How many times have you been chased indoors by blazing sun or even a sudden shower? With an awning covered in stylish Sunbrella fabric that seldom happens, because you're in control.
UV protection
Awnings made with Sunbrella fabric offer cool comfort and excellent protection from harmful UV rays on the sunniest of days. In fact, Sunbrella fabrics have been proven to provide up to 98% protection from the sun's harmful effects when used in shade applications.
After passing rigorous testing, Sunbrella fabrics earned the "Seal of Recommendation" by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the only global organization concerned exclusively with cancer of the skin. With Sunbrella, you know that you and your family can enjoy the outdoors while being safe from the sun.
Energy savings
An awning will keep your energy costs down by blocking the sun's heat in warmer months. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers confirms that an awning can reduce heat gain by 55-65% on southern-facing windows and 72-77% on western exposures.
Plus, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors since you won't have to close blinds or draw your draperies. And an awning will protect your indoor furniture from the harsh sunlight without sacrificing your view of the outdoors. Spring, summer, winter and fall, your awning will serve you indoors and out.
Since Sunbrella awning fabrics come in over 150 styles and colors, you're sure to find several choices that will complement your home's exterior and coordinate with your home's interior.
Fabric selections
From traditional solids and stripes to contemporary variations of designer hues, you can select a fabric to suit your home's exterior. Even better, you can coordinate your awning with deck or patio furnishings made with Sunbrella furniture fabrics.
Since all Sunbrella fabrics are easy to clean and fade resistant, you can be sure that your awnings and outdoor furniture, will look beautiful for years and years.
Valance styles
The right valance style can anchor your awning to the architectural style of your home. Straight valances are safe choice, but Oceanwave is lovely on many home styles and it can be scaled to work beautifully with a stripe. Gothic is a good option for a home with traditional or formal styling, and it can be trimmed with contrasting fabric for a custom look.
Types of awnings
Awnings come in many shapes and sizes, plus hundreds of Sunbrella fabric patterns and colors. Your awning fabricator can help you choose the perfect awning for your outdoor space.
Retractable awnings provide shade on demand. The awning is available when you need it; otherwise, it remains retracted. Maintenance is a breeze, because the awning is not constantly exposed to the elements. In addition, Somfy®, the industry-leading awning motor and accessories company, offers motors, sun and wind sensors that allow your retractable awning to respond to the elements.
Window awnings can provide protection from the sun without blocking the view. The drop-arm mechanism of these awnings allows you to open them slightly when the sun in high in the sky or well past horizontal to control morning or late afternoon sun.
Fixed frame awnings are custom fabricated to fit the specific application. Fabric is applied to a custom aluminum frame, which is mounted over windows or doors to provide shelter and sun shade. Fixed frame awnings provide constant protection from the elements and can be fabricated into a multitude of shapes and sizes to create a custom outdoor space for your home.
Now that you've fallen in love with the look and protection of awnings made with Sunbrella fabric, add a Somfy® motor for almost magical ease. With the push of a button, you can cover a patio or deck in less than 90 seconds.
Extend your living space
Let your indoor party expand to the outdoors. Encourage the kids to play outside in the shade. Enjoy lunch on your deck in August. All are possible when you have an awning with Sunbrella fabric. And if you want to have the heat of the sun in the winter but have the comfort of shade in the summer, then add a Somfy® motor. Just push a button, and you control whether to enjoy an open-air feeling or shading and privacy with your family and friends.
From moment to moment, it's up to you. Installing an awning is like making a low-cost room addition while also adding value to your home.
Somfy motors
Somfy provides motors and sensors to meet any of your automation needs. The motor fits discreetly inside the tube that the fabric winds around, so it doesn't detract from the beauty of your outdoor room.
Your awning can be wired into your home's electrical system and can be connected to a light switch for ease of control from inside your home. Or for the ultimate experience opt for a Somfy remote control to make motorization as seamless as possible. One remote can be programmed to control several awnings in unison or separately.
Automation options
Wind sensors and sun sensors can almost bring your awning to life. A wind sensor gives you the peace of mind that your awning will be protected if winds pick up unexpectedly. Wind sensors will retract the awning when wind speeds exceed preset limits.
The sun sensor operates by automatically extending the awning when light/heat settings reach a certain point. This protects your patio or deck but also reduces heat gain inside your home- even when you're not there.
For more information about automation options visit www.somfy.com.
Beyond shade
Sunbrella fabrics are also the leading choice for outdoor furniture, with colors, styles and textures to rival the finest interior fabrics, yet durable enough for outdoor use. With so many styles to choose from, there is certain to be a Sunbrella fabric to complement every aspect of your outdoor space. Creating an outdoor space that includes Sunbrella draperies, furniture fabrics and accessories not only adds to the homeowner’s enjoyment, but allows you to expand your design capabilities.
