Terrace awnings: choice of design

To make the rest on the terrace as comfortable as possible, this structure today provides for the presence of awnings. Such designs have appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but they are confidently gaining popularity, being not only a cover for the terrace, but also a stylish design element. The choice of the awning should be deliberate, which is impossible without understanding the pros and cons of individual varieties.

The terrace is an open fenced annex to the main building, which is a recreation area. The awning for her is nothing but a canopy, presented in various versions. The purpose of this design is to protect the terrace area from the sun's rays and provide a cozy microclimate. She is not able to protect an open terrace from thunderstorms, snow, wind.

In addition to the sun protection function, the awning is a stylish element of the architectural decoration of the terrace. Its distinguishing feature from awnings is the ability to disassemble the structure if necessary. The name of the marquis owes its name to the Venetian marquis Francisco Borgio, who was the first to create such a structure for the comfortable rest of his beloved, covering the area for rest with textiles.

The marquise is only conditionally considered a canopy. Often, it does not completely cover the terrace, unlike a canopy. At the same time, the volume of the covered area can be adjusted at will. Its shape is always rigid and clearly fixed, despite the fact that the main material of the model is fabric. Depending on the model, it can provide adjustment of the angle of inclination and opening.

If you want to adjust the opening, it is not at all necessary to dismantle it. The design has an automated system of necessary functions. Unlike a conventional canopy, such a system does not require an additional frame for installation. Its fastening is carried out mainly at the expense of one side of the extension.

These devices have a number of advantages:

• Terrace awnings are easy to install. Installing them yourself is not difficult. This does not require the help of a specialist. This approach will save the family budget.
• The textile is breathable and protects from heat. Due to these properties, it will be comfortable to be on the terrace in the heat. Moreover, the design in most cases is simple and practical.

• These systems are made from textiles with antiseptic impregnation, thanks to which the material is protected from the formation of an environment for the appearance of mold and mildew.
• Most of the retractable structures are automated today. The systems are equipped with special sensors that ensure the closure of the device depending on the specific situation.
• Due to the polyurethane impregnation, the textiles do not tear when pulled. Teflon impregnation prevents various kinds of contamination from lingering on the surface of the web.
• When folded, the sliding structures do not take up much space, while they are not susceptible to wind gusts.

• These products are distinguished by a wide choice of colors. This allows you to give the terrace a unique look and harmonious completeness of the interior composition.
• Covering the windows from the sun's rays can help keep your home cool.

Awnings are a decoration of terraces. They make the open space special, adjust to the desired atmosphere, and make the rest comfortable. Often, in this regard, they try to match them to the existing furniture, to purchase them in such a way that the product matches a certain style. The lightness of the structures contributes to a pleasant perception of the terrace. This is how the extension to the house looks well-groomed. Often, for more decoration of the terrace, the owners of the house select additional accessories for this space to match the awning textiles.

This suspended structure for terraced annexes to the main dwelling can be made of different materials and components. Different fabrics are used for the canvas.

Let's consider its main types.

• Acrylic. This material has high quality characteristics, such a canopy eliminates the formation of sun glare. It is waterproof, durable, can have different widths, is sold in a large assortment, and has a rich color range of shades.

• Polyester. This textile is a material of artificial origin with the use of water-repellent impregnations. A characteristic feature of the material is resistance to sunlight and strength, which ensures its durability.

• Polyvinyl chloride. This fabric is popular for its resistance to temperature changes. This feature allows you not to remove the protective construction textiles in the cold season: PVC canopy of this type is able to withstand snow and various mechanical loads.

This material is a specialized textile for outdoor curtains. Its composition and impregnation are different from those sold in regular stores. It is not transparent, but a dyed material that is used for car and parking awnings.

Awning canopies are used for terraces and verandas, which differ from terraces in a closed type of construction. In this case, awnings are more decorative. The type of product depends on the design of the supporting frame. According to the purpose of use, these structures are divided into several varieties.

This category includes systems that are lighter in configuration. These devices are the most popular among buyers. Designs imply a niche in the wall for proper installation. If it is not there, a visor will also do, in which you can hide the transformation system from adverse weather conditions. These models represent a classic canvas without seams and side edges.

These varieties are notable for the hidden mechanism responsible for the movement of the awning. Such systems are convenient in that the device does not jam during operation, which adds to their popularity with buyers. The systems are durable and have high quality characteristics. They come in several varieties.

• Retractable systems are often used in public places (for example, summer cafes). They cover most of the terrace and can be easily removed if necessary.

• Dome awnings are notable for their shape, which resembles an umbrella. They look beautiful, cover from the sun, and fold easily if necessary.

• Showcase varieties are even used today for decorating open balconies and loggias. Their distinctive feature is the ability to replace textiles if necessary.

In addition, awnings are divided into horizontal and vertical designs. Consider the nuances of each.

• Horizontal. This type is a canopy located parallel to the ground or with a slight slope like a roof slope. The size of the awning may vary.Recently, the focus has been on large varieties, which differ in a variety of shapes.
• Vertical. Vertical structures outwardly resemble a stretched canvas curtain, which protects people on the terrace from the scorching sun, wind and even rain, as well as the prying eyes of neighbors. Their advantage, based on the complexity of the system, is the ability to adjust the closure, which allows you to vary the area of ​​the structure.

The awning control can be manual, automated and remote. It depends on the specific type of awning.

Lever-roll versions are equipped with a specialized bracket that can roll textiles into a roll. Closing and opening of the web is carried out by the rotation method.

The dome mechanism of the awning consists of several arcs connected at the base, to which waterproof textiles are fixed. Today, the shape of the dome can resemble a circle, an oval, or even a rectangle. The opening is carried out by means of a cord connecting all structural elements.

Marquisolettes are a cross between the first two varieties. They are horizontal, while rounded downwards. Most often, these awning systems are used to decorate the windows of cafes or shops, complementing the composition with flowers in pots. The use in the design of the terrace is rather decorative.

Sliding structures are horizontal varieties that form a canvas, unfolding from several sections of the same size. Straight varieties are a flat visor appearance.

Taking care of any structure will extend the service life of the awning.

Pay attention to a few simple guidelines for using these products:

• Experts advise to dismantle the structure for the winter or pack it in a special case.
• Maintenance of the awning should be carried out at least once or twice a year. This includes changing the lubricant of the withdrawable products, as well as adjusting the elements.
• The creation of an additional load on the awning is not allowed: it is not allowed to hang various objects on the awning that can slip off the surface or contribute to the sagging of the textiles.
• During strong gusts of wind, hail, the formation of icicles, the awning must be folded: this will save the system from collapse.

• If dismantling is needed, it is worth inviting a specialist. The design is equipped with sufficiently powerful springs, which, if incorrectly assembled, can injure.
• Do not use liquid or powder detergents for washing dishes, floors, windows, wooden surfaces for cleaning textiles. For such structures, special formulations are sold.
• Use a sponge, soft cloth or soft brush to clean the awning. If large dust particles need to be removed, the surface can be vacuumed.
• To restore the UV protection that wears off with every wet cleaning of the awning, buy a special cleaner and spray it over the entire area.
• Dry cleaning will help get rid of dust: just shake the material.

The blade tension must be sufficient. At the same time, the larger size of the structure requires more maintenance.

The choice of awning design depends on the preferences of the buyer, the purpose of use and the budget. It is worth considering that the film will cost less. Although in each case the country of origin matters. For example, a high-quality acrylic canvas with dimensions of 1.5 m will cost about 1000-1200 rubles per running meter. Polyester, say, Korean-made will cost 300-350 rubles, an analogue of an American company will cost 900-1000 rubles.

If you need to close not only the top, but also the side, it makes sense to purchase a folding elbow model made of acrylic textiles.This fabric perfectly traps UV rays, but allows air to pass through. Outwardly, such products look stylish, they have a lot of colors, which will decorate any terrace.

If you want to hide from the prying eyes of the neighbors, you can buy a marquise with a falling shoulder tilt. Buy models in a cassette or a special protective cover.

These products can also be bought for gazebos: however, the choice is subject to the peculiarities of the edges (the length of the awning is subject to a specific slope parameter).

When buying, look at the label "UV filter". This will indicate the fact that the awning has anti-reflective properties. When choosing a large elbow model, it is worth taking care of the presence of additional bearings (to reduce the bending load).

For a pergola structure, you will have to take care of the presence of one or two supports, which contribute to the greater strength of the awning and its protection from strong gusts of wind. The balcony system can be in two or three sections. When choosing such a product, pay attention to the reliability of the longitudinal beam, which is located in the middle of the departure.

To make the product last longer, it is worth taking a closer look at the models equipped with a sensor taking into account different wind strengths. In addition, today designs have the ability to adjust different protection in relation to different degrees of intensity of sunlight.

Approach the issue of choosing a product thoroughly. You can't buy the first thing you like: the structure may not fit the terrace or it may not be what you need at all. Study carefully the features of the model you want to buy. It is important that the mechanism system is reliable and durable.

Make a purchase at a trusted store. To do this, scroll through the reviews about the model you like, select several options for comparison. Do not hesitate to ask the seller for a quality certificate and accompanying documentation: every serious company provides documents for its range, confirming its compliance with safety standards and international standards.

Complex configurations are more prone to breakage. When choosing a color, give preference to light colors: the textiles of such an awning will not heat up in the same way as products in dark colors of the color palette heat up.

A quality product is always guaranteed. Don't forget this. If the design has it, the seller will emphasize this fact. Pay attention to the density of the material: in fakes, the quality of the fabric is poor. In this case, the structure should be the same over the entire area. Hillocks, nodules are excluded. The same applies to metal components: there should be no scratches, chips, dents on the brackets. This is the first sign of marriage.

In most cases, to install a structure, it must be screwed to the wall. Installation implies the presence of a drawing, according to which the installation will be carried out in the future. If the model is finished, it is screwed to the wall using metal corners. If the product is made independently, the procedure is somewhat different.

Let's consider the main steps of work.

• In the drawing, the main markings are performed, the dimensions of the height of the location of the model are indicated, taking into account the upper and lower points, the width of the awning canvas, the parameters of its extension.
• According to measurements, they purchase textiles with the necessary technical characteristics, as well as the necessary fasteners and frame material (aluminum pipes).
• A mechanism for assembling and unfolding the system is selected.

• The assembly is carried out according to the scheme. For this, the material is cut out, the frame is assembled.
• Usually the frame consists of aluminum tubes and two metal corners. To ensure collapsibility, screws and bolts are used.
• Holes are drilled in the wall, then brackets are attached.
• After that, the transformation mechanism is attached to the wall, synchronizing with the frame and canvas.
• The material is pulled over the frame last so as not to tear.

Subject to the assembly rules, the job will take no more than 6 hours. If you do not want to use a metal frame for the construction, buy a wooden counterpart. In fact, its purchase reduces the operational characteristics of the awning: the tree needs constant processing with a special compound, over time it deteriorates from the negative influence of external factors.

See the following video for the awning installation process.