Have you ever considered installing awnings in your home? It may not be something you think of often – and we don’t blame you. When most people think of home improvements, décor and interior design often come to mind. Yet if you have spared a thought for your outside areas and exterior windows, then you may be thinking about the benefits of awnings. The great news is, you no longer have to manually crank them open or close – they can now be controlled at the push of a button. But how do motorised awnings work?
How do they work?
Whilst motorised awnings may be easy to operate, they’re actually hiding state of the art technology within. They are powered by a small motor, which is strong enough to move even the largest of models – and small enough to hide inside the barrel that the fabric wraps around. Manufacturers have chosen the integrated tube motors due to their shape and built in design. Wiring passes through the entire awning and is easily connected to your power supply by a licensed electrician.
By pushing the ‘Open’ button, you’re setting the motorised awnings into motion, winding the barrel and pulling the fabric cover out at the same time. If your model uses retractable arms, then they will be moved via spring tension or gas pistons. The tension in the springs or pressure from the gas allows them to open and close softly, and they simply follow the cover as it moves.
Generally, you have two options when it comes to powering your motorised awnings – hard wired or solar – and your personal tastes and needs will determine which is right for you.
Hard wired awnings are connected to a 240-volt power supply by a licensed electrician. These are ideal for larger models or if you want more than one electric awning in your home. There is also no need to constantly replace batteries, as it’s running off your electricity supply.
Solar powered options, on the other hand, are perfect for those wanting to do their bit for the environment. Eco friendly and energy efficient, these systems collect UV light via solar panels, and more often than not, don’t even need direct sunlight to work! They also don’t need to be installed by an electrician, saving you money on call-out costs.
Like all electric items, motorised awnings are easy to use at face value – but complex below the surface. Generally, all you really need to know is how to open and close them, which can be done with the push of a button. Your electrician and our expert team know exactly how to have them installed to ensure they always work perfectly, every time.