Technological Upgrades for Your New Outdoor Awning

It seems like technology has a solution for any problem modern life might throw at you. Of course, outdoor awnings aren't a product of modern life. In fact, it's quite the opposite, with the same basic principle being utilized by the ancient Egyptians. Obviously, the methods and materials have been refined over the millennia, but you still might be wondering—why does an outdoor awning need any form of technology? 

Easier to Use

It's not so much that an awning needs a technological upgrade, but some advancements have certainly made awnings easier to use and should be considered when you're looking to install a new awning or upgrade an old one. For example, why bother opening and closing an awning yourself when this can be done with the press of a button?

Motorized Operation

Motorized outdoor awnings aren't exactly a new invention, but they can be worth the extra cost if only to save yourself from having to manually extend the shade sail each time you wish to use it, as is the case with a manual awning. And if an awning is motorized, it can be configured with several nifty additions.

Adding a Sensor

Your local awning provider will be able to install a sensor on the awning. This is a small weatherproof box attached to its framework. But what will the sensor actually be sensing?

  • When the wind speed exceeds a predetermined level, the sensor will trigger the awning's motor. This retracts the awning, preventing the wind from catching the sail and potentially buckling its frame.
  • If the awning is left extended when not in use, the sensor can detect excessive sunlight and trigger the retraction process. This stops unnecessary exposure to UV light, which can prolong the lifespan of the shade sail.
  • Rain can also cause the sensor to retract the awning. Again, this prevents unnecessary exposure to adverse conditions, and this helps to make the awning last as long as possible.

Depending on your needs, you can opt for a sensor that detects wind, sun, and rain, or a sensor only configured to respond to one of these triggers. Your needs may well depend on typical weather conditions in your area.

So while outdoor awnings have existed in one form or another for thousands of years, more recent technological advancements have made it easier to operate the awning, and for the awning to protect itself against adverse conditions which may shorten its lifespan. Contact local awning providers to learn about new upgrades. 


Share