It seems that once we experience the first cheerful days of Spring, even if the weather still feels largely unkind, we all start thinking about resuming life outdoors. In recent days the Brax showroom has seen many customers preparing for Summer by looking at external awnings for their homes.

External awnings are primarily designed to provide protection from the heating rays of the summer sun, but they also provide protection from wind and rain.

Most heat gain in homes occurs through windows. While recent advances in glass technology combined with double glazing mean that modern windows are far more efficient in moderating heat, the reality is that once the sun heats that glass, heat has already begun transferring inside. This is where an awning can make a significant difference - reflecting heat from the home by up to 75%. 

Awnings are traditionally made from a canvas fabric. Its thick weave and opacity make canvas great for reducing heat, but it can also make the inside of the home quite dark. 

Modern mesh awning fabrics such as Everscreen or Vistaweave are designed to reduce solar heat gain, while providing natural light and allowing the view to be retained. Mesh fabrics breathe better than solid canvas fabrics, meaning that hot air escapes rather than becomes trapped between the awning and the window. This trapped heat tends to build up when there are many hot days in a row. Mesh is also highly effective in reducing breezes.

Despite the growth of mesh awnings, traditional canvas versions remain popular. A wide range of contemporary colours are now available to complement the much-loved iconic striped canvas awnings.

Awnings are also terrific for providing outdoor areas with shade, making them much more enjoyable on warm days. Retractable folding arm awnings are specific for this purpose, effectively creating an ‘outdoor room’ with shade when it is most needed at the simple touch of a button.

We all want to take advantage of our available spaces and have areas for our specific purpose or intent. For instance, creating a passive outdoor space that offers a quiet area to curl up and read a good book is quite different to one designed for dining or entertaining family and friends.

The fabric range for folding arm awnings is extensive. From plain colours to stripes, there is something to suit every home facade. The best fabric for folding arm awnings is solution dyed acrylic - extremely durable and able to withstand the elements for many years.

If you are considering a folding arm awning, please make sure you consider your lifestyle needs, aesthetics and the impact of weather. Cheap imported products are not necessarily able to stand up to Australian conditions. Always consider that an awning must be attached to the structure of a building, so it needs to be of adequate quality with safe, well-made fixings. 

Our homes are our sanctuaries, offering us a sense of self and a sense of belonging where we can use our own individual creative expressions. It makes sense to extend that sentiment to our outdoor spaces. An awning may be just the ticket to really enjoying the great outdoors at home this summer.