AWNINGS WITH DROP DOWN VALANCE

Complete Control for Low Sun, Privacy and Shelter

The Problem with Low Sun in Your Garden

For many homes across the UK, particularly those with South or West facing gardens, a standard awning only solves part of the problem. While it provides excellent overhead shade during the middle of the day, it cannot prevent low sun shining directly underneath in the late afternoon and evening.

As the sun drops lower, glare increases, comfort reduces, and your outdoor space becomes difficult to use just when you want to relax or entertain.

The Simple Solution: A Drop Down Valance

An integrated drop down extended front valance is designed specifically to solve this issue. Neatly built into the front profile of selected Weinor and Markilux awnings, this vertical blind can be lowered in seconds, either manually with a winding handle or electrically via remote control.

It provides targeted shading exactly where a standard awning cannot, blocking low angle sunlight at the front while maintaining the open feel of your space.

Once lowered, the valance also creates a more sheltered area, helping to reduce cooler evening breezes and improve overall comfort.

Designed for Real Everyday Use

This is not just an occasional feature. For many properties, especially those exposed to sun throughout the day, it becomes an essential part of how the awning is used.

Instead of moving indoors or constantly repositioning furniture, you can simply lower the valance as the sun drops. Whether manual or electric, it gives you immediate control and allows you to continue using your patio or terrace for longer periods.

More Than Just Shade

A drop down valance adds multiple practical benefits to your awning:

Blocks low angle sunlight that standard awnings cannot cover
Reduces glare for more comfortable dining and relaxing
Adds privacy from neighbouring properties or passers by
Helps shelter against cooler breezes in the evening
Creates a more enclosed and usable outdoor space

With longer drop options available, the valance can be lowered close to ground level, forming a front screen that enhances both comfort and privacy.

Fabric Options to Suit Your Space

The valance can be finished in the same fabric as your main awning for a coordinated look, or specified in high performance screen fabrics.

These specialist materials:

Filter sunlight while reducing heat and glare
Maintain outward visibility
Prevent the space from feeling closed in

This allows you to balance privacy, light and visibility depending on your preference

Matching 790 Side screen with Awning and drop down Valance

Extend Protection to the Sides

Optional pull out side screens can also be added to provide horizontal protection from one or both sides.

These spring loaded systems are housed in a slim cassette and can extend up to 4m, offering:

Protection from low sun at the sides
Increased privacy
Reduced wind exposure

When combined with a drop down valance, this creates a more enclosed and comfortable space with protection on three sides.

Create Your Own Outdoor Room

By combining overhead shading, front valance protection and optional side screens, your awning becomes far more than a sunshade.

It creates a flexible outdoor room that can be adapted throughout the day, allowing you to stay comfortable, protected and private without losing the enjoyment of being outside.

Markilux pergola with Valance and additional Markilux 790 side screen

Quality, Made to Measure

All Samson Awnings are made to order using premium systems from Weinor and Markilux. Every element is tailored, including size, projection, fabric and control type.

Designed for durability and reliable performance in UK conditions, these systems provide a long term upgrade to your outdoor living space.

A Popular Choice for Sunnier Gardens

For homes with a South West or West facing aspect, the drop down valance is one of the most practical and worthwhile upgrades available.

Available in manual or fully electric operation, it allows you to respond instantly to changing sunlight conditions, improving comfort without any disruption to your outdoor space.

The valance is available in three lengths of 1m, 1.5m and 2.1m, with the largest option reaching close to ground level for maximum coverage.

Integrated into the awning front profile, it can also be connected to a wind sensor, ensuring automatic retraction in stronger conditions.

Example Specification and Guide Price

PRICES FROM £4,500
(Based on 4m x 3m. Installation not included)

Typical specification includes:

Made to measure width sizes in millimetres
Electric drop down front valance with remote control operation
High quality aluminium construction with cassette finish options
Electric awning operation with remote control
Integrated wind sensor for automatic retraction
Choice of oval and square cassette designs
Over 200 fabric options for the main awning cover
Wall mounting brackets included
5 year manufacturer guarantee

Additional Options

Pull Out Side Screen

We also offer high quality pull out fabric side screens, which are often specified alongside a drop down valance awning. These provide additional protection to one or both sides of the awning, helping to reduce low sun, improve privacy, and offer shelter from wind where required.

Alternative Solution: Adjustable Pitch with the Markilux 1300

For situations where low sun is a persistent issue, there is also an alternative approach to consider. The Markilux 1300 offers a unique solution through its adjustable pitch design, allowing you to change the angle of the entire awning as the sun moves.
Unlike standard awnings with a fixed angle, the Markilux 1300 can be manually adjusted using a simple winding handle. This allows the pitch of the awning to be altered across a wide range, typically between 4 and 54 degrees, or alternatively 35 to 85 degrees depending on installation setup.

Control the Angle of Shade

This flexibility means you can:

Keep a shallow pitch during midday for maximum outward view and headroom
Increase the angle later in the day to block low sun more effectively
Adjust the slope in light rain to help water run off efficiently

The result is a highly adaptable shading system that responds to changing conditions throughout the day.

Combine with Shadeplus for Maximum Effect

For even greater performance, the Markilux 1300 can also be specified with the integrated Shadeplus system. This retractable vertical screen is housed within the front profile, working in the same way as a drop down valance to provide additional shading and privacy when required.

Together, adjustable pitch and Shadeplus offer a powerful combination for managing both high and low sun.

Practical, Durable and Well Engineered

The Markilux 1300 is an open awning design, with the option of an aluminium protective roof to shield the fabric when retracted. Its front profile includes an integrated gutter to help channel water away during light rain when set at the correct angle.

Markilux, a leading German manufacturer, is known for precision engineering, high performance fabrics and long term reliability. The 1300 model reflects this, offering a robust and practical solution where flexibility is key.

A Different Approach to Low Sun Protection

While a drop down valance provides vertical shading at the front of the awning, the Markilux 1300 approaches the problem differently by allowing you to reposition the entire awning angle.

For some properties, particularly balconies or areas where a front valance may not be preferred, this can be an ideal alternative or complementary solution for maintaining comfort throughout the day.