Australia is well-known for its wonderful summer weather. Abundant sunshine makes pool sessions, barbeques and hanging around outside popular pastimes across the country. There is of course the risk of severe sun exposure and skin damage.
Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds: enjoy the sun without exposing your skin to severe UV rays. Opting to install the folding arm awnings Melbourne residents are investing in is an excellent and practical way to add shade around your home this summer.
What is a Folding Arm Awning?
Also commonly referred to as outdoor retractable awnings, folding arm awnings are a type of shading system that provides shelter and can be retracted or extended as needed. The folding arm versions are an upgrade from the more traditional awnings that remain in place year-round.
Why Every Home Needs a Few Folding Arm Awnings
If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy the sun without all the negatives that go along with too much exposure, it may be time to consider adding a folding arm awning to your shopping list this year. Not sure if this is what you need? Keep reading as our outdoor experts share a list of the most practical reasons to invest in a folding arm awning or two this summer.
1. Provides Constant UV Protection
Australia’s harsh sun is nothing to be scoffed at. This is largely due to the earth’s orbit that moves Australia closer to the sun during the summer. On average, this results in a 7% increase in solar UV intensity during the hotter months. Combined with purer atmospheric conditions, Australia can expect at least 15% more UV than Europe.
Prolonged time in the sun can lead to harmful exposure to UV rays. In addition to increasing the risk of developing skin cancer and premature ageing, exposure can also lead to sunstroke. A most effective way to avoid these levels of exposure is to add folding awnings over your outdoor areas. Our experts recommend adding awnings to your pool and entertainment area.
2. Adjustable Solution
A huge drawcard to folding arm awnings is the adjustable shade they offer. The retractable feature enables you to control the amount of sunlight or shade you want in a space. You can extend your awning to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day and retract it again as the day cools down.
This is an excellent way to provide a shady area for children and pets to play without excessive exposure to the sun. The awning can also be retracted when no one is outside.
3. Offers Year Round Weather Protection
While Australia may be regarded as the hottest place on earth by tourists, it doesn’t mean it’s all sun all the time. Unexpected rain showers can easily derail a summer pool party in a matter of minutes.
Folding arm awnings have been designed to provide shelter from light to moderate rain, allowing the party to go on. This is an excellent way to ensure that you can enjoy outdoor functions all year round.
4. Contribute to Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners have one common goal and that is to reduce their energy bills wherever possible. That said, heating and cooling systems make up a considerable chunk of most energy consumption.
Install a folding arm awning over the windows close to where your family spends most of their time indoors. With the shade offered, there’s no need to keep an air conditioning unit on all day!
5. Easily Customisable
These days, homeowners are placing as much attention on creating an individual outdoor style as they are on their indoor spaces. This means that a carbon copy one-size-fits-all awning style simply won’t do!
Fortunately, modern retractable awnings are available in a wide range of colours, styles, and materials that will easily blend in or complement your personal outdoor décor. Most awning suppliers have numerous fabric options with different textures to help you create the customised look you’re after. Using a folding arm awning to accentuate your space is also an excellent way to increase your property value.
6. Motorised Options Add to the Convenience
When a strong wind or sudden rainstorm shows up, the last thing you want is the burden of running out to manually lower your awnings to prevent damage. That’s why modern awnings are motorised!
Being able to control your awning with the push of a button means that you not only keep your awning safe from severe weather conditions but can also adjust the shade you want without much effort. A motorised option is also easy for children to adjust, so the whole family can help manage the shade.
Final Thoughts
See? Every home that has an outdoor area should have a folding arm awning. You may want a smaller option to cover your patio or a much larger version to offer some shade over part of your pool area. Either way, your family, friends and pets will be glad you did, and your outdoor area will become everyone’s favourite hangout place!
In conclusion, the practical benefits of installing folding arm awnings around your home are undeniable, especially in Australia’s sunny climate. These awnings provide constant UV protection, adjustable shade, year-round weather protection, and contribute to energy efficiency. Moreover, they offer customizable options to enhance outdoor aesthetics and come with motorized features for added convenience. Investing in folding arm awnings not only enhances your outdoor living experience but also adds value to your property, making it a worthwhile addition to any home. So, whether you’re seeking shelter for your patio or shade for your pool area, installing folding arm awnings will undoubtedly elevate your outdoor space, making it a favorite hangout spot for family, friends, and pets alike.
