With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about adding an awning to your home’s exterior.
Outdoor awnings can be a great way to give outdoor spaces like patios, decks or terraces a new lease of life – offering all-important protection from the sun, wind and rain. They can also add an element of sophistication and style.
If you’re contemplating an awning for your home, here are some key things to consider:
When choosing the style and layout of your awning, it’s important to ensure it complements the look of any external window coverings you already have – as well as the general colour, look and style of your home. Think carefully about how all of your coverings will work together. You may even wish to consider replacing existing coverings to create a new look overall.
Not all outdoor spaces need covering all of the time. You may, for instance, want an awning that can simply be used during the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest. If you’re looking for this level of flexibility, our Luxaflex®Folding Arm Awnings are a great option.
These awnings retract – or can be extended – quickly and easily, to instantly transform an outdoor area. Some of our folding awning models even have the option of added heating and lighting, so you can entertain year-round, day or night. If you’re looking for an all-weather solution, you can also opt for integrated rain hoods, or a variable valance which you can adjust to suit the sun’s position. There’s also the option of adding a wind protection system, which can significantly increase your awning's wind resistance.
We also offer a range of options depending on the level of durability which you will require. You may, for instance, live in an area that’s frequently subject to strong ocean winds, or which lacks any natural shade.
If you’re looking for toughness and durability, Luxaflex® Metal Louvre Awnings are highly effective in providing privacy, light control and airflow for fairly exposed balconies or outdoor areas.
The Luxaflex’® System 2000 Awning is another option that’s often chosen for its durability. This awning won a prestigious Australian Design Award for its robust materials, ergonomic function, and the fact it is engineered to last in tough Australian conditions.
If your home is set over multiple storeys – and you want to add various awnings – you’ll also need to think about which options are available for the different levels of your home.
Luxaflex® System 2000 Awnings are also a great choice for multi-storey buildings as the range includes different modes of operation, with the same visual look and feel. The System 2000 Pivot Arm Awning can be operated from inside the house by gear, tape or rope, or can be motorised. This makes it ideal for second- or third-storey windows that can’t be reached from the ground level. By contrast, the System 2000 Lock Arm Awning is suitable for ground-floor windows as it allows a basic adjustment by hand or a pull stick.
In recent years, the Luxaflex® Straight Drop Awning has become a very popular inclusion in many new homes. Unlike traditional awnings which ‘float’ horizontally above a space, a straight-drop awning runs vertically – providing a shaded ‘wall’ for your outdoor spaces. This can be a great option for areas where space is at a premium.
The Australian-designed Luxaflex® Evo Awning series is a very popular and striking straight-drop option, and represents the latest in design, styling and functionality. This range includes six models and comes in a selection of beautiful fabrics to shade your home - all featuring famous high quality Luxaflex materials and smooth operating systems.
Within this range, there’s also the option of the Evo MagnaTrack Awning – a particularly sophisticated model which uses the power of rare earth Neodymium Magnets within the side channels to hold the fabric in place. This awning provides a smooth flat finish with unparalleled strength. The Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning with a 3.5m opening span has been independently tested to withstand wind pressures up to 185kph^ by James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, making it Australia’s strongest, wind tested, straight drop awning.
If you’re looking for an awning that can stay as a permanent fixture – for instance, above a front or back door, we also have some ideal Luxaflex solutions.
Luxaflex® Fixed Metal Awnings are made from aluminium and provide perfect shading for patios, verandahs, external windows and doors. Luxaflex® Canopy Awnings can be used to add some traditional charm. These classic-style awnings also come in a range of styles and colours.
Interested in finding out more about how an awning can work in your outdoor space – or spaces? Drop by a Luxaflex showroom and speak with one of our consultants who can run you through the options and help you select the solution that’s perfect for your home. >
^ Report No. TS1166 of James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, College of Science and Engineering dated 12 March 2020.
Despite the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning’s performance in high wind loads, it is recommended that all awnings be retracted during wet or high wind conditions.
