, the fabric of the awning rolls around the roller tube which is attached to the mounting bar.
- Arms are the part of the awning frame that tends to open when you extend the awning and fold when the awning is rolled in.
- Shoulder refers to the joints on the awning arms attached to the mounting bar.
- The front bar is the extrusion placed at the front of an awning frame.
- The hood covers the retractable awning fabric and the frame. It protects the frame, the motor, and the fabric.
- Valance is the piece of fabric that may be a few inches high and hangs from the front bar.
- Canopy is the waterfall-style awning of retractable style.
Various styles of folding arm awnings:
There are various types and styles of retractable awning available and they are distinguished on the basis of the frame. The following are some of them:
- The folding arm awning is the most common awning which has 2 or 3 arms. It has the fabric, the front bar, and the mounting bar. The style of lateral arm awning is scalable and extendable.
- Dome is again retractable awning that has curved ribs. When you extend this awning, it takes a rounded shape. When compared to lateral arm awning, it has a shorter extension. If the dome is elongated, the projection will be longer. Dome awning is used in commercial properties mainly.
- Drop screen is again retractable awning that mounts vertically while extends downwards. As the awning has drop-down pattern, there are no arms. Drop screen is mostly used for gazebos, patios, outdoor areas to safeguard the space from UV rays, rainfall, pollen, direct rays of the sun.
 |
| Folding Arm Awnings |
You may use certain accessories to use the folding arm awnings
When it comes to folding arm awnings, you may use several accessories to make things simple. By using them, the awning will be easy to operate. An anemometer may be used to monitor the wind and sensors can be used to detect atmospheric conditions.
The material is the indicator of quality
For folding arm awnings, of the material should be of high quality. They may be solution-dyed acrylic or canvas. For the awning frame, PVC, cables, powder-coated aluminum can be used.
Before you start the installation of the awning, you need to know the exact size of an awning to be used, the exact location, and its positioning. If the awning is of good quality, it may sustain wind and harsh weather conditions.