Blog Post

Essential Awning Upgrades | Sunstate Awning

  • By Admin
  • 21 Feb, 2024
Awnings are a valuable feature that expands living space outdoors, shielding you from the sun and light rain. The awnings enhance the functionality and size of an outdoor residential or commercial area, making them a favorite for people who enjoy spending time outside. Discover some key awning upgrades.

Rain Dump

Rain can damage awnings by exerting force and pressure on their surfaces. When raindrops fall, they strike the awning fabric, causing it to absorb water. As more rain falls, the weight of the accumulated water puts stress on the awning's structure. Additionally, the wet fabric becomes susceptible to stretching and sagging, compromising its tautness.

Over time, constant exposure to rain can weaken the fibers, leading to tears or holes in the material. Furthermore, the moisture creates a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth, which can deteriorate the fabric and cause unpleasant stains and odors.

One way to prevent such damage is to incorporate an automatic rain dump feature. This system allows excess rainwater to be effectively drained, preventing any water accumulation and potential damage. The automatic rain dump feature is designed to activate when rain is detected, ensuring swift water disposal.

When rainwater accumulates on the awning's surface, the system is triggered. It senses the weight of the water and activates a mechanism that tilts the awning slightly. As a result, the accumulated rainwater starts to slide down the surface, gathering momentum.

Once it reaches a certain point, the system halts the tilting motion, allowing the water to cascade off the awning swiftly. This innovative design ensures that rainwater is efficiently drained from the awning, preventing any potential damage or overloading.

Automatic Wind Sensor

Strong winds can damage awnings by exerting a powerful force upon them. The force of the wind pushes and pulls at the fabric or material of the awning, subjecting it to intense stress. As the wind speed increases, so does the pressure on the awning. This pressure can cause the awning to stretch, tear, or even detach from its supports.

Moreover, the rapid airflow can create a lifting effect, lifting the awning and causing it to flap violently. Such repeated flapping and tugging can weaken the awning's structure over time. Additionally, debris carried by the wind might impact the awning, causing punctures or tears.

You have to retract or secure awnings during periods of strong winds to reduce their exposure to these forces. One way to do this is to install a wind sensor.

The wind sensor for awnings detects and measures wind levels to ensure optimal performance. The sensor actively senses the surrounding air currents and gauges their intensity. The sensor immediately triggers an automatic response when the wind speed surpasses a pre-set threshold. This response typically involves retracting the awning to safeguard it from potential damage caused by strong winds.

The sensor incorporates advanced technology, such as anemometers or wind vanes, to precisely determine wind speed and direction. Upon detecting unsafe wind conditions, the system promptly sends signals to the awning mechanism, prompting it to retract smoothly and swiftly.

Smart Control 

A fully automated awning operates through intelligent mechanisms that facilitate its seamless functionality. Users can activate the awning through a mobile app or an intelligent home assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant, to deploy the awning. This integration allows for convenient voice commands, making adjusting the awning's position effortless based on changing weather conditions or personal preferences.

Moreover, the smart integration allows users to set customized schedules for the awning, aligning it with their daily routines. For example, the awning can be programmed to extend in the morning to shield the patio from the rising sun and retract in the evening when the sun sets.

Sunstate Awning has offered professional design, fabrication, and installation of custom awnings in central Florida for over 20 years. We prioritize quality, commitment, and customer satisfaction, catering to both residential and commercial projects with skilled craftsmanship and dedicated staff. Contact us to explore our awning offerings.

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