| The ever expanding demand for garden awnings has | | | | element creates an extra challenge. The benefit of |
| created a new market for readily available awnings in | | | | the extra work becomes evident though when you |
| a range of styles. These awnings can be found on | | | | can control your awning from a mains switch rather |
| the cheap and can be self installed by any keen | | | | than having to wind it manually. Electric awnings are |
| handyman. The vast range of awnings can, however, | | | | more expensive but ultimately more convenient. |
| overwhelm those without a background in the | | | | The fairly robust awnings should last for several |
| market. Hopefully this article will help anyone | | | | years without problems. Taking good care to keep |
| considering the purchase of an awning. | | | | the awning out of the rain and excessive wind will of |
| A manual awning is the most basic solution. These | | | | course prolong the lifespan of the item. The awning |
| awnings are operated by a straightforward winding | | | | fabric, often made from polyester or acrylic, is |
| handle which controls the retractable arms. They can | | | | designed to withstand a certain amount of exposure |
| be projected to the desired level to shade from the | | | | to the elements but is bound to deteriorate if |
| sun or retracted fully when it rains. Manual awnings | | | | neglected for an extended period of time. Products |
| are cost effective and easy to install. Once the | | | | such as awning covers are available for protection |
| brackets are mounted to a wall, installation can be | | | | during the worst weather whilst replacement fabrics |
| completed by fitting the awning onto the brackets. | | | | are also an option should the existing fabric fall victim |
| Lifting the awning is a job ideally suited to at least | | | | to foul weather. |
| two people because of both the weight and the | | | | A large number of suppliers will stock and sell |
| need to align the awning with the mounted brackets. | | | | replacement parts should an awning ever require |
| Once this is done the awning is ready to use. | | | | restoration. The individual elements of the awning |
| Installation of an electric awning is a similar process | | | | should all be obtainable as well as a range of additional |
| but requires an understanding of wiring in order to | | | | accessories, including wind, sun and rain sensors, or |
| connect the motor to a power supply. Again, the | | | | even replacement covers so you can change the |
| basic process of mounting brackets and then lifting | | | | colour of your awning. |
| the awning onto them applies, however, the electrical | | | | |