ᐅ Assessing Awning Quality Based on the Manufacturer

Created on: 25 May 2021 06:59
M
manohara
I am having an awning about 5 meters (16 feet) wide replaced.
I want one that lasts a long time. The current one – probably after 25 years or more – still works mechanically and is technically fine, but most of the seams have come undone.
Does anyone know a company known for its quality? (like Mercedes or Rolls Royce)

These things can be expensive, that's true.
And no, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on purpose, but I want to be as sure as possible that I’m getting something good.

Since we’re on the topic:
I can’t decide whether to get a motorized or a manual one.
Any technical sophistication can break, so I often choose “less,” but we will probably add a second awning under the roof (which is currently being raised), and on the south side it’s often really important to have one because otherwise it gets too warm...
And the manual cranking can be annoying.
I’m 70 years old today and of course still fit 😎, but I’m not getting any younger...
How advanced is the technology? … and how difficult is it likely to be to have repairs done?
manohara25 May 2021 12:13
The current awning is operated by a crank. I’m fine with that, since there are fewer parts that can break, but we will be getting another awning, and I’d like the convenience of a push-button operation 😀. Also, I’m considering a storm retraction feature, which obviously only works with a motor. So, there will be two new awnings... and I always appreciate it when technical components in the house are identical, as it keeps things simpler to manage...
bra-tak25 May 2021 12:18
I’m jumping in here because this topic will be relevant for me this year or next year as well:
Up to what size would you choose a retractable awning, and at what point would you go for a pergola awning?

We will soon have a terrace facing southwest, measuring 6 x 5 meters (20 x 16 feet). I would like to have shading across the entire width and also as deep as possible, so that about 10 people can comfortably sit underneath. Therefore, a depth of around 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) is necessary.
H
hampshire
25 May 2021 12:22
In the late 1980s, my parents had two awnings installed on their house, each 5 meters (16 feet) wide with a 3-meter (10 feet) extension. In the early 2000s, one of these awnings was replaced by a conservatory and relocated to our former terraced house. From the mid-2010s, the mechanism began to feel a bit creaky and less stable, and the fabric seams started to come apart. This was partly because the awning was sometimes used for rain protection, which apparently reduces its lifespan. The other awning at my parents’ house is still functioning. Brand: Weinor.
C
Costruttrice
25 May 2021 12:33
Ours measures 6x4m (20x13 ft), and at the time I didn’t want any posts on the terrace. In hindsight, I would decide differently because it’s quite windy here, and we often had to retract the awning significantly during hot summer days to protect the articulated arms.

One thing to definitely consider with a south/west orientation is the low sun. Here, from late afternoon, the sun shines under the awning. Fortunately, we have a built-in roller blind at the front of the awning that can be pulled down. This provides additional shade, while our neighbors without such a roller blind sit in the sun under their awnings.
M
matte
25 May 2021 12:55
I have a Markilux 5010 (electric, full cassette) with a 5m (16 ft) width and a 4m (13 ft) projection, which I probably won’t need anymore soon. It’s 2 years old and thus in like-new condition. Is there any interest so far? 😀
RFR25 May 2021 12:59
The day after tomorrow (weather permitting), an electric pergola awning measuring 6.50 meters (21 feet 4 inches) wide with a 4.5-meter (15 feet) projection, integrated LED lighting, and a vertical side awning will be installed.

We have chosen an Erhardt awning with a Somfy motor and Somfy Tahoma control system.