Folding Arms vs Straight Drop Awnings: Pros and Cons
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Upgrade your outdoor spaces with a practical shade solution. Folding arms awnings and straight drop awnings are two of the most versatile and popular options for Australian homes. While both provide sun protection, durability, and energy-saving benefits, they function differently and suit different spaces.
This blog explores how each awning works, its key features, and how to choose the right style for your property.
What Are Folding Arms Awnings?
Also named retractable awnings, folding arms awnings are tastefully designed, heavy-duty folding arms that suit any outdoor area. Available in a number of colours and fabrics, they're practical additions to your property but also stylish, so you're spoilt for choice.
Easily install them up to 7 metres in width with a span from the wall up to 3.6 metres without any support posts. The types of awnings are available in three options for operations:
- a manual crank and gear
- an electric push button
- automatic sun or wind control
Let's look at this type of awning in more detail!
Decor and styling
It is modern and functions well in any property and is suitable for all spaces, regardless of outdoor area size.
You'll be able to enjoy reliable sun-shading solutions without spending excessively on a pergola. Impress any guests you entertain on a weekend.
Why Invest in Them?
- Create a flexible outdoor living space you're happy with
- Get the best of both worlds: create sun-filled or shaded areas
- It provides wind, rain, and sun (UV ray) protection
- It is easy to operate, maintain and clean
- Made to measure to ensure a perfect fit
- They are highly durable since they are retractable
What about their features?
- There's a range of fashionable fabrics and colours
- Manual crank or motorisation options are available
- Automatic wind and sun control options for the perfect amount of natural light
- A heavy-duty steel galvanised roller tube (no support posts are necessary)
- Components are made from special hardened cast aluminium for longevity and strength
- They are corrosion-resistant, and salt-spray tested
Specifications include:
- Custom made to order
- Maximum width, 6000mm
- Maximum depth, up to 3500mm from the wall
- Warranty, 3 years
Better yet, there are so many ways to use folding arms awnings in your home.
Retract the blind on cooler days or extend it over your entertainment area during those sunnier afternoons.
If you have a pool, you can create more shady areas when the sun is going down and you want to relax. Folding arm awnings are sun-safe for adults and young children who love to spend time outdoors. It also prevents any debris (such as sticks, dirt or leaves) from getting into your pool filter.
Live closer to the ocean, or have a holiday home? Folding arms awnings are resistant to corrosion, are minimal maintenance, and only need to be cleaned on occasion.
Are you wanting home automation systems, specific fabric options (like mesh fabrics or PVC fabrics), or full cassette style? View some of our related products: panel glides, straight drop awnings, or clear ziptrak blinds.
Or learn more by reading our blogs: How Plantation Shutters Can Boost Your Property's Resale Value.
What are Straight Drop Awnings?
If you are on the hunt for a sun filtering fabric that also reduces sun glare, rain, and offers a full black out for complete privacy. It's everything you need in one awning.
Since windows are a big cause of heat loss or heat gain in homes, awnings play a part in energy saving with power bills and even cut carbon pollution since you're more likely to use your AC less.
Benefits and features
- They provide heat, shade, and UV protection
- Are elegant and make your home look great
- Made to measure for a perfect fit
- Choose between Canvas, Acrylic, or Sunscreen Fabric
- Choose from a System 2000 or Standard hood
- Pick an Under Roll Fabric for easy access
- The tops and bottoms of rollers are galvanised
- Quick-release snap hooks and fabric straps
- The awning is under constant spring tension and held down by straps
- Control the sun's rays with a choice of "openness" from 5% to 10%
What about the specifications of this outdoor awning?
- Custom-made to order
- Straight drop maximum width: 4350mm; maximum drop 3000mm
- Veranda straight drop, maximum width 6000mm; maximum drop, 3000mm
- Warranty is 2 years (depending on fabrics, operating systems, and total square metres
System 2000 straight drop awnings are stylish, functional, and perfect for patios, balconies, verandas, and anywhere you are getting lots of sunshine. These awnings are operated by:
- A cord and reel
- A rope or pulley
- Manual spring-loaded control
- Being fully motorised for comfort
These awnings are on display at any of our showrooms in Adelaide: Mt Barker, Gepps Cross, Norwood, or Seacombe Gardens.
If you want to shade an outdoor living area (such as an alfresco, patio, dining area, or poolside), folding arm awnings are the best option. They offer:
- Maximum flexibility
- No support posts
- A large coverage area
- A stylish, modern finish
- Ideal sun and UV protection during hot afternoons
Choose folding arms if your goal is to expand your outdoor space and enjoy both sunshine and shade on demand.
If your priority is privacy, weather protection, heat absorption and an outdoor shading solution, choose straight drop awnings. They’re ideal for:
- Windows that attract a lot of heat
- Balconies and verandas
- Areas needing wind, rain, or glare reduction
- Homes where you want to reduce air-conditioning costs
- Creating fully private outdoor nooks
Go with straight drop awnings if you want a sleek, vertical barrier that blocks sun, glare, and heat while improving comfort indoors and outdoors.
Buy Outdoor Awnings for Your Adelaide Home!
Whether you're planning family BBQs or want to make use of the family pool more during the summer, Burns for Blinds gives you tips for buying blinds and know exactly what you would love the most. From cutting back on energy bills, UV resistance, motorised awnings, or patio awnings with shade control,
In any case, reach out to Burns for Blinds for outdoor awnings & blinds, curtains, interior blinds, security, renos & new builds, commercial, and more. We help you pick the perfect fit and finish for Australian conditions and support you during the installation process!
Contact us by calling (08) 8131 3333 or visit our Adelaide showrooms.
