Home FAQS FAQs Page 4

  • What guarantee or warranty do I get with an awning and what does it cover?

    Our awnings come with a minimum five year guarantee, with up to ten years available, depending on the model and manufacturer. Cover is typically split across components: (more…)

  • What electrical supply do I need and do I need a Part P electrician?

    An electric awning runs from a standard 240V mains supply. A fused spur or socket near the awning is usually sufficient, and the motor and sensors draw very little power. (more…)

  • Manual or electric awning – which should I choose?

    Both do the same job; the difference is convenience and safety . Manual (crank-operated) awnings are a cost effective choice for smaller awnings, generally up to around 4m width. Electric awnings are operated at the touch of a button or via an app and are strongly recommended for larger awnings over 4m width and for anyone wanting added features. (more…)

  • How long will my retractable awning last?

    With proper care, a higher quality retractable folding arm awning can last a long time.  (more…)

  • Can I install a retractable awning by myself?

    It is possible, but we don’t generally recommend it. Awnings are heavy and usually need at least two people to lift and hold in place safely. Awnings over around 6m wide require specialist lifting equipment in most cases. The wall brackets are the most critical component. Their positioning and fixing method must be carefully considered, and extra brackets are often needed to spread the load.

    For safety, warranty and a clean finish, we recommend professional installation, which we provide. Professional surveying for anything slightly out of the standard flat 2 storey wall is also recommended for the best final outcome.

  • How do I clean and maintain my awning?

    Awning fabric needs very little routine maintenance if it’s looked after regularly. Brush off loose dirt, leaves and debris every few weeks during the main season, and hose the fabric down from time to time to prevent build up.

    For marks or light staining, use a soft brush with lukewarm water and a mild, non‑detergent soap, then rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting. Treat any bird droppings, tree sap or stubborn marks as soon as possible so they don’t have time to set into the material.

    Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, bleach or pressure washers, as these can damage the fabric and seams. Do not retract the awning while it is wet for long periods, as this can encourage mould or mildew in the folds.

    We also recommend a quick visual check of the arms, brackets and fixings a few times a year to make sure everything is secure and moving freely, and to clear any debris from around the cassette. For cassette awnings, an additional protective cover or hood can help shield the unit and fabric from the worst of the weather when not in use, extending the life of the awning.

  • Can I add LED lighting, heating or sensors to an awning later?

    Some features are best and easiest to specify at the time of order because they’re integrated into the cassette and arms, particularly LED lighting and certain heating options. Others, such as wireless sensors and smart home control, can often be added later.

    The majority of folding arm awnings we sell now have an IO protocol as standard meaning they are future proof for any smart app control at a later date. This means for most people control by smart phones from anywhere but also access to creating actions autonomously, such as open the awning at 10am on a weekend and close at 8pm.

    Many modern infra red heaters ca be bought separately at any time and there are some LED lighting systems which also can be a retro fit, but usually fixed separately from the awning cassette itself.

    If you think you might want lighting, heating or a drop down valance in future, it’s worth telling us at the quote stage so we can recommend a model that allows it.

  • Do I need planning permission for a retractable folding arm awning?

    In the vast majority of cases, no. A retractable awning is generally treated as a temporary fixture and does not require planning permission for a typical domestic property. As it retracts fully when not in use then it is very unobtrusive and is a preferred shading method for anyone wanting nothing seen when not required.

    Exceptions can apply to listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and flats/maisonettes, where consent may be needed. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your local planning authority will confirm your situation.

     

  • What smart features are possible apart from the basic app open or close on an awning?

    Beyond the simple app control, many smart retractable awning setups support automation via sun, wind, temperature, light and rain sensors, letting the awning react to weather conditions automatically.
    Various sensors are available from Somfy which automatically extend the awning such as when a room gets to a certain temperature with the sunlight. Again, if it is too windy the awning should close itself from the motion or wind sensor always overriding the sun or temperature sensor for safety.

    With Somfy based systems, you can also schedule timed events, create scenes (for example, “evening mode” with awning and lights together) and monitor or adjust your awning remotely when away from home.

     

  • What is a smart app controlled retractable awning?

    A smart controlled retractable awning is a motorised awning you can extend or retract via a smartphone or tablet app instead of (or in addition to) a remote control handset or other control accessory. Systems typically use a motor in the roller tube incorporating wireless control such as Somfy RTS or io-homecontrol, giving remote operation and the option to integrate with a wider smart home platform.

    If you use your smartphone to control lights, music, blinds and other products around your home then your awning definitely needs to be included in that.
    Nearly all the retractable awnings we sell from Samson Awnings are with Somfy electric motors as standard now.

    You only require a simple plug and play hub to access a whole world of additional control with smart technology, such as the Somfy Tahoma Switch hub, plugged into your home router. You can then add multiple other controls and also access ‘scenarios’ to create actions at certain times of the day or night