Folding Arm Awnings Systems explained

Folding Arm Awnings Folding Arm Awnings (also known as Patio 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. Folding arm 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 folding arm 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 folding arm awning (top, bottom, front, back) so when the folding arm 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 folding arm awning is secured to the wall by two fixing brackets, one at each end. This limits the size of the awning to usually around up to 5.5m width x up to 3m projection. Multiple Fix Meaning fixing brackets can be positioned throughout the width of the folding arm awning allowing the folding arm awning to go up to greater widths 7m and beyond and larger projections up to 4m.

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