Correctly choose the type of awning.

Awnings are structures that are placed on the outside of a window, a door or a terrace to protect from the sun, rain or wind. There are different types of awnings depending on their shape, material and opening and closing system.

Depending on their shape, awnings can be:

• Articulated arm: they are the most common and are made up of a canvas that is extended or collected by means of metal arms that fold or unfold.

• Chest: they are similar to those with articulated arms, but the canvas and arms are stored inside a drawer or chest when they are collected, which protects them from dust and humidity.

• Hooded: they are those that have a semicircular or triangular shape and are fixed to the wall or ceiling. They are usually used for windows or small balconies.

• Straight knit: these are those that have a canvas stretched between two horizontal bars that are attached to the wall or ceiling. They are usually used for large windows or balconies.

• Vertical: these are those that have a canvas that slides vertically along rails or guides. They are usually used to close terraces or porches.

Depending on their material, awnings can be:

• Canvas: they are the most traditional and are made with natural or synthetic fabrics that can have different colors, prints and treatments. They are light, flexible and resistant to sun and water.

- Made of technical "screen" fabric, they are the most innovative since they are made of technical fabrics in which you can choose the degree of opening and therefore, the level of transparency. They are fabrics that are very easy to clean and very durable.

• Aluminum: they are the most modern and are made with metal sheets that can have different finishes and shapes. They are heavier, more rigid and durable than canvas, but also more expensive and less thermal insulating.

• PVC: they are the cheapest and are made with waterproof plastic that can have different textures and transparencies. They are easy to clean and maintain, but also more fragile and less resistant to sun and wind.

Depending on their opening and closing system, awnings can be:

• Manual: these are those that are activated by a crank, a rope or a handle. They are cheaper and easier to install, but also more cumbersome and slow to use.

• Automatic: are those that are powered by an electric motor that is activated with a switch, a remote control or a sensor. They are more expensive and complex to install, but also more convenient and faster to use.

Wind motors and sensors are devices that allow you to automate the operation of awnings according to weather conditions. The motors allow the awnings to be opened and closed without physical effort or loss of time. Wind sensors detect the speed and direction of the air and send a signal to the motor to retract the awning when there is a risk of breakage or detachment.

The advantages of using motors and wind sensors are:

• Greater comfort: there is no need to keep an eye on the weather or manipulate the awning manually.

• Greater safety: accidents due to falls or hits from the awning or its components are avoided.

• Greater durability: the awning is protected from wear and tear due to the sun, water or wind.

• Greater energy savings: the interior temperature of the home is regulated according to the solar incidence.