retractable awnings
Retractable Awnings South Africa
Retractable awnings turn a hot patio or balcony into a calm outdoor living room without posts or heavy structures. You get deep shade when the sun bites, then a clear open sky when you want winter warmth or stargazing. Every unit is made to measure for your wall, span and projection so that it works with your architecture and Garden Route weather, not against it.
What Is A Retractable Awning
A retractable awning is a folding arm system that fixes to your wall or beam and extends out to create a roof of fabric. When you wind or motor the awning out, arms carry the fabric forward and stretch it under tension. When you bring it back in, the fabric rolls up neatly and the arms fold away.
There is no need for vertical posts on the outer edge. Your patio stays open and light, which is why folding arm awnings suit entertainment areas, balconies and decks where you still want that feeling of space.
Why Homeowners Choose Retractable Awnings
- Real temperature relief shade on glass and paving drops surface heat and makes patios usable again on hot days.
- No posts in the way open fronts keep views and movement clear for braais, kids and furniture.
- Flexible seasons extend for summer shade, retract for winter sun. One product, two modes.
- Made for coastal conditions powder coated aluminium and stainless fixings are specified for salt air and wind.
- Clean look cassette and open roll options sit neatly against the building and keep lines simple.
For motorisation and sensor technology background see Somfy South Africa, a long term global leader in automated shading and awning controls. For broader context on energy efficient building envelopes visit the Green Building Council South Africa.
Where Retractable Awnings Work Best
- Garden Route patios north or west facing entertainment areas that are too bright at midday.
- Balconies apartments and decks where you cannot build a permanent roof or extend the slab.
- Holiday homes and rentals give guests shaded outdoor dining or braai areas without permanent construction.
- Glass heavy facades stacking or sliding doors that let in beautiful views and harsh glare at the same time.
Motorised awnings with wind sensors are especially useful for holiday houses and Airbnbs because the system can retract itself when wind levels spike, even when nobody is home.
Engineered For South African Coastal Weather
Folding arm awnings rely on structure and fixings that are correctly matched to your building. We design around real Garden Route conditions, not brochure drawings.
- Frames corrosion resistant aluminium with powder coating specified for coastal use.
- Fixings stainless steel where appropriate, anchored into sound substrates rather than just plaster.
- Fabrics acrylic and technical screen fabrics that resist fading, mildew and tearing and clean easily with mild soap and water.
- Pitch and projection set during design so that shade falls where you use it most while water runs off correctly in light rain.
We design for intelligent use. Any awning should be retracted in strong wind or severe weather. Sensors and motors simply make that easier and more consistent.
Control, Profiles And Combinations
- Manual crank simple option for smaller spans or budgets.
- Motorised smooth, quiet operation for daily use and larger projections.
- Wind sensors trigger automatic retraction when gusts reach set levels.
- Open roll or cassette open roll suits sheltered eaves, full cassette closes around the fabric and arms for maximum protection.
- Layered shading combine with outdoor blinds or screens on sides for extra wind and privacy control.
Comparison: Retractable Awnings And Other Popular Patio Options
| Solution | Structure | Best For | Wind And Weather | Light Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retractable awning | Wall fixed, folding arms, fabric roof | Entertaining patios and balconies | Use in normal breeze, retract in strong wind | Good shade on doors and paving, open sky when retracted |
| Retractable patio shade roof | Guided front beam, posts or tracks where needed | Patios that need more rain cover | Stronger weather protection with fabric that moves on guides | Deep shade, still retracts when you want light |
| Outdoor weather blinds | Vertical screens on tracks or cables | Wind, drizzle and privacy on sides | Very good side protection when used with an overhead cover | Filtered light and view with clear or screen fabrics |
| Fixed roof structure | Permanent roof with posts | Full time cover and built extensions | Strong protection but no retraction, higher building impact | Constant shade, requires careful planning for winter light |
Every solution depends on site conditions, height, span and exposure. We often combine products to balance weather protection, light and views.
Pricing And How The Process Works
Retractable awnings are made to measure so pricing depends on width, projection, fabric range, control type and fitting conditions. Instead of generic numbers we focus on clear, transparent quotes after a proper site visit.
- Share rough sizes and a photo of your patio for a first indication.
- We visit on site to confirm measurements, height and fixing points.
- You choose fabric, cassette or open roll profile and control type.
- We manufacture to order and schedule installation once all parts are ready.
Duncan’s Fact
Retractable awnings are often the quickest way to win your patio back. When they are sized and fixed correctly they feel light to use but make a heavy difference to comfort. Clients who thought they needed a full build often find that a folding arm awning gives them what they wanted with less disruption and more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a retractable awning handle coastal wind
Frames and fixings are specified for coastal exposure and day to day wind. In strong or gusty conditions the awning should be retracted. Motorised units with wind sensors help make that automatic.
Will a retractable awning make my home dark inside
When it is extended you get shade and lower temperatures, which is the goal on hot days. When you want more light you can retract the awning. During design we look carefully at orientation and glass to balance shade and natural light.
Does it keep rain out
A correctly pitched awning will shed light rain and drizzle away from doors. It is not a storm roof. If all weather cover is your priority we may pair the awning with a retractable roof system or other structure.
How wide can a folding arm awning go
Widths and projections depend on the system used and the mounting height available. Larger spans can often be handled with multiple arms and careful bracketing. This is part of the site design process.
Can I add outdoor blinds later
Yes. Many clients start with the awning for overhead shade, then add side blinds when they want more wind and privacy control. We plan positions so that later additions look integrated, not afterthoughts.
Fabric Colours, Textures And Real Project Photos
Fabric choice is where your awning becomes yours. Coastal neutrals, deep charcoal, striped classics or bold colour, each fabric range behaves slightly differently with light and heat. We help you choose a fabric that works with your walls, roof and paving rather than fighting them.
Below is the fabric swatch gallery and project carousel you already use on this page. Keep your existing Divi modules inside this section so that everything feels like one design system.
