You know you have a problem. Your outdoor space is unusable during peak hours, your home is uncomfortably warm on sunny days because of your large windows, or customers avoid your storefront when the sun is beating down. You’ve probably considered awnings, but how do you know which type solves your specific issue?
Let’s start with the problems you’re facing and work backwards to find the right solution.
Table of Contents
- Problem #1: Unbearable heat on patios and decks
- Problem #2: Skyrocketing energy bills
- Problem #3: Furniture and flooring fading fast
- Problem #4: Customers avoiding your business
- Problem #5: Unpredictable weather ruining your plans
- Problem #6: Glare making indoor spaces unusable
- Problem #7: No protection from rain
- Problem #8: Limited space or architectural constraints
- Deciding between different types of awnings
Problem #1: Unbearable heat on patios and decks
Your outdoor space feels as hot as a furnace by 10AM. Nobody wants to sit outside, your garden furniture is too hot to touch, and you’re missing out on months of potential outdoor living.
The solution: Retractable awnings are your best bet. Here’s why:
- Extend them during peak sun hours (usually 10AM to 4PM)
- Retract them for evening breezes and stargazing
- Manual options are available for those on a lower budget
- Motorised versions can adjust themselves instantly as weather conditions change
Alternative solutions:
- Pergolas create more of an ‘outdoor room’ feeling, if you want defined space
- Pergolas also work if your patio gets consistent sun exposure and you don’t mind the permanent look
Problem #2: Skyrocketing energy bills
Maybe you’ve got a house with large, south-facing windows. Or maybe you work in an office in a tall building that gets lots of sun. Either way, your cooling costs double in summer because the sun beats through your windows all day, heating up your interior and forcing your AC to work overtime.
The solution: Window awnings or external screens provide the best return on investment.
- Blocks large amounts of solar heat before it can enter your windows
- Helps you save money on energy bills in the long term
- South and west-facing windows see the biggest impact
Why window awnings or external screens work better than other options for this problem:
- Always in place during peak sun hours (unlike retractable models that might be forgotten about)
- Made to measure, so they’ll cover the entire window area effectively
- No moving parts that can fail during critical summer months
Problem #3: Furniture and flooring fading fast
Your outdoor furniture looks like it’s been through a decade of use after one summer. Your sofa that sits near the window is bleaching, and your hardwood floors are developing light spots where the sun hits.
The solution: External screens with UV-blocking fabric stops the damage
- External screens can block up to 98-99% of UV rays
- Protects both your outdoor furniture and indoor furnishings near windows
- Prevents flooring damage that can cost thousands to repair
For targeted protection, drop arm awnings work well for specific problem windows without covering too much of your outdoor space.
Problem #4: Customers avoiding your business
Potential customers walk past your storefront instead of stopping because of glare, heat, or lack of weather protection. Your outdoor seating area sits empty during peak business areas.
The solution: Commercial storefront awnings solve multiple problems at once:
- Reduces glare that makes window shopping impossible
- Creates a comfortable transition space between street and store
- Provides weather protection that encourages foot traffic
- Acts as signage and a branding opportunity
- Increases usable commercial space with covered outdoor areas
For restaurants specifically:
- Large awnings or pergolas over outdoor seating areas let you adapt to weather while maximising capacity during good conditions.
Problem #5: Unpredictable weather ruining your plans
You need shade protection most days, but sudden storms or high winds make you worry about damage to your awning. You want the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
The solution: Motorised retractable awnings give you weather responsiveness:
- Extend for shade or shelter from light showers, retract for storms
- Smart models can automatically retract when their wind sensors detect dangerous conditions
- One-button operation means you’ll actually use your awning – manual awnings often get ignored
- The fabric lasts a lot longer because it’s stored safely away during harsh weather
Budget alternative: Manual retractable awnings work if you’re committed to operating them regularly, but most people underestimate how long they’ll skip the crank operation.
Problem #6: Glare making indoor spaces unusable
Certain rooms become unbearable during peak sun hours. You can’t watch TV, work on a computer, or even sit comfortably because of the harsh light streaming through your windows.
The solution: Drop arm awnings provide targeted relief
- Block direct sunlight while maintaining airflow – that’s something you can’t do with blinds or shutters
- Less expensive to cover a problem window than an entire outdoor window
- Can be retractable for seasonal adjustment
- Works well on second-storey windows where other awning types won’t fit
For severe glare problems, combine drop arm awnings with light-filtering blinds for maximum control.
Problem #7: No protection from rain
You need your outdoor space to be usable during light rain. Or you need to protect customers and merchandise from weather while maintaining an open, welcoming storefront.
The solution: Awnings or pergolas made from waterproof materials
- Pergolas are designed to be permanent structures that offer complete rain protection
- Sloped designs ensure proper water runoff
- Metal structures offer maximum durability for harsher weather
For variable conditions, retractable awnings let you extend protection when needed without permanent weather exposure.
Problem #8: Limited space or architectural constraints
You want the benefits of an awning but you have limited clearance, architectural restrictions, or existing structures that complicate installation.
The solution depends on your specific constraint:
- Some awnings integrate with existing structures, for example, you can have one fitted within your conservatory
- Drop arm awnings work where some traditional awnings won’t fit
- Custom awnings can solve some architectural challenges. Consult with us if you have a unique problem to solve.
Deciding between different types of awnings
Now that you’ve identified your primary problem, here’s how to choose between solutions:
- If weather varies significantly, invest in retractable options. Preferably motorised for regular use.
- If this is a commercial application, factor in customer comfort and business impact, not just personal preferences.
- If you’re unsure about size, err on the side of more coverage. Undersized awnings rarely solve the original problem effectively.
- If you have multiple problems, prioritise the most expensive one.
If you’re still unsure about how to choose the right type of awning, visit our showroom or contact us to book a free consultation. We stock many different forms of external solar shading from market leading brands like Markilux and Luxaflex, and we’d be happy to talk you through the options and give you live demonstrations on how these products work.
