Many products in the window covering industry are seasonal. Patio Awnings are very typical of this type of product. Having seen 2 very lean years in sales of patio awnings 2009 is proving to be an exceptional year. Many UK awning Companies are quoting longer delivery times of up to 3 weeks. The picture shows a motorised awning fitted in Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. A location against a south facing wall such as this is ideal for a number of reasons.

• You get shade under the awning on the patio.
• The awning also keeps the house cool in the height of summer.
• In the evening the awning captures the warm air radiating from the bricks so you can sit out longer.
• You will be protected from summer showers.

To the right of the awning has been installed a Somfy wind sensor. This unit catches the wind and will automatically retract the awning should the wind become too strong. If the wind sensor does come into operation you cannot reuse the awning for 15 - 20 minutes as there is a timed cut out.

Standard operation is with a remote control handset. You can have the awning fully extended or stop it at any point between open and closed. The fabric for this awning is a plain which is quite unusual in the UK. Most people select a stripey fabric - (See Video Below) The frame is dark brown to fit in with the cream woodwork on the house. White would have clashed against the cream.

The front valance is a wave shape although this can be made as a straight valance. You can also opt to not have a valance of any description and just have the front bar. Having a patio awning is like adding an extra room to your garden at the press of a button.