A
Arm bearing
The arm bearings are central components of every awning: located at the pivotal centre of each awning arm, they ensure a friction-free transfer of force and lateral stability, for example upon exposure to a strong wind. Teflon- coated bronze bushes, which you will find in many of the models, provide the best guarantee for longevity and simple, trouble-free operation.
B
Bending folds
occur during manufacture and when the cover is folded. A dark line can become visible in back light particularly in the case of light colours.
Brand-name acrylic
The cover material used is always either acrylic or polyester fibre (see sunsilk). Acrylics display a particularly high level of stability when exposed to the aggressive power of the sun. Unprotected fibres in polyester, cotton, nylon, polyethylene etc. lose a considerable degree of their tear resistance after a number of years. The ultra-violet rays of the sun affect acrylic fabrics to a very limited extent only. In addition to this, acrylic as a basic substance protects the colour particles in the fibres, meaning that the colour remains bright and fresh longer.
C
Component parts
Component parts such as the housing profile, top gutter etc. are all manufactured in extruded aluminium – this limits the weight of the unit and increase its stability. Of major importance is its impressive lifespan, it is almost indestructible and continues to look good for many years.
D
Drop
The drop is the technical term for the length of when completely extended (when measured from the wall to the external edge of the front profile).
Drop-forged aluminium
The processing form of aluminium for three-dimensional parts with extreme tensile strength and a relatively high degree of elasticity. These characteristics contrast with aluminium die casting, which is very hard and brittle and is never used.
E
Ease of care
Dirt caused by air pollution is best removed at regular intervals whilst the cover is dry, using a brush. Small stains should be treated as follows:
- Hand wash programme at approx. 30° C using commercial powder for delicate articles
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards with clear water
- Repeat this process until the fabric is clean (washing powder residue must be
completely removed) - Towel dry
- If any local waterproofing is necessary use a tent waterproofing spray.
Electric drive
Electric drive of the awnings is an option, and this is driven by so-called tubular motors, which are fitted into the cover rollers. This means not only that the motor is almost entirely invisible, but also that it is reliably protected from weather damage. A power supply at 230 V is required and this should be fitted by a specialist.
Electric drive with radio-control (see also electric drive)
These tubular motors are radio-controlled. No switch assembly is required and instead a small hand-held transmitter provides the necessary signal. The advantages of this technology are the quick and easy assembly, and the fact that the awning can be controlled from any location, with a range of up to 300 meters.
Extruded aluminium
Aluminium is a light and strong material that can be shaped at very high temperatures and with the application of extreme pressure, in a similar manner to pastry. This method allows the production of very complex forms, even with considerable lengths. For this reason all longer parts, as well as many brackets, are produced from extruded aluminium. The most common method of processing extruded aluminium is the simple use of sawing. The material preservation takes the form of polyester powder coating or anodising, which is a special method of corrosion protection. The advantages of extruded aluminium are a high degree of elasticity combined with an extreme tensile strength.
F
Folding-arm mechanisms
The folding arms are extended and retracted using either gas piston-tensioned arms or durable steel chains: also available as the most simple and robust option are twin chains, with corrosion protection. Gas tensioned arms are an economical alternative. All mechanisms guarantee an excellent level of user comfort and a high tension cover. Even if you don’t want to completely extend.
foremost rod
The foremost rod on the awning is commonly known as the front profile or moving arm part. When one talks of front profiles one is referring to the struts, pipe-like in shape, to which the awning arms and the cover are both fastened. If necessary, the valance is also attached to the front profile. Moving arm parts are what is referred to in the case of cassette awnings, because these front profiles are somewhat larger in design and come together to close over the awning housing when the awning is retracted.
G
Galvanising
A highly durable level of steel protection against rust is achieved with the help of galvanising. Even scratches can be “healed” with the aid of galvanising, meaning that a scratched surface can still remain rust-free. The durable nature of galvanised steel is clearly demonstrated in everyday life by street lamps.
H
Hinged joints
hinged joints are all produced in aluminium – except for our most exclusive models, in which they are manufactured in steel. Both materials guarantee a smooth motion and longevity.
Housing profile
One must decide whether to select an awning with an open unit, which can be fitted with a top gutter to protect the retracted cover (additional charge), or a cassette awning, which is completely protected when the cover is retracted. Cassette awnings also have a housing, which is able to accommodate all of the awning technology and the retracted cover. The housing profiles are generally manufactured in aluminium.
M
Mounting
Depending entirely on preference almost all models can be mounted to either a wall or a roof. This procedure currently requires a special console.Mounting console
Mounting console
The mounting console is the term for the bracket element that is screwed to the wall, the roof or the eaves and on to which the awning is subsequently hung. In the case of open folding-arm awnings, the suspension tube is hung on the console, whilst with cassette awnings the entire housing is mounted to the console.
Moving arm part
The moving arm part is the foremost seal. It closes flush together with the cassette when the awning is in its retracted position.
P
Pitch angle
The pitch angle will be individually set by the specialist fitter during assembly. If you would like to set the pitch angle yourself, then you will require pitch adjustment gear, which is available as an optional extra with a number of models.
Polyester powder coating
When a polyester powder coating is applied, the powder is sprayed on the substrate and this is then placed in an oven where it is “baked” to form a sealed coating. There are considerable advantages in using polyester powder coating. No solvent can remove the coating, as can happen with regular paint, and the polyester powder coating is also particularly tough. This is of great benefit when compared to brittle paints, which can become chipped when exposed to this type of environmental exposure.
R
Bending folds
occur during manufacture and when the cover is folded. A dark line can become visible in back light particularly in the case of light colours.
Rain flow
Every awning may become wet at some point in time: and, depending on the awning style, there are a number of different drainage designs used to aid the removal of rain and water residue. If the awning is retracted whilst wet, then it must be extended again as soon as the next dry weather opportunity arises.
Rain sensor
Awning materials have no need to fear the rain. However, many owners do prefer to protect their awning system from the rain where possible. An electrical contact measures the air for wet weather, and if rain does start to fall the awning is automatically retracted.
Resistance to rain
see Waterproofness
Roller support bracket
The union pieces are known as roller support brackets (usually manufactured in aluminium). These are located at the external ends of the awning and connect the cover to the suspension tube.
Rollers
Rollers are the rotating, bearings-mounted shafts, most commonly found on the upper outside edge of the awning. The awning cover is wound around them. Thus they are sometimes also referred to as winding rollers. The greater the degree of droop seen in the roller, the more the cover itself will droop. The aim of a good awning design therefore is to ensure that the roller remains as rigid as possible. This is often achieved by increasing the size of the roller diameter. Only rollers with a diameter of 85 mm are used for folding-arm awnings. Awnings are available from market competitors in diameters of 78 mm and 63 mm.
Rolltex bearing
In the case of a very wide awning system, it is possible that a small degree of drooping may occur at the centre of the cover: a supporting rolltex bearing is installed in such cases, in to prevent the fabric from rubbing against the design elements during extension and retraction.
S
Shadeplus
Shadeplus is a creation whereby a small rotating union is built into the front profile, around which a retractable valance is wound. Shadeplus is available in retractable lengths of between 1.5 m and 2.1 m. Shadeplus withholds a certain percentage of the day’s heat, allowing you to sit out on your patio for longer in the evening, whilst also providing you with an added degree of privacy. This also effectively creates an additional open-air room in your home. Shadeplus is usually extended and retracted using a winding handle.
Stretching of the side lengths
The cover is usually kept permanently taut using an active spring system. Seams and hems have a reinforcing effect but must also take the most strain. When the cover is rolled up the hems and seams lay on top of one another, this increases the pressure and tension even more. Seams and hems are pressed flat and increase in length. When the awning is moved out this can lead to the side seams hanging down slightly.
Sun sensor
Many awnings are installed in order to prevent the heat of the sun from warming the lounge or bedroom during the day. In such cases it would be practical if the awning were able to extend automatically when the sun starts to shine, and retract once again if the clouds come out. A sun sensor, combined with a wind sensor, has been designed for this very purpose. This provides you with the added assurance that the awning will be retracted if the wind becomes too strong for the system, even if this occurs whilst the sun is still shining.
sunsilk
sunsilk is the brand name of a newly developed awning fabric, manufactured from polyester. The special thing about sunsilk is that it contains a new UV blocker that thoroughly protects both the fabric and the fibres from bleaching and the solar-related destruction of fabric tear resistance. The fabric is smoother and is thus also less prone to becoming dirty than regular acrylic materials (see brand-name acrylic). The fabric is also lighter and slightly thinner than acrylic fabrics, meaning that the colours emit a more intensive light beneath the awning. sunsilk is tear resistant and more tolerant of bending and abrasions than the regular brand-name acrylic awning fabrics.
Suspension tube
The suspension tube is generally a steel tube to which the awning arms are attached, via the roller support bracket, the roller and the consoles. In many cases, cassette awnings do not have a suspension tube because the cassette housing provides the requisite support itself. Suspension tubes are required to bend as little as possible, whilst transferring the enormous forces that are fed from the cover to the whole frame and the consoles. The largest possible awning suspension tube diameter provides the greatest possible bending stiffness.
T
Teflon-coated bronze bushes
For centuries bronze has been used in applications in which it is essential that reliable functionality be guaranteed, even under the most adverse external conditions such as ocean travel. Teflon produces an extremely smooth surface, which makes the additional application of lubrication unnecessary under normal circumstances.
transolair
transolair is the household name of an awning material in brand-name acrylic with a special lattice design. This allows for a very good degree of shade, whilst simultaneously providing a clear view. These materials are therefore particularly well suited to situations where the awning user requires both shade and a view at the same time. transolair is an excellent choice for conservatory and window blinds. The specifications and EU computer screen requirements are even fulfilled with darker coloured designs.
V
Valances
Valances are awning covers that hang from the front profile to provide additional decoration. They are included in the scope of deliverables and can also be ordered as optional extras in various designs.
Valances
Valances are awning covers that hang from the front profile to provide additional decoration. They are included in the scope of deliverables and can also be ordered as optional extras in various designs.
W
Waterproofing
The waterproofing of awning covers does not only protect them from rain through its water beading effect, but also guards against grease-based dirt. Even oil will bead in the same way as water when it comes into contact with this material.
Waterproofness/resistance to rain
Polyacrylic sun protection fabric is impregnated with a water-resistant finish and remains resistant to rain during a short, light shower of rain with good care and a pitch angle of at least 14°. During longer periods and/or heavy rainfall the awning must remain closed or rolled up in order to avoid damage. Should the cover have become wet the awning must be extended for drying at a later time.
Waviness in the seam and length area
can occur in the side seams, in the vicinity of the seams and in the centre of the lengths. The cover is laid double on the seams. This results in different rolling diameters.
The tension that arises due to the folding arms and the drooping of the roller tube and/or the front profile can promote these effects. Waviness can form if a water pocket forms during strong rain. Requirements such as waterproofness, rigidity, dirt and water repellent properties, tearing and breaking strength, colour fastness and many other properties are determined, measured and guaranteed for each cover by the weaver. Although only first class examined cloth is used in manufacture, perfection has limits.
Wind sensor
see sun sensor
Winding handles
The folding arm awnings can be operated either by a winding handle or electric motor. Those who opt for the winding handle do not have to lose out on comfort because of the winding handle that sits particularly comfortably in the hand.
