Choosing Retractable Awnings For Your Patio | Your Complete Guide

A retractable awning is a great way to transform your outdoor patio area into a multi-functional space. They offer protection, style and shelter for any homeowner wanting to add value to their property. While vision is one thing, choosing the best retractable awning for your patio can be tricky without some key considerations.  

Here, we’ll show you some key factors to guide your decision and choose a retractable awning to increase your outdoor patio area with style. Here’s what you need to know:  

3 Benefits of Retractable Awnings for Your Patio  

Retractable awnings are a valuable addition to any outdoor space. Here are some handy benefits of installing a retractable awning for your patio:  

They protect you inside and out: Because retractable awnings extend from the facade of your home, they not only provide adequate shade in the heat, but they keep the inside rooms cooler. This means less heat being filtered through windows and less strain on the AC.  

Your furniture is kept intact: A retractable awning filters the amount of heat that injects through the windows, protecting your indoor and outdoor furniture from sun damage.  

You can use them at your convenience: Some retractable awnings feature a cassette encasing. This means you only use them when you need them and retract them when you don’t. It’ll be well protected and last longer.  

Considerations of Retractable Awnings for Your Patio  

Retractable awnings protect you, your home and your furniture from Australia’s harsh heat and changeable weather conditions. Allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of UV rays, rain or wind. The right patio awnings will be custom made to suit the building aesthetic and built with corrosion-resistant materials, a range of materials and colours. So, here are some key considerations for patio retractable awnings:  

• Understand your purpose and aesthetic  
• Choose your colour and fabrics wisely  
• Measure the correct size and angle   
• Choose a durable retractable awning  

Purpose and Style  

The style of your patio awning must take into account awning size and the functionality of the outdoor area. You’ll want to choose an awning that will highlight the exterior of the home as well as achieve optimum protection from the elements.  

Consider the width and projection to make sure it serves its intended purpose and suits the desired coverage area. Whatever you decide, the design of the awning needs to suit your home’s exterior and do the job you need it to.  

If you’re unsure, we recommend you reach out to a reputable supplier to discuss your options and concerns with an expert team.  

Colour and Materials 

The material and colours need to be high-quality, durable and easily maintainable to withstand harsh Australian conditions. The perfect fabric for your patio awning may include the following features:  

• UV resistance  
• Strong light and heat control  
• Be easy to clean  
• Water resistance  
• Anti-fungal  
• fire-retardant  

When choosing your fabric and fabric colour, reach out to a supplier that can offer a wide range of patterns and colours custom made to suit the aesthetic appeal of your home.  

Don’t Skimp on Size 

Awning size reflects the holistic vision of your patio awning: the outdoor space, your budget and its purpose. Whether you have a small balcony space, courtyard or a larger area, awning size usually depends on the following:  

The direction of the facade: Whether your home is north, south, east or west-facing, each direction affects the projection. North, east and west-facing facades may need a longer projection than southern-facing areas. You may want to consider a greater pitch (angle on inclination) on awnings facing west, to cut out a bit more of the low lying afternoon sun.  

Correct Measurements: It may sound too simple to mention, but incorrect measurements can turn disastrous. Remember, awning size is measurable in width, projection and pitch. You will need to account for the entire coverage area. Reach out to your reputable supplier to discuss your awning size concerning your outdoor area.   

Choose a Durable Retractable Awning For Your Patio 

Rubix Cassette 

The Rubix Cassette includes a geometric design with a square enclosure. It’s ideal for modernised buildings due to its rectangular, slim design.  

The Rubix Cassette uses the Multiflex 4-cable arm system and is suitable for tough Australian conditions. In doing so, the arm system ensures durability tautness of the fabric with daily, extensive and heavy use. It also has an installation angle between 5 – 40° and comes in over 120 fabric and frame colours and patterns.  

Full Cassette 

A full-cassette awning encompasses robust protection within a smooth design for any patio area. The Helioscreen Cassette encases the fabric and mechanisms to secure the awning in place and safe from exposure to the elements.  

The Helioscreen Cassette consists of four tear-resistant steel cables encased with flexible material to protect against corrosion. Its installation angle spans from 5-40° and comes in over 120 fabric and frame colours and patterns.  

Helioscreen Classic 

Featuring an open style awning, the Helioscreen Classic is ideal for covering any patio area. With an installation angle of 5-45°, the Helioscreen Classic is manufactured using chromatised aluminium parts. Due to its open style, the fabric roller remains exposed, so it’s a great choice for installing to the underside of an existing structure.  

Helioscreen supplies a wide range of retractable awnings custom made to enhance any patio area.  

Choose Australia’s Quality Retractable Awning Supplier

The right awning for your patio makes a more comfortable experience for your family and brings life and functionality to your property’s exterior.  

When choosing an awning for your home, it’s important to prioritise a durable and functional retractable awning that will provide a long-lasting shade solution custom made to your outdoor area.  Helioscreen is Australia’s leading supplier of retractable awnings for a variety of residential buildings. Contact us for more information.