What’s the difference between drop arm awnings and folding arm awnings?

When making the decision to create an outdoor living space, it can become overwhelming with the amount of choice. There’s outdoor dining areas, conservatories, patios the list goes on. Awnings tend to be neglected in these decisions as many homeowners are unaware of what they are.

If you don’t already know awnings are an overhang of canvas attached to the exterior of a building. Typically you would see a lot of awnings for commercial use in businesses and restaurants however they can be beneficial to homes.

Typically there are two types of awnings, a folding arm, and a drop arm. It may be difficult to distinguish the two, so here is a rough guide.

Folding arm awnings

Folding arm awnings are modern, attractive and budget-friendly. They are energy efficient and are the most popular style amongst homeowners as they provide sun protection over large areas of space. The structure that supports the awning is known as the “arm”. Folding awnings allow the user to retract the length of the awning also giving the user the opportunity to fold the awning away for convenience.

Drop arm awnings

The second most popular awnings are drop arm, typically you would see these on storefronts. They tend to fall diagonally in front of doors and windows most stores and restaurants use them for decoration, but the primary use is for indoor sun protection. Drop arm awnings are just as beneficial to homeowners as folding arm awnings. Some house locations are not protected enough by natural shade and the sunlight can sometimes be too harsh when entering your house. Installing drop arm awnings can provide shade protection while still allowing natural light into your home.

The summer heat can become difficult to tolerate both indoors and outdoors- installing awnings allows you to be in the shade when outside while also keeping the inside of your home cool. So now you know the difference in folding arm awnings and drop arm awnings, let us get onto why you need Othello awnings in your home.

Our awnings here at InDesign Binds are low maintenance, easy to install and are structurally sound. They can handle all weather conditions and still provide protection. We recommend cleaning awnings 2-3 times a year to preserve beauty.

There’s a reason why restaurants and storefronts install awnings. Installing awnings to your home could increase value and make your building visually more attractive.

Here at InDesign Binds, we are experts in installing awnings and providing the best service available.

Folding arm awning

What are folding arm awnings?

Folding Arm Awnings are a stylish addition to any home or garden. Our high quality waterproof fabrics will keep you protected come rain or shine. So whether you’re relaxing on a hot, sunny day or need to finish a spot of gardening despite the drizzle, an awning will both help to keep you dry and guard against sunburn. Awnings can also help to protect your indoor furniture and carpets from colour bleaching by the sun.

A folding awnings can be used for anything from creating controllable sun and UV protection in a particular room and larger sizes to an outdoor area to sit underneath, or, for many people a retractable system to enable some protection from rainfall in our climate.

Enjoy many hours in a comfortable atmosphere directly under your awning. Entertain friends and family longer into the evenings with optional lighting and heating options added. Most of our self supporting awnings can be ordered up to 14 metres wide if required and up to a 4 metre projection! With supported systems we can offer up to 8 metres in projection.

Make sure your awning will provide adequate shade

It sounds obvious, but getting the size of your awning just right can be more difficult than you think. Because the sun moves position throughout the day, you need to make sure that your awning is large enough to provide shade at all times. That’s why our awnings specialists carry out a full technical survey to ensure that once fitted, your awning will be positioned perfectly.

Choose a treated fabric to withstand variable weather conditions

Our awnings are sturdy and build to last with premium materials. Water resistant awning fabrics undergo rigorous testing and are specially treated to help prevent fading and weathering.