Need Sun Protection here on the Sunshine Coast?

Drop Arm Awnings are perfect for the job.

Awnings, where they came from.

Awnings were first used for sun protection by the ancient Egyptian and Syrian civilizations. They are described as “woven mats” that shaded market stalls and homes. A Roman poet Lucretius, in 50 BC, said: “Linen-awning, stretched, over mighty theatres, gives forth at times, a cracking roar, when much ’tis beaten about, betwixt the poles and cross-beams”.

Among the most significant awnings used for sun protection in the ancient world was the velarium, the massive complex of retractable shade structures that could be deployed above the seating areas of the Roman Colosseum.

Made of linen shade cloths, timber framing, iron sockets and rope, the system could effectively shade about one-third of the arena and seating.

Another third could be shaded by the high surrounding walls, providing a majority of seats some shade on a blinding afternoon. It is believed that sailors, with their background in sailmaking and rigging, were employed to build, maintain and operate the velarium.

Awnings of today.

Elegant Drop-Arm Fabric Awnings are an excellent solution to reducing the total heat load to your home, resulting in more comfortable temperatures during the day whilst protecting your valuable carpet and furnishings from the fading effects of ultraviolet rays and overall sun protection here on the Sunshine Coast.

Commonly used to shade a window, with a roller tube at the top, spring-loaded sidearms, and a motor, crank or tape-pull operator.

Awnings with sides are commonly known as traditional style awnings as they have been used for many years dating back to the early 19th century using cotton canvas fabric.

Canvas was replaced in the 1960s by more acrylic materials and polyester in more recent times driven by a focus on the environment. Traditional style awnings are appropriate for historical buildings and are still popular today using a more weather-resistant fabric and a rope and pulley system for retracting the awnings.

Awnings without sides do not provide as much sun protection as those with sides. Awnings without sides come in many different styles. Drop Arm Awnings without sides come with roller tubes at the top and are available with motors and wind sensors for automatic retraction.

Awnings with sides provide the best sun protection for east and west-facing windows. North and South facing windows can be protected from the sun with awnings without sides. Awnings provide shade keeping your house cooler, awnings are also great shade creators around porches, decks and patios

Also available is the Robusta Balcony Awning. The arms on the Robusta Balcony Awning can be locked at various positions on the slide rails allowing the awning to extend horizontally (like a Folding Arm Awning) or extend almost vertically. This versatile awning can be used over verandahs, patios or doorways.

Features & Benefits

• Durable fabrics: Many of the fabrics we use are manufactured in Australia to suit local conditions. Choose from sunscreen, acrylic or canvas fabrics knowing they will look great for many years.
• Technically superior materials: Al’sBlinds supply quality Drop-Arm Fabric Awnings which are made from components that have been engineered to last in Australia’s harsh conditions.

We supply and install a huge range of shutters, blinds and awnings. You can see our range on our website.

Al’s Blinds Sunshine Coast Product Range

Other styles of Awnings

Here is a recent article we have published.

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Al’s Blinds “real life” reviews.

Al’s Blinds specialize in drop arm awnings and have, supplied and installed many of them all over the Sunshine Coast. To see just a sample of what our clients have to say about our products and services visit our “Reviews” page.

Free In-home no-obligation quotes

We offer a free in-home quoting service. To book a quote please fill out a “Quote Request”.

Contact us for more information

We love to discuss your requirements when it comes to sun protection using shutters, blinds and awnings. Please feel free to either give us a call on 0403 163 037

or send us a message through our “Contact Us” page.