Many people who have patios, businesses, or decks, choose to install awnings. An awning is a great addition to your patio, or other exterior spaces. It provides shade and protection from the elements year-round.
However, many people don’t know how many options they truly have. The different choices you have are very diverse, if you choose a high-quality supplier of awnings. Many quality suppliers of awnings will offer you a wide range of different sensors and controls.
Sensors
There are many different types of sensors that you can choose from for your folding arm awnings. They’ll help you determine how you want to operate your awning. You can even automate your awning. For example, sun sensors are very popular.
A sun sensor is a photosensitive sensor that detects a certain amount of light. When the light gets to a certain point, the awning can automatically open to protect your outdoor space from the amount of light. There are also wind sensors available, from some suppliers.
A wind sensor is useful for awnings. Wind sensors are essentially electronic weather vanes. When the wind reaches a certain predetermined speed, the awning will open or close. Whether you want it to open or closed depends on your awning, and on your needs.
If you are trying to protect your awning, you should probably set it to close at a certain speed. If you’re trying to protect customers, or items placed on your patio, you might want it to open when the wind picks up. Also, the wind picking up is often a sign of rain coming; it’s best to prepare, and protect your priorities, in such conditions.
Controls
Many people choose to automate as much of their awning as possible. As stated earlier, wind sensors and other types of sensors, can be used to determine when the awning opens and closes. However, there are other ways to control this.
You can use timers to determine when it opens. You can set it to a timer so that it opens in the morning, and closes at night, or whatever you need. Also, you could connect your awning to Camper-bus for completely automated controls. When connected to C-bus, you can control any part you need.
Other Options
These are just a few of the ways that your awning can be controlled. If you’re looking for an awning that is responsive to your needs, and more versatile than just a standard awning, you need one that folds (opening and closing, mechanically). Then, you need to set up sensors and/or controls, to determine when it opens and closes. These sensors can be automated so that they respond to different stimuli, or they can be automated just to open close at certain times.
You can also choose which material your awning is made from. Choosing the material will often determine how it functions. A mesh awning will allow some wind and rain through, but will still provide shade. Alternately, a PVC awning will block all wind and rain.