Enhance your Outdoor Living Experience with Retractable Awnings

Bliss is when you get to while away your leisure time in the deck or patio, but yes the weather sometimes plays spoilsport. Is it too sunny to venture out? Don’t worry, retractable awnings in Melbourne can cover your patio or deck and can make outdoor living a whole new experience, enhance your outdoor living experience with retractable awnings! Spend time with your family and make spending time in your outdoor space a relaxing, entertaining and an enjoyable affair. 

Increase the living area

Folding arm awnings helps you enjoy the outdoor living space, irrespective of the weather. You won’t suffer from the relentless sun nor you’d be worried about the pelting rain. When it starts to rain you won’t have to run for cover. You can enjoy the sound of the raindrops and you can enjoy a quiet read or slip into reveries caught in the moment.

Also, you won’t have to worry about the fact that the heavy weather would affect your awning. You can just retract it, shielding it from any impending big storm. 

How much shade do you want? Well, the control is in your hands.

Well, you can get shade from a permanent structure too, but then what if you want to feel the sun on your face and do a spot of sunbathing?  Then a retractable awning is exactly what you need to control the amount of shade in your space just with the click of a button. You can extend it either partially or fully at your whim or convenience. 

You can enjoy the view and the shade: The best of both worlds

Nowadays, retractable roof system making companies have upgraded the product with innovative technology and now the roof system will block the sun or the rain but not your view.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Transforms the look of your home

Motorized retractable awnings are custom made products that can fit into your space. They are available in myriad colors and styles. Select the home that suits your home décor. 

Minimize your electricity bills

Enjoy a cool room on a hot day thanks to retractable awnings. The shade by the retractable awnings will keep the hot sun out and you can cool down the temperature of your room by putting up the awning. You then don’t require to keep your air conditioners whirring all the time.

Similarly, you can keep your home warm in the winters too, just retract your awnings.

So it makes sense to invest in an awning, it will enhance the look of your home and your outdoor living experience! 

Cover Your Roof System with Retractable Sun Roof

Relaxing in the sunlight can be enriching, but if you want just the right amount of sunlight to seep through, then switch to a retractable roof system, the ultimate outdoor experience at the click of a button! These roof systems lend you protection from all the natural elements like sunlight, wind, rain and snow, and also ensure a lavish outdoor experience. They give shade to the quaint plant life in the garden and protect your patio furniture and décor from getting tarnished. The retractable roof system is an ideal way to upgrade your homes, courtyards, commercial buildings and restaurants to look classier.

Designed with a long list of features and made from high-grade aluminium and stainless steel frames fixtures, South West retractable roof systems give you an outdoor feel with all the indoor elements. These roof systems are always fixed in position, with a high tension self-adjusting motor drive unit, allowing just the right amount of slide.

Retractable sunroofs provide an all in one solution for heat, rain and light control, whilst adding architectural flair to your building. You can simply press the remote to extend and retract the roof system to your preferred position. Unlike conventional roofing systems, retractable sun roofs will not confine your available or produce a greenhouse effect.

Functional Parameters-

Retractable roofs are also used as large cover ups for sports arenas like stadiums, tennis courts and parking lots, to maintain the natural environment of the play area and create the perfect live experience.

A retractable sun roof normally comprises of a single continuous water proof membrane or panel, which can withstand wind speeds of up to 90km/hr.

Whether you need to chill out with your friends over the poolside or have an impromptu jam session, retractable roof systems let you live life king size!

These roofs provide lot of functionality, as well as dimensional and mechanical resistance for long-lasting usage.

They are available in a wide range of exclusive high tension fabrics which are anti-wicking and capillary resistant to provide protection against harsh UV rays. Retractable roofs can also be installed inside homes if you want a sparkle of skylight in your dining area, bedroom or living room, creating an architectural marvel of sorts.

Shapes-

They come in different shapes and sizes like flat, ridge, barrel and dome shaped, depending on the taste of the customer. Retractable roofs have formed the crowns of some of the most brilliant architectural marvels around the world. Larger the space, greater is the innovative capability for retractable roofs.

Building a roof system is not just about protection from external agents. It is also about that fresh, airy feeling, which the customers don’t want to feel devoid of, or simply, don’t want to feel suffocated.

Let’s take a bird’s eye view of the design and functionality of different retractable roof systems-

1. FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE ROOFS

These type of large retractable roof structures are made of light membranes and are generally convenient for large stadiums, courtyards, galleries and tennis courts. This type of roof covers a huge open-air area, where relatively little storage space is required when the roof is open. These membranes beautifully curl up like flower petals when folded.

2. Folding Panel Roofs-They are a great option for providing shade in open-air spaces, while the air can still circulate freely. Furthermore, the folded panels can be incorporated into buildings as an element of design.

3. Stiff Segment roofs-

A robust, reliable system which is generally supported by rails. Large segments slide over one another to cover open areas, simulating a permanent roof. This system is, for example, suitable for long and narrow courtyards.

Support System-

The retractable roofs are based on a mechanised support system, which is a frame on which the panel, membrane or segmented roof moves.

1. Cable-Supported Roofs-

These are roofs supported by cables which moves the membranes in sliding carriages with cables. This structure is largely used in stadiums and open air auditoriums, where people can enjoy a skyline and soak in the spirit of a live sports event or a musical performance.

2. Rail-supported Roofs-

This type of retractable roof system is used when the roofs are large and heavy, and are carried in bogies with supported rails.

Retractable roof systems have huge benefits for places with unpredictable weathers. This is when you realize that retractable roof systems are a supreme luxury.

Retractable sun roofs can ensure public safety and comfort anywhere and anytime, irrespective of the weather and climate. It doesn’t interfere with your outdoor entertainment experience and adds a dash of excitement to your lifestyle, whether it’s commercial or personal. The retractable roof systems can also bring huge energy savings and reduce your electricity bills, depending upon the styles and materials used for construction.

They can be built both as enclosures and sun roofs and can be designed in the manner of your convenience. You can find retractable sun roofs which are fully retractable, 1/3rd retractable or even 3/4th retractable. Most of the retractable roof systems are operated through remote control wireless systems, with special inbuilt channels for rainwater drainage.

If you want to lounge across a secure and refreshing outdoor area, then check out some of the benefits of retractable roofs-

1. Versatile shade solution-

They are an ideal shade solution during summers and winters. They can be rolled in and out to enjoy the starlit sky or the cool shade in summers. Also, they can be adjusted just to let the right amount of sunlight through the roof.

2. Complete rain protection-

These roof systems are 100 % water proof with inbuilt drainage systems to release excess water.

3. Expands your living areas-

Retractable roof systems can extend the indoor living area, creating a seamless flow between the color scheme and décor of both.

4. Convenient electronic operation-

These roof systems can include integrated motorised control systems with wind and sun sensors, which let you control them at the click of a button.

5. Durability-

Retractable roof systems are built with highly resistant materials like powder coated aluminium, stainless steel and weather proof fabrics to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Retractable roof systems transform your outdoor living experience to a grand and elegant one. They add everything from customer comfort, to luxury and safety.

To buy your retractable awnings, get in touch with your local dealer, who will guide you to choose the best brand and help you with all installation and maintenance requirements. You can get all this at a comfortable price, fully guaranteed for prolonged use.

What Are the Best Types of Window Blinds?

Window blinds throw a whole new perspective at the way we look at home décor. Pull the strings to catch a glimpse of the colorful world beyond the sleek contours of a pair of blinds. Window among the most fascinating home essentials, which define an affluent lifestyle. From pleated panels to roller blinds, from chic wooden panels, to coruscating roman shades, window blinds have the ability to grant your rooms a plush texture and a sombre character that other home draperies cannot. Besides, they are quite durable and low-maintenance compared to any other form of curtains.

Window blinds ensure you let in just the right amount of sunlight and heat into your room. They’re available in highly customized versions, suiting your taste in home décor. If you wish, you can even change the blinds once they are worn out, faded or you feel like installing an upgraded style. At South West Awnings Sydney, you get an eclectic range of colorful window awnings and blinds to choose from, which can be installed in windows of all shapes and sizes, giving you absolute protection from heat and dust, while maintaining full privacy. They are equipped with cords, handles, remotes or switches, pulled across either horizontally or vertically.

You can put blinds on French windows, patios, doors, decks, or use then as room dividers hanging from the ceiling. Window blinds are easy to clean; whether they are made of fabric, metal, wood or PVC. To explore more about the different qualities of blinds, let’s take a look at some of the coolest types -

1) Roman Blinds-

At South West Awnings Sydney, you get a wide variety of roman blinds. These types of blinds are suitable for any room and give a chic look to your interiors. Available in different fabrics and designs, these create an elegant, luxurious vibe across the room. They blend with the décor flawlessly, striking a cool and soft appeal. Roman blinds can even be detached from the windows and cleaned. You can visit the store and select any Roman shade fitting your wall color or décor and fix an installation.

2. Roller Shades-

Roller blinds are a smooth economical solution for places for any type of window space. They are convenient to use and can be rolled up and down depending on utility. Roller blinds are available in fabric, PVC, black out and perforated styles, depending on your needs. They are extremely energy efficient and low maintenance.

3. Honeycomb or Cellular Shades-

Honey comb or cellular shades are made of diamond shaped durable cloths with two layers. They have twin options of rolling bottom-up or top-down. They do not let much light diffuse through, and insulate the room to a great extent. They accentuate your interiors with their flamboyant designs and textures.

4. Solar Blinds-

Solar blinds let you enjoy a pleasant outdoor view, while blocking the sunlight at the same time. They are designed with dual smart tech control for summer/winter. In summers, they keep the cool air in with high insulation. They reflect heat and UV rays as well, protecting your home from damage. While in winters, they prevent cold air infiltration, reduce heat loss and convert the external sunlight into internal heat.

5. Blackout Shades

These blinds are suitable for interiors where you demand privacy. They are only minimally transparent and bring a cool and cozy appeal to the room. Block out the bad external vibes, creating an instant, spontaneous energy inside the room.

6. Venetian Blinds-

This style of blind is a versatile choice and can be used in every room. You can flex and adjust the slats to let in as much light as you want. You can even bask in the glow of the sun, by pulling them up completely. They can be fixed to windows of any size, giving you excellent value for money.

7. Vertical Blinds

These are suitable choices for wide windows or long patio doors. They can be pulled aside to get a magnificent outdoor view and the slats can also be adjusted to different angles to let the light in. They are low maintenance, easy to clean and an excellent replacement for long patio drapes, saving exorbitant costs on your furnishings.

8. Aluminium Blinds

The biggest advantage of aluminium blinds is that they are long lasting and easy to clean. You can use them at places where you need to control external light to a great extent. They are durable and have a smooth glitzy finish, which is easy to maintain with a normal soft cloth or brush. They prevent heat and light from getting into your homes, saving huge electricity bills.

There are several pros and cons you need to consider before you go out to select the perfect blind for your interiors. Depending on your convenience, budget and taste for home décor, you can select window blinds made from any material and experience the true value of comfort living. To buy your window awnings or blinds, get in touch with your local dealer, who will guide to choose the best brand and help you with all installation and maintenance requirements. You can get all this at a comfortable price, fully guaranteed for prolonged use.

What are the Benefits of Retractable Awnings?

A cool and colorful striped fabric hanging from the edge of a café or a restaurant never fails to grab our attention. Yes, the bright strips of fabric which splash some color to our otherwise bland and boring facades are nothing but awnings!

After a long day of work and exhaustion, we all seek some shade to unwind, whether in the comforts of our home or cool shade under a tree. Awnings are external shades of sorts, which protect us from the scorching heat of the sun or harsh unbearable weather when we are outdoors. Over the years, awnings have evolved with a motley of spectacular designs and shapes to enhance the architectural beauty of your homes. Awnings can be installed on your doors, windows, patios, decks, pools or cafeterias, keeping in mind your sense of aesthetics and practical needs.

Awnings are available in both rigid and retractable models, in different shapes, sizes and materials. They have captured the burgeoning market of outdoor accessories and decorations. Modern awnings have shown a huge deviation from their traditional counterparts. Unlike the old school varieties of cotton, wood and metal, new age awnings come in extensive ranges of materials like nylon, acrylic, fibre glass and vinyl.

A bright awning installed in the exterior of your homes, offices or restaurants, is an excellent investment for your property, as it saves electricity and allows you to spend some quality time outdoors. It boosts external aesthetics and protects your interiors from UV rays, sunlight, dust, snowstorms and rain.

Our home is the ultimate shelter and place for relaxation. Whether you want to wake up to fresh wafts of coffee early in the morning or enjoy a sizzling barbeque party in the summer time, awnings help you beat the heat or face the rain. Before we decide to install an awning, we have to consider a lot of factors like space, budget, direction the building is facing, height, width, colors and size of the awnings; to make your outdoor experience a visual delight.

Awnings may be stationary, retractable, portable or motorized, depending on the usage.

• Stationary: These awnings can be installed permanently. They are durable and can take strong gusts of wind, snow or rain.
• Portable: These awnings are convenient, because they are handy and can be moved from place to place.
• Retractable: These are the most widely used awnings, which can be folded and closed when not in use. Retractable awnings  give you lot of designs and sizes to choose for your outdoor experience.
• Motorized: These awnings are operated with the help of an electric switch or a remote. Sometimes they are also equipped with special weather sensors, which detect inclement weather. They are flung open when it’s sunny and close down when there’s rain, wind, snow or a thunderstorm.

This is the age of retractable awnings, which are popular for their versatility, design and convenience. They can be flexed in and out, and can be mounted on any part of your property. Retractable awnings are applicable for both domestic and commercial purposes. They come with arms, casing and hinges which can be effortlessly used to keep your buildings well-lit and protected from UV rays and harsh weather, at all times.

Retractable awnings are made from superior quality, customized fabrics, which are mildew, fade and heat resistant. They are available in manual crank shift varieties as well as with motorized remotes. There are two types of retractable awnings found in the market-

Lateral arm awnings-These are the traditional store-front awnings that have colored the pages of history in good old traditional homes. In them, the two arms run perpendicular to the wall along the length of the fabric. They can be flexed up and down manually by ropes, handles or by a motorized remote. Lateral arm awnings cover a large space and are perfect for decks, patios, courtyards, pools or terraces.

Pivot arm awnings- These awnings are equipped with a spring loaded pivot that extends and retracts. They are a good choice for windows or areas where the coverage is less. They can be opened both from inside and outside, and are available in manual and motorized versions. 

Sliding Awnings-These are retractable awnings which slide over arms or wires mounted on pillars or frames. They are ideally designed for a deck or patio. They come in a host of attractive designs and colors ranging from bright pastel to muted earthy tones and metallic shades to highlight your architecture.

Retractable awnings can be fully automated, fitted with weather sensors and can be put on timers in case of stipulated usage times.

They complement your façade and external architecture, protecting your furnishings, drapery, paints and décor from fading. They are engineered with rugged stainless steel or aluminium arms to withstand wind or rain pressure, and designed with premium quality fabrics for long-lasting use.

Benefits of Retractable Awnings-

Whether you want to stretch your arms out in the sun while reading your favourite best seller or sipping your frosty drink at the deck, you can certainly redefine your outdoor with an awning. Let’s take a look at some of the remarkable benefits of retractable awnings

Protect from the sun-Retractable awnings give us shade from the sun,protect us from awful weather conditions and shield our exteriors from getting tarnished and destroyed.

Money saver-Retractable awnings are easy on your pocket, as they save huge bucks on electricity by keeping temperatures from soaring. This way, you can extend your outdoor hours more and relax in the cool shade.

Extend your living space- If you have space constraints inside your house, then retractable awnings can help you add more space to enjoy and relax outdoors playing chess, chatting with friends or listening to music.

Protection from the rain- If the weather is unpredictable, retractable awnings can be opened and folded in based upon your needs. So if it’s drizzling, don’t brood, because you have awnings as your saving grace! 

Easy to use- Retractable awnings are flexible and convenient, as they can be installed at multiple locations - roofs, walls, windows or doors. They can be rolled in and out whenever you feel the need, and are sold in manual or motorized variants, operable at the push of a button. 

Going on trips or vacations is time consuming and expensive. If you want a relaxing vacation, just create one under the peaceful silhouette of retractable awnings. To buy your retractable awnings, get in touch with your local dealer, who will guide you towards choosing the best brand and help you with all installation and maintenance requirements. You can get all this at a comfortable price, fully guaranteed for prolonged use.

Will Folding Arm Awnings Shield Your Windows from Sunrays?

Awnings are generally temporary or permanent roof cover tops peeking out of your homes, which help protect your furnishings and precious art work from harsh weather, fading and destruction.
They are available in stationary or retractable versions, depending on your necessity and can be installed in your front yard, backyard, sitting porch or picnic area, lending you a pristine and relaxed outdoor experience. Awnings define the external beauty and features of a house and can be easily attached to the border of a window, boundary of a wall or top of your ceiling. 

There are a variety of shades and materials to choose from, including polyester, cotton, vinyl, acrylic or canvas, depending on your taste and home décor. There has been an upsurge in the demand and supply of awnings in the market, with the increased importance being given to home aesthetics. Gone are the days of post-war, when awnings were displayed mostly in canvas stripes suspended by aluminium sidings. Today, the awnings market has undergone a huge revolution with regards to the types of material, shapes and accessories available to choose from.

Types of Awnings-The range of awnings available in the market today are endless. Usually, awnings have two types of mountings: fixed and retractable. Fixed awnings remain fixed to a horizontal or lateral arm, made of aluminium or weather resistant materials like steel, galvanized zinc, wood or plastic. Retractable awnings have the ability to retract and extend according to usage. These frames are attached to the facades by clamps, clips or brackets. These days, retractable awnings are in vogue and have been modified to be available in numerous shapes, as accessories to be attached to your patio, deck, porch or garden area.

Awnings are can be used for commercial purposes, such as in office areas, restaurants, cafes, galleries, exhibition tents and mobile shops. 

Folding arm Awnings-
We are about to discuss the effectiveness of folding arm awnings for protection from sunlight. The biggest advantage of folding arm awnings is that they provide us protection from sunshine, snow and rain, and can be folded manually or through a remote control operated switch as and when needed. There are a variety of folding arm awnings available to decorate your homes.

Besides attractive shades, one of the most important features that sets apart awnings is their ability to weather extreme climatic conditions like snow or thunderstorms. The biggest advantage of folding arm awnings is that they can be flexed in and out whenever you want and they do not need any beams, posts or frames to be installed.

While buying awnings, we must check their retractable speed, and the flexibility in their operation.

There are various varieties of folding arm awnings that can draw your attention-

1. Opening cassette Folding Arm Awning-  
These types of folding arm awnings do not need a protective cassette for the awning to roll back into, and can be kept open 24x7. They are usually made of sturdy metals like stainless steel or aluminium; or heat and water proof fabrics like acrylic and canvas. They are the most basic awning systems available in the markets.

2. Semi-cassette Folding Arm Awnings- 

These awnings usually have a top or cassette for the awning to roll back into after use when the shops or businesses close. This is the best solution to protect your buildings from sunlight and harsh weather all the time. These awnings are available in a smooth metal finish as well as coarse fabrics like nylon, acrylic, canvas and polyester.   

3. Semi-cassette Folding Arm Awnings-  Full Cassette Folding Arm Awnings-

These awnings completely enclose the awnings when not in use and provide full protection and shelter to your shops and the awning accessories. They also have a remote control option and automatic sun and wind sensors for more ease of use.

• Awning Materials- The type of fabric chosen for an awning plays a very important role in protection from external agents. Let’s take a look at some of the main qualities of awning materials used in residential and commercial buildings-

• Acrylic Awning- Acrylic awnings are available in different blends, from 100% acrylic fabrics and cotton-polyester blends, to polyester fabrics that have acrylic coatings. Polyester and acrylic awning fabrics are opaque and can easily block sunlight and rain. Acrylic awnings are not only UV protected, but also mildew and mold resistant.

• Vinyl Awnings-  Vinyl awnings are slightly heavier than acrylic ones, but possess a translucent quality that reflects sunlight. So it comes out as an excellent option for outdoor shades, pool decks, road side cafes and places where sunlight is scarce.

• Fibreglass Awnings- Fibreglass awnings are an excellent choice, when you have a low budget and do not have a definite color scheme in mind. They are both translucent and opaque, so can be purchased according to the necessity of light. Note that fibreglass has a huge advantage in hot weather and acts as a good heat resistant.

Folding arm awnings offer great options for your brightening up your outdoors and protecting your building. They block out heat, snow, storm and heavy rain; and enhance the aesthetic beauty of your property. They also act as energy savers, reducing your electricity usage during in the summers, by giving you shade. You can even get custom made awnings and accessories suited for the architectural beauty of your buildings.

Visit your local folding arm awnings dealer to get the best quotes and enjoy the cool shade.