Many Australians love to spend time outdoors to enjoy the pleasant and sunny weather. But it can get too hot during certain times of the day, especially in the summer months. The good news is there is an affordable and reliable way to extend the use of those spaces — and that is by installing external awnings or blinds.
External awnings and blinds are perfect for enclosing an area to keep it functional even during adverse weather. Outdoor awnings are versatile for commercial and domestic applications, including al fresco cafés and dining areas, swimming centres, and patios. Plus, they are retractable to accommodate the sunlight’s changing position and weather changes throughout the day.
If you’re considering these outdoor shading solutions, it’s best to engage a seasoned professional installer who can customise external awnings and blinds to your exact specifications. For a better experience, be sure to consider these things when discussing your installation requirements:
Materials
The secret to maximising the value of external awnings or blinds is ensuring they are made of high-quality materials. Low-quality ones are ineffective at blocking UV light and cannot withstand high winds, making them more prone to damage. Reputable installers use the best materials from brands like Ziptrak, Somfy, Weinor, and Helioscreen to ensure reliable, functional, and long-lasting shade solutions.
Operation and function
External awnings and blinds can be configured to open or close in different ways. Awnings can have manual or automatic folding arms, and clear PVC outdoor blinds have no wires, cords, or ropes, which can be a safety hazard. If you prefer roof awnings, consider a retractable option so they don’t get damaged by high winds. Plus, they can be integrated with LED lights and made with all-glass elements.
Cassette drop blinds can come in different mesh densities to customise the UV protection and level of transparency. Meanwhile, clear PVC outdoor blinds can be tinted to minimise glare. Blinds also complement retractable external awnings, especially when you want to seal off the space when it’s raining.
Lifespan
The lifespan of external awnings or blinds depends on their exposure to sun and wind, as well as how well they are maintained. With professional installation and regular maintenance, they should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, and possibly more.
Ready to install external awnings and blinds?
Versatile Structures is a trusted installer and designer of custom external awnings and blinds. Call 0405 401 500 or 07 3271 4519 to get a quote.
About the author:
Versatile Structures is a provider of high-quality shade structures in Queensland for commercial, government, council, and domestic clients. They provide an extensive selection of shade solutions, encompassing shade structures, shade sails, commercial shade options, membrane sails, aluminium screens, gates, billboard structures, and specific residential applications. Their main service region encompasses Brisbane, Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ipswich, and all South East Queensland, with the potential to extend to a broader area based on the project's requirements.
No comments yet