An awning is an additional structure, usually attached to the outer wall of
a certain building. The texture of the awning differs a lot, depending on
many factors like weather conditions, light tolerance or certain other
preferences of the beneficiary. Normally, the awning's frame is made by
aluminium, but sometimes, it's made by iron and steel. The canvas is made by
a combination of polyester, acrylic and cotton, with coot or transparent
material. An awning can be placed above a door, window or as a covering area
for a sidewalk. The awning can be extended with some columns, so it can
cover larger areas.
The awning industry is becoming more and more profitable in Asian countries,
and Singapore is the perfect example for that. If you visit this country,
you will have the chance of noticing awnings at every step. Even if we're
talking about personal residences or small business, they all have an awning
at their doors or at the windows. Considering that Singapore has no winter,
the awnings are not made to withstand snow, so their structure is lighter
and more flexible.
One particular thing about Singapore's awnings is represented by the design.
Most of them have decorative canvas, with multiple colors and interactive
motifs. Apparently, this country sees the awning as a home accessory, which
happens to come with some useful features. Even if Singapore is not known
for its winters, the wind can be very intense here. That's why, most of the
awnings are designed in a more flexible way, so they could withstand the
impressive wind force. There are many other types of awnings, commonly used
in Singapore and bellow, we will tell you more about them.
1) Retractable awnings
This type of awnings is probably the most popular and the most used device
in Singapore. The whole structure is usually attached to a wall, with some
steel screws. They are only used when the situation requires it and you can
utilize them by simply extending the surface. The retractable awnings have
multiple uses and they can cover even wider areas. They are the perfect
device if you're planning to have a backyard picnic but it starts raining or
the sun is too intense. Just extend the awning and you will obtain a mini
tent with protection against any bad weather.
2) Automatic awnings
The automatic awnings are generally used for windows. They are also designed
as retractable devices, but as the name suggests it, they are 100%
automatic. This type of awnings is usually remote operated, so whenever the
owner feels the need of some shadow, he / she can extend the awning, from
the comfort of its own home. The technology behind the automatic awnings
improved over the years and now, most of them can be precisely adjusted,
using some very accurate configurations. There are also "smart" awnings,
which will automatically detect any bad weather condition and extend by
themselves. These awnings work with some high-tech sensors and are usually
more expensive then the regular ones.
3) Veranda awnings
As the name suggests it, these awnings are always mounted on the outside of
the veranda or on the outside of a roof edge. They are mostly constructed so
they could offer protection against the intense light and they can be
adjusted, depending on the sun's position. Besides that, the veranda awnings
can also be used as cover for a light rain and their structure will act as
an umbrella, for whoever stays under it. These awnings are usually standard
and most of them are not being operated using automatic features. Instead,
they can be adjusted using a system of pulleys and ropes. Almost every small
restaurant and cafe from Singapore has a veranda awning. Most of their
clients prefer to serve their meals / drink their coffee outside, and the
awning will keep the sun and rain away.
4) Fixed awnings
Even though they are called like that, they aren't entirely "fixed". These
awnings come with some rails, which will be permanently attached to the
wall. The rails can be observed, especially when the awning is retracted,
and you can better understand how they work. When it's being extended, the
awning will roll down on the rails, which are often put right in front of
the windows. The awning will act like a curtain and will cover the window.
Even though there are useless against rain, these awnings are extremely
effective against the intense light, and this is actually their main
purpose. The extension / retraction of the awning can be made using a
standard mechanical method or an automatic one.
5) Drop arm awnings
These are the most traditional awnings and they have been used in Singapore,
for more than 200 years. Their design is simple and they are mainly used to
shade a window. A lot of historical buildings in Singapore still have this
type of awnings, but with a more traditional design and more weather
resistant materials. For an increased sun protection, many producers create
drop arm awnings with sides. However, the ones without sides are more
flexible and they can be retracted or extended, using manual or automatic
methods. Drop arm awnings are considered one of the most effective form of
awnings. The houses that have them, benefit from a cooler environment,
during a torrid day.
6) Freestanding awning
These awnings offer a great level of flexibility, because of their compact
design. Their structure and the canvas can be mounted and dismounted as you
like, and they are usually able to cover wide surfaces. They are normally
used for outdoor activities, as a protection against rain, but they can also
provide shadow in case of an intense sun. The frames are extremely flexible
and they can be mounted in a matter of minutes, without too much of a
hassle. Its position can be changed as well, depending on your certain
outdoor activities. After you're done using it, you can just retract it back
and store it where you like. It has a very compact design and it won't
occupy much space.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many types of awnings, available in Singapore.
They all come with some unique features and they all provide a certain level
of comfort. In case that you cannot decide what to choose, you can always
work with professionals. They will be more than happy to assist you and to
help you with this decision.
I was searching around
for a company tp supply and install awnings and
canopy for my restaurant. I wanted a company
which can print my company's logo on the
retractable awning. They came down, took some
measurement and send me a quotation via email. I
am very impressed with their price and
workmanship. Highly recommended company.
Shirley Lim (Clark Quay)
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types Awning, Canopy, Roofing, Sunshade & Roller Blinds
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