Balcony awnings fulfill two important tasks – they protect your balcony not only from the strong sun, but also from prying eyes from the upper floors, and thus provide more privacy. In addition, they come in a variety of shapes and designs, and their aesthetic look can beautify any balcony. Although balcony awnings have many advantages that should not be underestimated, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered when selecting a maka yourself. If you want to learn more about this topic, read on!
An elegant solution for every balcony
Compared to the sunshades, balcony awnings are much more practical as they save space – they can be mounted on the wall or ceiling instead of being in the way. On hot summer days they provide the cool, pleasant atmosphere on the balcony, and in bad weather they can be rolled up quickly. And in the cold winter months special covers guarantee the necessary protection of your awning. The word awning actually comes from the French and means “fine lady”. In the 18th century, the noble women used fine fabrics for sun and privacy, such as delicate silk or cretonne, and from then until now, the main purpose of the awnings has not changed. They are made of thicker fabrics and mounted on walls and ceilings to create a pleasant atmosphere on the balcony or terrace.
Costs and necessary care
In strong winds the balcony awnings should be rolled up. When wet, wait until the fabric dries completely to avoid dark spots, unpleasant odors and mold. Otherwise, the awnings need no special care except regular cleaning. Of course, what type of detergent you need depends on the type of substance. In principle, balcony awnings are not cheap. The costs can be increased additionally – depending on the type of fabric. The models, which are made entirely of metal, are usually a bit cheaper. But this is an investment that is well worth it – the quality awnings are stable, durable, and as effective sunscreens they help reduce the cost of cooling. This type of protection is sometimes even better than this, which can offer a permanent roof. And it also looks more attractive.
Balcony awnings – What types are there?
There are several types of balcony awnings – some are less well-known, others more, but all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The so-called “articulated arm awning”, for example, is one of the largest variants, which is characterized by its stability. The main advantage of this type of awning is that it guarantees ideal sun protection because it can easily cover a large area. The articulated arm awning is usually mounted on the wall, and to extend it uses a hand crank.
Clamp, side or freestanding awning?
Widely used is also the clamping awning. Their biggest advantage is that they are very easy and quick to assemble. If you want to do the installation of your balcony awning yourself, but have no previous experience in this field, this variant is just for you. The squaring system often has a hand crank or a chain drive, and can be easily attached to the wall, without drilling or dowels is necessary. Also popular is the side awning, often called Seitenrollo. As the name suggests, this type of awning offers wind and privacy protection for the side, and is set up in the same way. It is perkekt not only for the balcony, but also for the terrace. Another variant is the freestanding awning, which does not need assembly at all. This kind of awning also has other positive sides – it is quite cheaper, extremely flexible, easy to move and guarantees a very good sun protection. The freestanding awning is a good solution not only for the balcony, but also for the garden or the terrace.