Summer. A time to cherish all those warm, lazy days. Days where eating al fresco is commonplace. From the garden to cobbled high streets, time spent outdoors does wonders for our bodies and minds. As we steep through the brisk chill of January, what could be better than planning in advance for the sun’s imminent arrival? In light of this, Lifestyle Blinds are proud to announce the launch of our brand new measure and fit awnings. They are deal for both residential and commercial properties. Our shade providing devices ensure you’re able to make the most of any outdoor space.

What exactly are awnings?

Awnings are a canvas or material sheet that is stretched across a frame. They are used to keep the sun off of a window, doorway or, amusingly, a ship’s deck. These secondary coverings are attached directly to the exterior wall of a building. Awnings cover a large area and are made to suit your requirements. For commercial buildings, awnings can provide an additional marketing opportunity. Companies can display their business name and contact details on the stretched material.

Hand operated awnings were once the norm. To retract the cover, the owner would have to roll up the material by hand. Today awnings can either be fully automatic or constructed for manual control depending on your needs. They are made-to-measure according to your specifications. Our expert team will also measure and fit your awning for convenience. One of the most popular aspects of these covers is their ability to be adjusted as need be. Not every sunny day requires full coverage. Indeed, in the cooler months of Spring, shade can make an outdoor dining experience uncomfortable. Patio awnings can be extended out and rolled in as the sun moves across the sky. This offers the owner greater control over their outdoor space.

Awnings for commercial properties

You will regularly spot retractable awnings on restaurants and cafes. They have long been a popular choice; favoured for their cost-effective manufacture. Their ability to be personalised and adjustability are also key benefits. Some of the main benefits for commercial awnings includes:

• Marketing opportunity – Awnings offer the perfect way to boost your brand’s visibility. Display your logo directly on to the fabric for an additional marketing avenue. Especially for restaurants, this is an good way of catching the eye of potential customers while also indicating that you cater for outdoor dining.
• Energy efficient – Awnings provide shade for the space inside your windows when fully extended. This reduces the amount of heat absorbed through the glass. In many ways, this is similar to the job of windows blinds. They help to improve your usage of cooling equipment, reducing your heating bills and helping to minimise your carbon footprint.
• Customer comfort – Creating a space where customers can dine outside adds appeal. This is universal across restaurants, bars and cafes. It gives another option to potential visitors and offers a unique experience.

Awnings for residential properties

Awnings are also a functional option for your home. They offer a wealth of stylish and beneficial functions to your outdoor space.

• Shade – Increased shade is the biggest benefit. Summer sun, specifically that from the North West can be particularly intense. If your family consists of the young and the old, shade is the best way to ensure everyone can enjoy outdoor activities. Garden awnings offer control over the shade and which areas are covered. They shade your garden windows, reducing heat absorption in your home significantly. This ensures it feels just as comfortable when you move back in.
• Rain barrier – Awnings give coverage from Summer showers. Even when the heavens open, your family can enjoy the outdoors for longer when nestled underneath.
• Personal style – If you’re someone who loves style and design, awnings are perfect. They come in a range of styles, shades, patterns and fabrics. And, if the garden is your pride and joy, house awnings only help to accentuate its beauty. By providing outdoor seating, your guests can enjoy the fruits of your labour.
• UV Ray protection – Not only do they offer shade. Awnings also give you protection against UV rays. Over time, this minimises the harmful exposure and its effects on the skin while encouraging guests to breathe in fresh air.
• Integrated design – Awnings retract in on themselves. The frame sits close to your building walls, integrating into the look of the property without causing unnecessary bulk. So, if you’ve spent months perfecting the rendering and external look of your home, awnings will help to accentuate rather than damage it.

The Awning Collection

Our brand new range meets the needs of both commercial and residential property owners. These UK manufactured awnings are designed to combine bespoke design with durable construction. We currently have over 200 different awning fabrics to choose from, ensuring your chosen design fits effortlessly into your home. And, each of our options meets all UK health and safety standards for added peace of mind. In total, we currently hold 6 different awning styles to suit your needs.

The A101 Bobcat

The perfect blend between efficiency, strength and lightweight design. The Bobcat is an elegant awning which sits beautifully in residential environments. It has an aerodynamic silhouette and a design which conceals the mechanical features effortlessly. A corrosion resistant powder coating offers external protection with the added benefit of stainless steel components. The most versatile feature of the Bobcat is its ability to be adjusted in pitch from 15-degrees through to 66-degrees. So no matter the length of your outdoor space or the area you’re looking to cover, it provides an ample solution.

The A101 Puma

Ideal for both residential and commercial buildings, the Puma is a compact option. When retracted in, it sits comfortably within a concealed cassette; protecting the fabric and the mechanism from external damage. This awning has a simple design and is made using the highest quality brackets to promote longevity. As with the Bobcat, it can be made using over 200 different awning fabrics so your business branding or personal interior style needn’t be hindered. The Puma is also available with either a mechanical gearbox or an RTS Somfy Motor option, depending on your nee.

The A101 Tiger

The Tiger is designed to withstand a whole host of different weather conditions and elements. Effectively reduce wear and tear with the sleek and compact design. It offers exceptional weather protection and has the strength to withstand strong rains and winds. The inclusion of SPLENDOR invisible arm tensioning provides additional strength and durability along with corrosion resistant, powder coated hardware. Again, the Tiger is operated using the RTS Somfy Motor operation, a feature we will touch on later in this post.

The A101 Jaguar

Noted as the strongest non-cassette patio awning manufactured here in the UK, this awning is able to withstand the strongest winds. Again, corrosion resistant and powder coated aluminium hardware merges with stainless steel components for strength. It can be adjusted between 15-degrees and 45-degrees in pitch and has the option of either face-fix or top-fix installation. This awning is ideal for both commercial and residential properties with the ability to extend up to 4000m if required.

The A101 Panther

The Panther is the strongest patio awning made here in the UK. Like the Jaguar, it can extend up to 4000m in projection while withstanding the strongest winds. For added stability, the awning features multiple installation points and cross-over arm options to suit your individual requirements. Perfect for larger patios and commercial buildings, it can be operated either mechanically or via the RTS Somfy Motor operation. Choose the Panther for commercial properties and your beloved garden where relaxing with family is vital.

The A101 Ocelot

If you’re seeking a neat and elegant look, the Ocelot is the ideal choice. It offers cost-effective design along with both shading and screening. A fixed pivot point allows the pitch adjusts 0 – 60-degrees. When retracted, the Ocelot sits compactly within a slim and flush cassette, offering weather protection and integrated design. A mechanical gearbox or the RTS Somfy Motor operation are your two options for power.

Operation – The RTS Somfy Motor

If you choose an automated motor for your electric awning, you benefit from a whole host of features. A remote controls these mechanisms. This allows you to sit comfortably while adjusting the shade coverage and means you can suit everyone’s individual needs. Automatic motors also help to maintain taut canvas across the frame and provide a gentle operation that minimises wear and tear.

Somfy Smart Home

Another way to improve the ease and usability of your awning is through the Somfy Smart Home system. The system connects from anywhere in the world through your smartphone or tablet. Your voice controls the settings and adjustments. By downloading the TaHoma app, you can adjust the coverage of your awnings according to the sun exposure or create the perfect haven to return to after a long trip. Just another reason why our commercial and retractable patio awnings are perfect for every type of family home.