Frequently Asked Question
FAQ
What type of awnings do you sell?
We sell a wide range of off the shelf, self fit patio awnings and other garden shade solutions in several colours and sizes.
Fabrics
What are the awning covers made from?
From our self fit range:-
Standard and Half Cassette model covers are made from 300gsm polyester. Full Cassette model covers are available in 300gsm polyester or 300gsm acrylic. All fabrics are hard wearing, waterproof, rot-proof, UV stabilised and easy to sponge clean. The advantage of acrylic is that the individual threads are constructed from coloured material, whereas the polyester threads are made colourless and then dyed. If you cut an acrylic thread, you'll see the colour all the way through, whereas if you cut a polyester thread, you'll see a colourless centre. As a result the colours of the acrylic can be more subtle; in addition acrylic is slightly more fade resistant.
Are the awnings waterproof?
Yes, we use waterproofed 300 gsm material (gsm is 'grams per square metre') for both the acrylic and the polyester.
Please note: The awning will need to be set at a sufficient angle in order to allow the rain water to run off. If the awning is not taut enough or installed at an insufficient angle, rain water will accumulate on the waterproof awning fabric like a bag causing the fabric to stretch or tear. We recommend at least a 30 degree angle of incline for each awning providing the awning is sufficiently taught.
During heavy or wind-driven rain storms, make sure your awning is retracted to keep small puddles of rain from forming on top of the fabric, preventing future damage from stretching or staining.
Do you do sell spare covers?
Yes, we can send you out a new fabric cover in any color from our range provided you have a primrose awning. We cannot guarantee that our covers will fit other manufacturer's awnings. See the range here
Are all awning fabrics of the same colour identical?
We cannot guarantee the colours will match if you purchase two awnings. Colour fabric varies from batch to batch. If you would like the awning fabric to match, please contact our customer service team and we will do our best to make sure they match up.
Care and maintenance
How do I clean the awning?
Clean the frame by wiping with a damp cloth soaked in a mild detergent - do not use a scouring pad as this will scratch the casing. Clean the fabric cover with warm soapy water using a sponge. Very important to clean the awning regularly (once every two weeks) especially if you live near the coastal area or use a storage cover to protect against salt water. We recommend using Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser to tackle stains, rust etc.. Never put the cover or valance in the washing machine as this will strip off the waterproofing!
Can I keep the awning out all year round? Do you sell storage bags?
Most awnings must not be left open during windy conditions or heavy rain. The awning fabric is waterproof and can be left open during light rainy conditions. You can leave the awning fixed to the wall all year round and if you have a standard or half cassette awning, for added protection you may wish to purchase one of our storage bags (click here)
Guarantee
How long are the awnings guaranteed for?
All Budget and Standard awnings come with a 1 year warranty for residential use only.
The Half Cassette and Half Cassette XL awnings have a 2 year warranty for residential use only.
The Full Cassette has a 2 year warranty for residential use only.
Installation and operation
How much space is required for an awning? How high should I fit it?
The recommended height from the ground is 2.5m/3.5m. If you want to install lower than this, determine whether there is sufficient headroom when the awning is fully extended and that any doors or windows can open.
The vertical size of the fixing bracket is about 7 inches (approx 20cm). If space is tight you may wish to check that you have 7 clear inches before ordering. Our standard awnings can also be fitted to eaves or a horizontal surface using a Ceiling/balcony bracket - see it here.
The width and projection of our awnings vary, so you'll need to check the specifics of the awning you are interested in to work out how much width and projected space is required.
Installation
As a guideline the minimum space required for installing an awning is approx 50cm. This is to account for the size of the awning/cassette itself, but to also ensure that when projected, the drop does not result in an impractical rest height of the front bar e.g. If a 4m x 3m full cassette has a drop when fully projected of 80cm, then to achieve a sensible front bar rest height of 1.8m you would want the awning mounted 60cm above the window or door frame. It is also important that there is at least 5 courses of brick above where the awning is mounted, to ensure the fixture can suitably take the weight of the awning without the risk of damage to the wall. Please Note: It’s the customers responsibility to ensure the site is suitable for an awning & should check with a builder/fitter before purchasing if in any doubt.
Types of wall
Brickwork - This should be fine however if they have old bricks or reconstituted brickwork which is not as solid as standard masonry bricks they may need to use the RKEM resin kit. You also cannot fix into morta.
Walling Blocks (e.g Breeze blocks) - This will vary depending on what type of breeze blocks they have, if it is a low or medium density block then no, they will not be able to install. However if they have high density breeze blocks then yes, it should be fine as long as they are using the RKEM resin kit.
Dry Walling (e.g plasterboard) - No, as the structure is too weak for the awning weights.
Hardwood - Yes, however they will need to use coach bolts rather than the expansion bolts supplied. These can be found in most hardware stores across the UK. Structural timber would also be preferable.
Softwood - No, the structure of this wood is too weak for the weight of the awnings.
Wall Render - Yes, as long as there is minimal render, between 1-10mm, and that there is either solid brickwork or hardwood behind the render which the expansion bolts/coach bolts can grip into. Note: Cut back the render where the brackets are to be installed. The reason for this is that render can be bumpy and if not smoothed down then the awning may not be installed level.
Pebble dash - No, the application of pebble dash means that the awning is very unlikely to ever be completely level.
Metalwork - Yes, it is possible however we do not advise installation into metal work as it would either need to be welded on or attached using industrial components.
Tiles - No, installation is not recommended into any type of tiling. If you are still unsure please send an email, with an image to our approved fitters: sales@saffronsa.uk or to go to www.saffronshuttersandawnings.co.uk to obtain their contact information.
How far does the awning open?
It all depends on the width of the awning. The awning can be opened as little or as much as you like, up to the maximum projection as follows:
- Width 1.5m (4ft 11"), Projection 1m (3ft 4")
- Width 2.0m (6ft 7"), Projection 1.5m(4ft11")
- Width 2.5m (8ft 2"), Projection 2.0m(6ft7")
- Width 3m - 3.5m (9ft 10" - 11ft 6"), Projection 2.5m (8ft 2")
- Width 4m - 5m (13ft 1" - 16ft 5"), Projection 3m (9ft 10")
Half Cassette XL models:
- Width 2.5m (8ft 2"), Projection 3.5m (11ft 6")
- Width 3m - 4m ( 9ft 10" - 13ft 1"), Projection 4m (13ft 1")
There's a downpipe in the way - do you sell a bracket, or is there another way to get round this problem?
We don't currently sell a bracket, but try this company Alternatively, use a wooden beam as a 'spacer' to hold the awning sufficiently far out from the wall to avoid the downpipe. Read more about important considerations for your awning fitting here.
Can the valance (frilly bit) be extended or removed?
Yes, we can supply a drop down valance that extends 1m downwards. It has two Velcro fixing points to shorten the drop should you wish. The valance can be purchased with the awning or easily fitted at a later date.
All valances can be removed for easy hand washing (never put it in the washing machine).
We recommend removing the valance during the winter period.
Which way do the arms of the awning fold?
Each awning has two arms and they fold inwards under the awning fabric - see below image. On the XL models the awning arms fold in the same way but on top of each other, rather than side-by-side.
How long will it take to install my awning?
With the right tools it should take as little as 30 minutes and up to 2 hours depending on the installation location and size of awning.
How much will the awning slope down?
The slope angle can be altered to suit, usually from 15 degrees to about 35 degrees. A few designs range from 0 degrees to about 35 degrees and some from 15 to 45 degrees.
How many brackets are supplied?
Two brackets are supplied for every 2m, 2.5m and 3m, 3.5m wide awning, but three brackets are supplied for the 4m, 4.5m and 5m wide awnings. Four brackets are supplied for 6m wide awnings.
Please note: This may vary due to different awning models. For more details, please read the contents list provided in the instructions.
Additional brackets are available - view our selection of spare parts &accessories, or phone or email us for more details. The extra brackets can be placed nearer to each other or further apart if needed.
It is important that the two main brackets are positioned immediately behind where the arms attach to the awning.
Which side is the winder?
When looking at an awning installed on the wall the winder is on the left hand side.
Do you sell side panels?
We sell two styles of side panels. They are 1.6m x 1.25m rectangular and a 1.6m x 1.6m x 2.27m triangle shaped. View them here.
Who can install my awning?
All our awnings are for DIY installation so fitting your awning couldn't be simpler. We supply full detailed sizing info and fitting instructions, click here for detailed instructions.
A reasonably competent DIY-er can fit one of our awnings in as little as 30 minutes. It's a one-man job to put up the brackets, although you'll usually need help lifting the awning into place. We supply brackets and bolts for fitting the awnings to standard brick and masonry walls. Read more about considerations for fitting your awning here.
Alternatively if you'd like an experienced fitter to put up your awning we can arrange that for you - click here to read more
Electric Awnings
What electricity supply do I need for my electric awning?
You need an ordinary mains supply. The motors use 230V supply, 230 Watts and less than 2 amps.
How does the wiring work?
For detailed information about the wiring, click here.
Do I need a professional electrician to install my electric awning?
Our awnings can either be plugged into a mains socket, or they can be wired into the mains. You are unlikely to need a professional electrician if you install the awning by plugging it into an existing socket. However you may need an electrician if you wire the awning directly into the mains.
Does Part P of the Building Regulations apply to installation of an electric awning?
If the installation is carried out by a professional electrician then the electrician is responsible for ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations - you do not have to worry about Part P.
If you install the awning yourself and choose to wire it into a fused spur, you will need to notify your Local Council Building Control Department under Part P of the regulations. Go to www.planningportal.gov.uk and search for 'Part P' to download the latest version of these regulations.