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Making the Right Choice
The importance of correct product specification cannot be stated highly enough. The ramifications of an inappropriate product being purchased can be far-reaching and - in occasional cases - potentially disastrous.
You have obviously identified what you wish to achieve – now consider some points that may be pertinent.
Planning Permission
Invariably, you will need to apply for planning permission for virtually every application. In our experience each local authority will possibly take a different stance to other authorities so do not take any chances – speak to the planning officer of the pertinent authority before proceeding with any project. We have found that it normally takes around 4-5 weeks for a decision to be made.
Wall Mounted or Floor Mounted?
Wall Mounted Shades
The main categories of wall mounted shades fall in to the following:
Retractable Awnings (Fully cassetted, semi-cassetted or open (non-cassetted))
Drop Arm Awnings
Paraflex (Umbrellas)
The obvious advantage in using wall-mounted awnings is the lack of obstruction at ground level. If you do opt for a wall-mounted shade then you need to ascertain that the structure of the wall is sound, will take the weight and support bracketry work if required.
A further advantage of wall-mounted shades is the lack of easy accessibility to them when they are not in use – certainly it is not easy to vandalise an awning that has fully retracted into an enclosed cassette that sits 3metres up on the wall.
The complete area can be cleared by the retraction of the awnings or folding in of the paraflex – ideal if the covered area is used for access by high vehicles.
Remember - if electrically operated shades are to be used suitable external wiring will need to be run through the wall to an internal power point or the alternative would be to have an external waterproofed power socket fitted.
Floor Mounted Shades
The main categories of floor mounted shades fall in to the following:
Butterfly Style Awnings
Umbrellas
The butterfly awnings are permanent fixtures that are sub-surfaced based or base mounted (bolted onto hard standing) so careful planning needs to take place prior to the installation. The umbrellas can either be permanent or moveable when fixed in heavy-duty transportable base (perhaps an attractive planter for example).
If the uses of the areas change a lot it would probably not be a good idea to opt for a permanent fixture. Fortunately the range of umbrellas now available can virtually offer the same and greater coverage than butterfly style awnings so do look very carefully at these options although obviously the larger the umbrella the portability does decrease.
Care must be taken to protect the pedestrian bumping into the upright struts on the butterfly style awning. For example if located in an area that children may be playing, padding the upright may be an option that should be considered. Under Health and Safety regulations, you must be seen to take all precautions necessary to prevent injury or harm to the public.
Remote control operation is available on the butterfly awnings.
Fabric Choice
Consider what you will be using your shade for. If it is predominantly sun protection, then shower resistant fabric will be adequate. If greater protection against the rain is required (such as for pavement dining) then a fully water-proof fabric is recommended. However, providing the fabric will not be expected to withstand several hours of rain then water resistant fabric may be adequate. Remember waterproof does NOT render it suitable for all weather conditions.
When choosing the actual colour, whilst your own branding may be the major influence, please take into consideration that darker colours will fade quicker than lighter colours. Although darker colours do not reflect the heat to the same level that lighter colours do, generally darker colours do provide greater protection against harmful UV rays. If UV penetration is a particularly sensitive issue (schools, nursing homes etc) then we would be able to provide a specific breakdown of the penetration for each colour and pattern in most cases.
Accessories
Side Screens
Erectable to provide a ‘wall’ around covered areas, the side screens actually seclude the said area may be in use for alfresco dining. Colour matching fabrics and offering a fantastic expanse for branding exposure.
Heaters
Quite a range of heaters are now available. The more traditional (although less environmentally friendly) type is the butane gas fuelled mushroom style heater. The combined facts that they are prone to emitting permeating odours, are quite expensive to run, are a nuisance when you have to continually change the bottles and the heat is easily wasted have pushed the gas heaters pretty much into oblivion. Much more effective and efficient are the infrared electric heaters. Cheap to run, easy to set up, odourless instant directed heat, the infrared heater is the only obvious choice. A further advantage is they can be set up on both timers and sensors, virtually eradicating power wastage when people have vacated the shaded areas or at times when you want people to vacate an area – ie the end of drinking up time!
Lighting
Low wattage, economical light bars can either be built in to shade or independently affixed to any position within the shade or around the perimeter. Very aesthetic, creating ambience and atmosphere, produced in several different styles from down-lighters and up-lighters to spot lights. The lights can be set up on timers and also be remotely operated. Power supply would be necessary for electric lighting.
What Guarantees Can You Expect
Everything varies so much that you are advised to seek this information when your specification has been prepared.
Electrical Work
Remember, any electrical work on any kind MUST be undertaken by qualified electricians with 16th Edition.
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