How to take measurements for your folding-arm awning

Determine the width of your folding-arm awning

To ensure an attractive finish, the folding-arm awning should be centred in the middle of the façade or over the window or doors. In addition, it should cover more than just the space you want to be in the shade.

Awning widths generally vary between 3 and 7 metres, but a professional awning manufacturer can offer a custom-made awning that is perfect for your terrace.

• On your terrace, measure the width of your window or door frame or of the space you want to be in the shade.
• Next, add 20 cm to each end (or 50 cm if you want a larger shaded area and sun protection for inside the home, too).
• Make sure you calculate the overall width with everything (frame, cassette, etc.) included, in order to check that you have enough space for the awning on your façade.

The width is the first measurement you need to consider, as it will determine how robust the frame needs to be, how many articulated arms you will need, and the type of motor you will install.

Define the projection of your folding-arm awning and how much shade it provides

The projection is the dimension of the awning from the roller tube against the wall to the end of the bottom rail.

The size of the shaded area depends on the length of the fabric and your terrace's orientation. That is why you should carry out tests at several times throughout the day to visualise the shade the awning will provide.

The projection is generally between 2 and 4 metres.

• A 2.5 m projection will provide a shaded terrace area of around 1 m.
• A 3.5 m projection at an angle of 5–10° will provide a shaded terrace area of between 2 m and 2.5 m.
• A 4 m projection will provide a shaded terrace area of around 3 m, which is enough to cover a table with 6–8 chairs and keep everyone in the shade at lunch time.

The sun is only directly overhead at lunch time, so the shade the awning provides changes constantly throughout the day. This is an essential variable to take into account when taking the measurements for your folding-arm awning.

Plan the ideal height of your folding-arm awning

Make sure you have enough space up high to install your awning! To do this, you need to:

• Measure the space between the eaves and the lintel
• Measure the space needed to open and close the shutters
• Check the space between the windows or doors and the roof

The height will also depend on the projection: the longer the awning, the higher it will be installed, in order to leave enough space under it, given that an angle of between 5° and 15° (the latter for awnings measuring 4 m or more) must be ensured between the top and bottom of the awning.

It is also important to remember that the bottom rail must be high enough so that you do not knock your head on it (around 2 m is a suitable height).

The height also depends on which way your façade is facing. If it is west-facing, you are advised to install the awning higher up to create a steep gradient. This will protect you against horizontal rays at the end of the day. Another option is to install a roll-up valance.

Then, check the fabric attachment on your current awning if you want to keep the same style:

• Cord = a rubber cord inserted into the hem of the fabric
• Tubing = a steel tube inserted into the hem of the fabric
• Raw finish = just a hem, with nothing inserted

In any case, custom-made awning fabric is always delivered with the cord inside it, ready to be installed.

If you have any queries, contact an awning manufacturer. Professional awning manufacturers will offer advice in accordance with your technical constraints and preferences in terms of appearance.