FAQ’s
There is unfortunately not a straightforward answer to this question as each case is different. It is always best to check with your local planning department as requirements and rules can differ. Generally speaking, planning permission is not needed for residential buildings but can be required for commercial properties such as shops where awnings can extend into public areas. If you are replacing an awning on a commercial property, planning permission is unlikely to be required if the replacement is like-for-like. That said, it is always better to check.
Awnings are quite heavy and are fitted with substantial bolts (drill size No. 10), so the wall needs to be in good condition and substantial. Sometimes special brackets may be required to provide additional support.
This is really up to you. The projection of the awning depends on how much of your patio or outdoor space you would like to cover. Depending on the type of awning you buy, projection lengths can vary between 2.5 and 6.5m. The width of the awning should extend past the window by as much as possible to ensure optimum coverage.
If the awning is fixed higher this will increase the pitch and ensure that rainwater drains away more quickly. We usually suggest a minimum of a 10 degree angle.
Yes. However, this is not something we would recommend. Awning arms contain powerful springs which can be dangerous if not handled with great care and in accordance with the instructions. We also use specialist fixings which are very important in ensuring that the awning does not fall down. For this reason, we would recommend that you allow us to carry out the installation ourselves.
Every awning we sell has been tested to withstand wind speeds of up to 35-40 mph. However, these tests are carried out in controlled environments. In reality, gusts of wind can change direction rapidly. A simple rule to follow would be that if you are comfortable to sit outside then the awning is likely to be perfectly safe. The greater the slope of the awning, the more resistant to the wind it will be, though we always advise caution when using your awning, and recommend that you follow any instructions provided to you during installation.
Yes. All our awnings are designed to provide you with shelter from the rain. We would, however, advise that you try to prevent water from accumulating on the cover, as this can add unnecessary weight to the awning. If the awning has been left out in the rain, if possible, try to retract it once it has dried out. If this is not possible, the awning may be retracted then let back out once the conditions allow, so that the cover may dry naturally.
Awnings are designed to be self-supporting. The arms contain powerful springs which act to permanently push the awning out and maintain cover tension. If the awning is particularly large, we may advise fitting support poles. These are designed to provide extra support, but are not a substitute for arm springs, nor do they allow the awning to be left out in all weathers. Always remember to remove poles before retracting the awning.
Yes. Cold weather does not affect your awning. We only advise that you retract your awning during particularly windy weather. While the awning can provide shelter from the rain, it should not be used as a snow canopy, and we recommend that snow does not lay on the cover which can put unnecessary strain on the fittings of the awning. We advise that any snow which may have fallen on the awning must be brushed off before winding the awning back in. If the awning is retracted with snow or ice still on the cover, this may cause the cover to burst at the seams!
We recommend that you clean your awning every 3 to 6 months to prevent dirt and debris from building up on the cover and causing premature deterioration. If dirt is left to accumulate on the awning, this can cause permanent stains.
When cleaning the cover, do not use soapy water on acrylic materials (you may do so on PVC materials). The soap itself can go mouldy making the cover unsightly. Instead, carefully brush the cover, wash off the debris with clean water, and let the awning dry fully before retracting.
Yes, we can recover your awning. The hardware of the awning structure does not need to be altered, just the fabric cover.
It is important to carefully consider your awning supplier, ensuring that you consult and buy from a recognised awning specialist who can provide reliable references and examples of work carried out. We would also recommend that you choose a supplier who is a member of a recognised trade association.
We belong to the BBSA (British Blind and Shutter Association) and are CHAS accredited. We have also been awarded Gold membership by Constructionline, who assess a company’s credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act adherence and anti-bribery and corruption policies. These accreditations mean that we must work in accordance with a strict code of practice and follow stringent safety procedures, providing you with an extra degree of security should something go wrong.
Each case is different so it is difficult to provide a simple answer here. We would suggest that when looking into installing a product, it is important to seek sound, professional advice. Councils and local authorities differ in their requirements regarding security shutters so it is best to contact them directly. Planning permission may be required but before you apply, we will come to site to measure up and assess your requirements.
We attend site, discuss your objectives with you and then recommend the type of shutter which will best suit your requirements. We have a range of shutter systems to choose from which can be incorporated unobtrusively into the building.
It is important firstly to consider the surrounding environment so that the shutter can blend in. Security shutters are plain galvanised steel as standard, though can be powder-coated at an extra cost to the RAL or BS colour number of your choice.
Our garage doors are manufactured in a wide range of colours and wood grain finishes.
The shutters we install do not require lubrication or grease and should run smoothly under normal operation. If this isn’t the case, give us a call and we can come and see what the problem is. Usually poor operation is the result of damage.
We offer an optional annual shutter service agreement which meets the Machinery at Work Directive. With this agreement, we attend site once a year to thoroughly check the shutter and advise you of any serious problems which could potentially arise.
Security shutters are generally unproblematic, providing you take care when operating them. It is important to ensure that no obstructions block the path of the shutter during operation. Do not operate the shutter while it is locked, as this could damage the motor. If a problem occurs it is best to let us solve it for you, rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Regular cleaning of the shutter can help to ensure smooth operation. Over time, dirt and debris can settle and become trapped in the mechanism which can impede the shutter’s performance. We advise that you clean the shutter approximately every 6 months using mild soapy water and a sponge. Avoid the use of scrubbing brushes and steel wool which can damage the shutter’s surface, and make sure to thoroughly dry the shutter before operating again.
It is important to carefully consider your shutter supplier, ensuring that you consult and buy from a recognised shutter specialist who can provide reliable references and examples of work carried out. We would also recommend that you choose a supplier who is a member of a recognised trade association.
We belong to the BBSA (British Blind and Shutter Association) and are CHAS accredited. We have also been awarded Gold membership by Constructionline, who assess a company’s credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act adherence and anti-bribery and corruption policies. These accreditations mean that we must work in accordance with a strict code of practice and follow stringent safety procedures, providing you with an extra degree of security should something go wrong.