I hope I have chosen the right subforum, as my question doesn’t perfectly fit anywhere.
We are planning to install one or two awnings above our terrace. It is a multi-family building, and we have a ground-floor apartment with a continuous terrace area, as wide as our living space (see pictures). Above part of it is the balcony of the apartment above (width approximately 4m (13 feet); the awning would be about 3.5m (11.5 feet) wide and 3–3.5m (10–11.5 feet) deep), while the other area is uncovered (width about 5m (16.5 feet); the awning would be 4.5m (15 feet) wide and 3.5–4m (11.5–13 feet) deep). Since our terrace faces roughly south-southwest, we would ideally like to have an awning over both areas, as the balcony offers only little sun protection during the day. However, the uncovered area is more important. So far, we have obtained quotes from local specialist companies. They also examined the situation on site, as the installation is somewhat complicated (as it turned out later). These companies should know what they are doing, but so far we have not felt completely confident about any of the proposed solutions or fully convinced. Therefore, we would appreciate additional opinions about the possible installation methods.
Uncovered terrace area:
The “installation issue” with the uncovered terrace area is that the first-floor apartment has floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire width (see pictures as well). These floor-to-ceiling windows naturally have fall protection barriers. Because of these barriers, the awning cannot be attached directly to the wall.
One company (which installs Klaiber awnings) suggested mounting the awning directly onto the brackets/supports of the fall protection barriers on the floor-to-ceiling windows. What do you think about this? I have a feeling these supports are probably not designed to also carry the weight of an awning!? We were told to ask the construction company about this, but there is no cooperation or assistance available. Additionally, the awning would be quite large at 4.5m x 4m (approximately 14.75 ft x 13 ft) (fully extended 18m² (194 ft²)). That must be a considerable weight.
Another company (which installs Hella awnings) proposed having custom spacer brackets fabricated by a metalworker and then attaching the awning to the wall. I actually prefer this option, but custom-made brackets? Are there no ready-made solutions from the awning manufacturers that are approved for this? Also, there is the question regarding the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS, or “external wall insulation”). These custom spacer brackets would be attached to the wall, but the insulation is not load-bearing material. Can it handle these loads at all? The company said that nowadays you can’t remove the ETICS, but there are special anchor bolts for this. I looked it up, and such anchors do exist, but wouldn’t these brackets need to be fastened directly to the concrete behind the insulation? Presumably, just like the fall protection brackets, which come out of the wall, I assume this is how it should be done. Otherwise, the screws would have to go from the anchor in the concrete through the insulation before holding the spacer brackets. This would create quite a lever effect because the insulation is quite thick nowadays, and the screws have no grip in it. It would feel like hanging a heavy object 15–20cm (6–8 inches) away from the wall, only supported by screws. Or am I misunderstanding something?
As a layperson, I would suspect the best option is to remove some of the insulation, then fasten the spacer brackets underneath the insulation directly to the concrete, and then close the insulation again. After that, mount the awning on these spacer brackets.
Covered area:
There is no problem with the insulation here, but the same issue regarding the distance applies. Here, it is the fall protection of the balcony instead of the windows, as unfortunately it is a prefabricated balcony and not a “built-on” balcony. Basically, the question is where and how it should be best attached here. Also with custom spacer brackets?
I would greatly appreciate expert advice. I am also open to tips regarding awning manufacturers (How do Klaiber and Hella compare?). I often see Markilux, Weinor, and Warema described as top brands. I have read less about Hella and Klaiber so far.
We are planning to install one or two awnings above our terrace. It is a multi-family building, and we have a ground-floor apartment with a continuous terrace area, as wide as our living space (see pictures). Above part of it is the balcony of the apartment above (width approximately 4m (13 feet); the awning would be about 3.5m (11.5 feet) wide and 3–3.5m (10–11.5 feet) deep), while the other area is uncovered (width about 5m (16.5 feet); the awning would be 4.5m (15 feet) wide and 3.5–4m (11.5–13 feet) deep). Since our terrace faces roughly south-southwest, we would ideally like to have an awning over both areas, as the balcony offers only little sun protection during the day. However, the uncovered area is more important. So far, we have obtained quotes from local specialist companies. They also examined the situation on site, as the installation is somewhat complicated (as it turned out later). These companies should know what they are doing, but so far we have not felt completely confident about any of the proposed solutions or fully convinced. Therefore, we would appreciate additional opinions about the possible installation methods.
Uncovered terrace area:
The “installation issue” with the uncovered terrace area is that the first-floor apartment has floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire width (see pictures as well). These floor-to-ceiling windows naturally have fall protection barriers. Because of these barriers, the awning cannot be attached directly to the wall.
One company (which installs Klaiber awnings) suggested mounting the awning directly onto the brackets/supports of the fall protection barriers on the floor-to-ceiling windows. What do you think about this? I have a feeling these supports are probably not designed to also carry the weight of an awning!? We were told to ask the construction company about this, but there is no cooperation or assistance available. Additionally, the awning would be quite large at 4.5m x 4m (approximately 14.75 ft x 13 ft) (fully extended 18m² (194 ft²)). That must be a considerable weight.
Another company (which installs Hella awnings) proposed having custom spacer brackets fabricated by a metalworker and then attaching the awning to the wall. I actually prefer this option, but custom-made brackets? Are there no ready-made solutions from the awning manufacturers that are approved for this? Also, there is the question regarding the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS, or “external wall insulation”). These custom spacer brackets would be attached to the wall, but the insulation is not load-bearing material. Can it handle these loads at all? The company said that nowadays you can’t remove the ETICS, but there are special anchor bolts for this. I looked it up, and such anchors do exist, but wouldn’t these brackets need to be fastened directly to the concrete behind the insulation? Presumably, just like the fall protection brackets, which come out of the wall, I assume this is how it should be done. Otherwise, the screws would have to go from the anchor in the concrete through the insulation before holding the spacer brackets. This would create quite a lever effect because the insulation is quite thick nowadays, and the screws have no grip in it. It would feel like hanging a heavy object 15–20cm (6–8 inches) away from the wall, only supported by screws. Or am I misunderstanding something?
As a layperson, I would suspect the best option is to remove some of the insulation, then fasten the spacer brackets underneath the insulation directly to the concrete, and then close the insulation again. After that, mount the awning on these spacer brackets.
Covered area:
There is no problem with the insulation here, but the same issue regarding the distance applies. Here, it is the fall protection of the balcony instead of the windows, as unfortunately it is a prefabricated balcony and not a “built-on” balcony. Basically, the question is where and how it should be best attached here. Also with custom spacer brackets?
I would greatly appreciate expert advice. I am also open to tips regarding awning manufacturers (How do Klaiber and Hella compare?). I often see Markilux, Weinor, and Warema described as top brands. I have read less about Hella and Klaiber so far.
Why choose an awning at all? For room shading? Exterior blinds would be much better for that. The area covered by the balcony shouldn’t be an issue during summer.
In my opinion, awnings are generally unsuitable for indoor sun protection. What happens if it gets windy during the day? Who retracts the awning?
Effe2020 schrieb:
Since we have a south-southwest orientation, we would actually install an awning in both areas because the balcony provides very little sun protection during the day. However, the completely uncovered area is more important.
In my opinion, awnings are generally unsuitable for indoor sun protection. What happens if it gets windy during the day? Who retracts the awning?
Exactly, we have external venetian blinds/shutters. There are several reasons for shading the outdoor area. On one hand, the patio stones are such massive heat accumulators and radiators that you can feel the heat inside near the window. The shutters don’t help much with that. On the other hand, due to the south-southwest orientation, we get full-on blazing sun from morning until late afternoon, making the terrace practically unusable. The balcony over part of the terrace only partially helps with this. It provides about 50% shade, and only from noon onward; before that, the sun shines in from the side underneath the balcony. So you really can’t sit there either, unless you go to the back corner or sit right by the window. This problem could also be solved with an awning over the uncovered section, as this lies to the east of the covered part.
We would like to control the wind and rain with a sensor since the awning(s) will definitely be motorized. If the awning(s) are properly secured, you probably won’t stay outside anyway when the wind is strong enough to require retracting them.
Regarding the sun sails:
We have thought about this idea too, but it would require setting 2–3 posts into the ground somewhere. And having to keep putting the sails up and taking them down when the conditions aren’t right? That’s possible, but maybe it gets annoying over time and you just stop doing it...
We would like to control the wind and rain with a sensor since the awning(s) will definitely be motorized. If the awning(s) are properly secured, you probably won’t stay outside anyway when the wind is strong enough to require retracting them.
Regarding the sun sails:
We have thought about this idea too, but it would require setting 2–3 posts into the ground somewhere. And having to keep putting the sails up and taking them down when the conditions aren’t right? That’s possible, but maybe it gets annoying over time and you just stop doing it...
I don’t think the sun sail is a perfect solution either, but I believe it can be implemented the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effectively. For the right terrace, it might be enough to attach the sail to the rain gutter on the left side, then you would only need one post. There are also triangular sails available.
Edit: Our previous neighbors had a swing in their garden, and they attached a sail to it. I could also imagine using a tree. So, there are various options.
Edit: Our previous neighbors had a swing in their garden, and they attached a sail to it. I could also imagine using a tree. So, there are various options.
@Effe2020
The planned awning areas are very large, so you not only have the weight on the fastenings but also wind load and therefore dynamic stresses. At wind force 3 with gusts up to 5, you only hear the leaves rustling.
With electric awnings and sensors, for safety reasons, the sensors are set very sensitively so that the awnings retract even at light wind; otherwise, gusts of 5 would damage your anchors or the house wall.
Since you rely on the sensors, they have to be set sensitively.
The result is that your awning retracts at the slightest wind, and you end up sitting with the cream cake in the sun—as you have experienced already, but more affordably.
With such a large area, you will not be able to avoid supports; there are very delicate systems available.
Regards, Nida
The planned awning areas are very large, so you not only have the weight on the fastenings but also wind load and therefore dynamic stresses. At wind force 3 with gusts up to 5, you only hear the leaves rustling.
With electric awnings and sensors, for safety reasons, the sensors are set very sensitively so that the awnings retract even at light wind; otherwise, gusts of 5 would damage your anchors or the house wall.
Since you rely on the sensors, they have to be set sensitively.
The result is that your awning retracts at the slightest wind, and you end up sitting with the cream cake in the sun—as you have experienced already, but more affordably.
With such a large area, you will not be able to avoid supports; there are very delicate systems available.
Regards, Nida
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