Awning Technical Guide

Patio Awnings (also known as Folding Arm Awnings) have in the past few years gained increase popularity and adorn the facades of all types of properties from homes and shops, to pubs and restaurants and even schools and offices. Patio awnings are available in a variety of fabric designs and std framework colours. They also benefit from slimline measurements making them particularly attractive to the eye.

Common definitions used throughout:

Extruded Aluminium
Used where a continuous piece of the same 2 dimensional shape is required such as the patio awning profiles and arm sections. Aluminium is a light and strong material, which usually is polyester powder coated for corrosion protection. Polyester powder coating is extremely durable and tough.

Alloy Cast
Used at points where a 3 dimensional joint is required such as the knuckle joint on the folding arm elbow.

Stainless Steel
Used for the pins that connect the folding arm to the front and rear adaptors. Also all the adjustment nuts and bolts plus screws etc are manufactured from this. The benefit of stainless steel is that it will not rust and has a high tensile strength.

TYPES OF SYSTEM

Cassette System
There are two common types of cassette system; full cassette or semi cassette. A full cassette system consists of extruded aluminium profiles to all aspects of the patio awning (top, bottom, front, back) so when the patio awning is retracted the fabric, arms and all integral components are protected from the elements. A semi cassette system has a similar principal to the above, except when retracted usually only the fabric is in full protection from the elements, the arms are generally exposed.

Open System
As the name suggests an open system when retracted is exposed to the elements. Usually a protective extruded aluminium cover board is fitted above with cheeks to the side which helps protect the fabric from the elements, however, visually the fabric, folding arms etc can still be seen from underneath.

End Fix
Meaning the patio awning is secured to the wall by two fixing brackets, one at each end. This limits the size of the awning to usually around upto 5.5m width x upto 3m projection.

Multiple Fix
Meaning fixing brackets can be positioned throughout the width of the patio awning allowing the patio awning to go up to greater widths 7m and beyond and larger projections upto 4m.

COMPONENTS

Torsion Bar
This runs the entire length of the patio awning and is usually either manufactured from a rigid extruded aluminium section or a galvanised steel section generally 50mmx30mm with a wall thickness of 2.5mm. All the components for the patio awning attach to this and this is what the fixing brackets attach to to hold the patio awning to the wall. Some cassette systems, generally end fixing, do not require this as they are built round an extruded end block that holds all the components.

Roller Tube
Runs the entire width of the patio awning and its function is to provide the roll for the fabric. Usually 70mm / 78mm in diameter and generally manufactured from galvanised steel. A longitudinal groove is used to provide attachment for the fabric - a pocket on the back of the material containing a plastic rod called insert is slid down this groove providing the attachment of the fabric onto the roller tube.

End Bung
A rigid plastic bung that fits into the end of the roller tube with a metal pin that locates into the roller tube support bracket. A bung with a round pin, also known as the dummy bung, is located in one end of the roller tube to create the lazy end (non drive end) and a bung with a square pin, also know as the geared bung, located the other end to fit into the gear box drive mechanism allowing the roller tube to turn. If the patio awning is motorised the geared bung is not required as the tubular motor slots into the roller tube and locks into a bracket attached to the roller tube support.

Roller Tube Support
Attached to the torsion bar and supports the roller tube via the bungs and motor attachment to bracket. Manufactured from extruded aluminium. On end fix patio awnings this is not required as the main end block serves this function.

Folding Arm
Keeps the fabric under consistent tension. Extruded aluminium front and back section connected via a cast aluminium knuckle joint in the centre and adaptors at the front (front profile clamp) and rear (arm block) to connect to the front profile and rear torsion bar or end block. Springs contained within the back section of the arm are pulled under tension via either cables or a chain, which lock off in the front section of the arm just after the knuckle joint. The folding arm never fully opens straight (there is always a slight bend). Generally available in sizes upto 4m projection.

Arm Support (Arm Block)
This attaches the folding arm to the torsion bar or end block via a stainless steel pin and contains the adjustment bolts to alter the pitch of the folding arm. Usually manufactured from extruded aluminium with a cast alloy blocking to the side where the folding arm attaches.

Front Profile Clamp
Similar to the arm support in design except this holds the folding arm to the front profile. Usually manufactured from extruded aluminium with a cast alloy blocking to the side where the folding arm attaches.

Front Profile (Lead Rail)
The leading edge of the folding arm awning manufactured from extruded aluminium. The front profile contains two longitudinal grooves that allow the main fabric cover and the free hanging decorative frill known as the valance to attach to. Attachment of the fabric is the same principle as the attachment of the fabric to the roller tube.

Closure Guides
Used to close the front profile smoothly and correctly into the cassette casing. Closure guides are usually manufactured from aluminium and are fitted to the front profile with a corresponding guide within the cassette.

Fixing Brackets
Used to attach the patio awning to the wall via the torsion bar or end block. Securing grub screws or bolts lock the patio awning securely into the brackets. The fixing bracket is usually manufactured from extruded aluminium and contains a series of holes to allow fixings through into the wall.

MATERIAL

The most important and conspicuous part of any patio awning

Acrylic
A spun dyed woven acrylic fabric with a special coating to make water repellent and give the material protection against the elements; mould, algae, fungi growth etc. The fabric is also colour, light and weather fast and holds its shape even when under consistent tension. Can be branded with names and logos via traditional sign writing (hand painted on) or modern day processes like digital and screen-printing.

TYPES OF OPERATION

Electric Operation
A tubular motor is contained within the roller tube of the patio awning and activated by a transmitter, most commonly a radio controlled handset. The extension and retraction of the patio awning is set on limits that are usually programmed in the factory at the time of manufacture. Sensors (wind or sun and wind) are also available to automatically extend/retract the patio awning subject to the ambient conditions.

Manual Operation
A gearbox is usually attached to a roller tube support located at the end of the patio awning. The gearbox has a square slot where the pin from the bung contained within the end of the roller tube slots into. A removable winding handle also know as a crank handle is hooked into an eye on the end of the gear box drive shaft and by turning clockwise or anticlockwise this extends/retracts the patio awning.

OFFICIAL PATIO AWNING TECHNICAL GUIDE