Frequently Asked Questions about Sunblinds
(To be used as a guide and not cast in stone!)
Q. Why do I need an awning outside – won’t inside blinds or curtains protect my furnishings?
A. Yes they will but you won’t be able to see the lovely day outside!
Q. What else will an Awning do apart from protect my furniture?
A. Whether the curtains are closed or not, once the sun hits the glass the heat comes through and your interior room temperature will rise at an alarming rate. An Awning keeps the room cooler by casting a shadow on the window and preventing the sunlight from reaching the glass: it really works!!
Q. What sizes of Awning should I buy?
A. This very much depends upon the application and the window but it should extend past the window by as much as possible. The projection depends upon how much of your patio you want to cover but generally the maximum projection would be 2.5 metres. The amount of shade that you will get will depend on the height of the sun at the time of year.
Q. Does my wall need to be especially prepared or can an Awning be fitted to any surface?
A. The Awning is quite heavy and will be fitted with pretty big bolts (drill sizes No. 10) so the wall needs to be in good condition and reasonably substantial.Sometimes special brackets may be required.
Q. Must the Awning be fitted at a special height?
A. The higher the Awning can be fitted the greater the pitch and the quicker the rain will run off. You should always allow at least a 10 degree angle but if we survey we will always advise on this.
Q. Can I fit the Awning myself?
A. Yes you can, but the arms contain very powerful springs which can be dangerous if not handled with great care and in accordance with the instructions. The Awning comes to you ready to fix.
Q. How much wind will it really stand?
A. In controlled environments, Awnings can withstand wind speeds up to 35-40 m.p.h. but in the natural environment the wind gusts can change direction rapidly making it very unpredictable, but please be warned that this is a Sunblind and not designed to be left out in all weathers. As a simple rule of thumb if you are comfortable to be sitting outside then the Awning is likely to be perfectly safe. The more slope of the Awning the greater the resistance to wind it will have. It is always wise to err on the side of caution, bearing in mind that it is a self supporting, retractable Sun Awning.
Q. Can I leave my Awning out in the rain?
A. You can leave it out in the rain which could save your barbeque at a crucial moment. However, do not allow water to accumulate on the cover and if you have to put it away wet always open it out again as soon as possible and allow it to dry.
Q. If the Awning does not need poles at the front, what holds it up?
A. The Awning is designed to be self-supporting. The arms contain powerful springs which are permanently pushing the Awning out and maintaining cover tension. When the Awning is outside our normal size range it is possible to fit support poles. These are designed to provide extra support, but are not a substitute to the arm springs, nor are they designed for the Awning to be left out in all weathers. Always remember to remove the poles when retracting the Awning.
Q. What do I do with my Awning in the winter?
A. Just leave it retracted where it is – it will not come to any harm. If you have a valance you may wish to remove this for the winter but you will be surprised how much you will want to use the Awning during the winter when the sun is low. All you need to do is put it away dry.
Q. How long will the Awning last?
A. The frame is made from powder-coated heavy duty extruded aluminium so it will last a very long time and stay looking good if you occasionally sponge it down with soapy water to remove the grime. We use top quality fabrics on all our Awnings but we do not recommend the use of detergents on the Cover.
Q. What happens if I want to change the colour of my Awning cover?
A. This can easily be arranged by Jordans.
Q. How should I choose my Awning supplier?
A. Naturally we would say come to Jordan’s but then we are biased. However, we would recommend the following guidelines to you:
1. Make sure you contact an expert and a specialist – avoid someone who sells Awnings just as a sideline with little or no proper experience. One simple way to do this is to make sure that your supplier is a member of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA). The BBSA has been established since 1919 and only accepts approved expert suppliers who have to comply with their strict Code of Practice.
2. Establish how long your supplier has been in business fitting Awnings. If you have any doubts, ask him where you can view his work.
3. It is important for you to get it right first time – if in any doubt why not give us a ring on 0800 458 2250
