Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Most awnings need a height of around 2.5m at a minimum to fully extend and allow a decent amount of headroom. This also allows doors and windows to open when the awning is extended. If you are worried about the width and projection of an awning, it is important to speak to our sales team directly. This is because the specifics of different awnings are rarely ever the same. For more information, please contact our team on 01932 300450.

An awning requires amazingly low maintenance. All you need to do is give it a quick clean every now and then. Just sponge it down gently with a little warm soapy water. We do not advise using a scouring pad as you might scratch the frame or the casing. We also do not advise putting your awnings cover in the washing machine. The washing machine cycle can strip away the weatherproofing solution that we use on our products.

Yes, you can. However, it is always wiser to let a professional handle the installation of an awning. This because they tend to be quite heavy, and usually need a minimum of two people to install. There is also the matter of installing the awning bracket to the wall, a job that must completed perfectly. If not, your awning could be unsafe and at risk of falling down. This in turn could put people at risk who sit underneath it.

A traditional awning opens and closes thanks to a hand crank that you can turn. An electric awning does away with the hand crank and is installed with an electric motor that plugs into your mains. This motor works at the push of a button, and opens your awning without any effort from you. This is extremely helpful for people who are less mobile, and not able to work a hand crank properly.

You do not need to do any particular preparation before you fit an awning, but it is important that the wall is in good condition. Awnings are fitted with pretty substantial bolts, so a wall in poor condition would just crumble. There are ways of overcoming this problem however, such as using steel plates to spread the load across your wall.

You have the option of attaching a weather sensor to your awning which automatically opens or closes your awning depending on the weather.

Installing a sun sensor will automatically open your awning when the sunlight reaches a certain level (keeping your rooms cool and outside furniture shaded).

Whereas should the weather take a turn for the worse, a wind sensor will automatically close your awning when gusts become strong.  Thereby protecting your awning from the damage strong winds can cause.

Likewise a rain sensor will retract an awning as it starts to sense heavy rain showers, keeping it safe and dry.

You have the option of fitting each type of sensor independently, or installing an intelligent weather system that combines the above.

An awning offers protection from the weather, no matter what the activity, and provides smokers with the perfect shelter from blistering sun and miserable showers.

By providing a dedicated outdoor space for smokers, you are also helping to prevent ash and smoke from entering your home or business, keeping the atmosphere free from the smell of cigarettes, protecting your furniture and ensuring the comfort of non-smokers.

If a commercial awning is required (i.e. for a pub, cafe, restaurant), you must ensure your smoking shelter complies with the Smoking Shelter Regulations that govern the requirements of your installation.

There are a small number of jobs you need to do to ensure your awning remains in good condition.

1. Check your awning for any signs of general wear and tear. This includes your components, your fabric, the stitching, and your valances (if your awning has one)
2. If you do happen to find any rips or broken components, these should be fixed prior to winter storage so it’s ready for use as soon as spring arrives.
3. Before putting your awning away for the winter it is a good idea to give it a good dust down. Whilst you were enjoying your awning over the summer months, it will have been collecting dust and debris blown over it by the wind. Storing your awning without giving it a good clean, can result in the debris making holes in the fabric.
4. Retract your awning into its cassette throughout the winter. Cassettes are built to protect your awning from the harsh weather whilst it is not in use. This includes: wind, rain, and snow.

The type of awning you purchase completely depends on your needs. There are three types of awning, whose names are based upon the mechanism each awning uses, and how it is protected when not in use.

Open Awning – Cost effective and often an entry-level awning, the open awning does not retract into a protective casing.  It is best utilised in gardens where the awning will be protected by overhanging roofs or trees.

Semi-Cassette Awning – A semi-cassette is partially housed, retracting the awning fabric but leaving the mechanisms exposed to the elements. Semi-Cassette awnings offer medium protection and are suitable for use in any garden. The top of the cassette has a protective cover and comes with end caps to protect from dirt and debris.

Full Cassette Awning – Sleek and aesthetically pleasing, the full cassette awning offers the highest level of weather protection. When the awning is not in use, it is completely closed away in a cassette preventing damage from frost, rain, wind, and even vandalism.

In most cases, we will usually try to use a spare socket in your home. We can drill a small hole to feed the wire through. You would only need to install a new socket if there isn’t one nearby.

Generally speaking awnings will last from 5 to 15 years depending on the fabric you choose and how well it is cared for over the years. All awnings supplied by Just Awnings come with a five year, no quibble guarantee. Full cassette awnings may last longer, as all moving parts are protected when not in use.

The length of time it takes to install an awning depends on the size of the awning and its location. The installation process can take anything from half an hour to an entire day. For more information, please contact our installation team on 01932 300450.

All awnings require a slope in order to allow for water run off. The angle of the slope your awning is entirely up to you. Most awnings have an angle between 15 and 45 degrees. Depending on your preference, you can speak to your installation team about adjusting the angle to suit you.

There is no definitive answer to this question as there are many different factors involved. It is impossible to say exactly how strong an awning is against the wind, so we suggest installing the all in one weather sensor. It will close your awning when it senses winds are getting high. This not only protects your awning from strong winds, but also your wallet from having to pay to get it re-installed.