Buying an awning seems straightforward until you start looking at options. Suddenly there are decisions about cassette types, arm configurations, fabric grades, wind sensors, and control systems. What actually matters, and what's just marketing?

This guide walks through the practical considerations that affect whether you end up with an awning that works brilliantly for years or one that disappoints from day one.

Size and Projection

The first question is how much space you want to cover.

Width is usually determined by the facade you're mounting to - typically somewhere between 3 and 6 metres for most residential installations. Larger widths are possible but may require multiple units or specialist systems.

Projection (how far the awning extends from the wall) is often more constrained than people expect. Maximum projection for most arm awnings is around 3 to 3.5 metres. That's enough to shade a seating area, but won't cover a very deep patio.

If you need to cover a larger area, options include:

A pergola system (which can span much larger areas)
Multiple awnings mounted at different levels
A combination of overhead awning and side screens

The key point: work out how much area you actually need to shade before you start looking at products. A beautiful awning that doesn't cover the area you use isn't much help.

Mounting Position and Structure

Where the awning mounts affects what's possible and how well it works.

Height matters. An awning mounted too low won't clear people's heads when extended. Too high and the shade doesn't reach where you need it. Typically, the back edge needs to be at least 2.5 metres from the ground, with the front edge sitting lower to provide an angled canopy.

The wall needs to be suitable. Awnings are fixed with substantial brackets into masonry or structural timber. Thin render over insulation, lightweight cladding, or cavity walls close to the surface can all cause problems. Most issues can be solved, but they need to be identified before installation.

Obstacles matter. Gutters, downpipes, alarm boxes, external lights, and opening windows can all complicate mounting. Again, usually workable but needs planning.

This is why a survey matters more than you might think. Photos can't show wall construction, structural adequacy, or all the small obstacles that affect installation. A surveyor at your property can assess these issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

Don't assume you can't have an awning. People often rule themselves out because they think their situation is too complicated. In reality, experienced installers deal with tricky properties all the time. The survey is free - use it to find out what's actually possible rather than assuming.

Wind Ratings and Sensors

Wind is the enemy of awnings. An extended awning acts like a sail - wind applies significant force to the fabric and mechanism. This is the main cause of awning damage and the reason quality matters in the mechanism.

Understanding wind resistance

Awnings are rated for wind resistance in Beaufort scale classes or specific speeds. Typical ratings:

Class 1: Up to 20 km/h (Beaufort 4, moderate breeze)
Class 2: Up to 38 km/h (Beaufort 5-6, fresh to strong breeze)
Class 3: Up to 50 km/h (Beaufort 7, near gale)

These ratings apply when the awning is extended. When retracted, wind isn't a factor.

Higher-rated awnings use stronger arms, beefier mechanisms, and better-tensioned fabrics. They cost more but survive conditions that would damage cheaper systems.

Wind sensors

Even a high-rated awning can be damaged by sudden gusts or storms. Wind sensors detect when wind speed exceeds safe limits and automatically retract the awning.

For most installations, wind sensors are worth having. You don't have to monitor the weather constantly or rush outside when conditions change. The system protects itself.

Basic sensors retract when wind exceeds a threshold. More sophisticated systems consider gusts, sustained wind, and sometimes vibration to make smarter decisions about when to retract.

Sun sensors are also available, automatically extending the awning when the sun is strong and retracting when it's cloudy. These are more of a convenience feature than a protection measure.

Control Options

How do you want to operate the awning?

Manual operation

A crank handle that winds the awning in and out. It works, it's reliable, and it's cheap. But it's also slow and requires physical effort. For large awnings, manual operation becomes impractical.

Manual operation makes sense for small awnings or budget installations, but for anything else, motorised is worth the extra cost.

Motorised operation

A motor drives the awning in and out at the push of a button. Operation takes seconds rather than minutes. A single switch or remote control is all you need.

Motorised operation is standard on quality awnings and should be considered the default choice for most installations.

Smart controls

Beyond basic motorised, various smart features are available:

Remote controls: Wireless handsets that operate the awning from anywhere in range
Wall switches: Fixed controls near the door
App control: Operate via smartphone, including from away from home
Timers: Automatic operation at set times
Home automation integration: Control via systems like Google Home, Alexa, or dedicated home automation platforms
Weather sensors: Automatic response to sun, wind, or rain

Smart features add cost but improve convenience. App control is particularly useful - you can extend the awning before you get home or check its status when you're away.

Fabric Choices

The fabric affects appearance, durability, light transmission, and heat reflection.

Acrylic fabrics

The most common choice. Solution-dyed acrylic (where colour goes through the fibre, not just on the surface) resists fading, water, and mildew. Quality acrylics last 10-15 years with reasonable care.

Acrylic comes in a huge range of colours and patterns, from plain solids to stripes and prints.

Polyester fabrics

Some manufacturers use coated polyester. This can be cheaper but typically doesn't last as long or resist UV as well as quality acrylic.

Colour considerations

Darker colours absorb more heat and provide denser shade. Lighter colours reflect more light and heat, keeping the space below cooler but providing less complete shade.

Very light colours can create glare issues. Very dark colours can make the space below feel enclosed. Mid-tones often work best.

Patterns and stripes can look striking or dated depending on the design. Plain colours are safer but potentially less interesting. It's a matter of taste.

Light transmission

Some fabrics allow more light through than others. More light means the shaded area feels brighter but potentially hotter. Less light means better shade but a darker feel.

Most people don't think about this when choosing colours, but it's worth considering. A very dense, dark fabric can make the space below feel gloomy on overcast days.

Cassette vs Semi-Cassette vs Open

Covered in detail in our types of awnings guide, but in brief:

Cassette: Full protection when retracted, cleanest appearance, highest cost
Semi-cassette: Fabric protected, arms exposed, mid-range cost
Open: Everything exposed, lowest cost, shortest lifespan in exposed positions

For most exposed residential installations, cassette is worth the premium. The protected fabric and mechanism last longer and look better over time.

Installation Quality

Even the best awning, badly installed, performs poorly. Installation quality matters for:

Structural integrity. Brackets need to be fixed into solid structure, not just render or plaster. Appropriate anchors must be used for the wall type.

Level and position. An awning mounted out of level looks wrong and doesn't drain properly. Position affects shade coverage.

Electrical work. Motorised awnings need power. This should be done properly - safely wired, appropriately fused, and ideally not just an extension lead trailing out of a window.

Water drainage. The awning should be pitched to shed water away from the wall, not pond in the middle.

Testing and handover. The awning should be demonstrated working properly, and you should understand how to operate it and what maintenance it needs.

This is why buying from established local installers rather than the cheapest online quote often makes sense. You're buying installation expertise as well as a product.

What to Ask When Buying

Questions that help establish what you're actually getting:

What wind rating does this awning have?
Is a wind sensor included or extra?
What fabric is used, and what's its warranty?
Is this a cassette, semi-cassette, or open design?
What's included in the installation - electrical work, brackets, everything?
Who handles warranty claims and repairs?
Can you show me this awning (or similar) installed locally?

Working with GDCG

At GDCG, we supply and install awnings across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. We offer a free survey to assess your property and discuss options, provide honest advice about what will and won't work for your situation, and handle the complete installation including any electrical work needed.

Get in touch to arrange a survey, or visit our Grantham showroom to see different awning systems and discuss what might suit your home.

GDCG supplies and installs awnings across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. We help you work out what you need, supply quality products, and install them properly. Contact us for a free survey and quote.

Awning Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy