If you have large windows in your house, sunlight can be a real pain. When the sun shines on the windows it gets very hot in the house. If it is 28 degrees outside, the heat can easily rise 5 or more degrees higher than the outside temperature. Your house becomes like a greenhouse. Sun protection is the ideal solution. You can choose roll-down shutters, awnings, awnings or a drop arm awning. A drop arm awning is a relatively cheap solution. What are the pros and cons of a drop arm awning?
A drop arm awning is a sunshade which is made to block sunlight and create shade indoors. However, this type of awning is cheaper than regular awnings, since no free passage is required and the awning therefore provides shade from a different position in relation to the window. This makes the screen cheaper than, for example:
- roller shutter
- screens
- folding arm awning
- awning
- marquis
When a drop arm awning?
If you don’t need the space under the awning, for example at a great height or a large window where you don’t have to sit underneath, a drop arm awning is a great way to make your home or workspace cooler. A drop arm awning is therefore emphatically suitable for creating shade for:
- tall buildings such as offices
- windows that only open inwards
- windows that cannot be opened
- windows under which is not walked
- windows where you do not have to or can sit under (in warm weather)
This type of sun protection is also suitable for apartment buildings on walls with windows but no balconies, the windows of commercial buildings, but also for ordinary houses with large window frames or windows that cannot be opened outwards. An awning provides cooling while you can still enjoy the view. The cloth is specially made to block sunlight and heat as well as possible. This type of sun protection is often placed on higher-lying windows of offices and other buildings, or on large and small windows of houses that do not require a free passage. You usually only use a sunscreen when there is a lot of sun and little wind. So if you have windows that you cannot or do not want to sit under, and you are looking for a cheap solution to create shade, then this type of awning is suitable.
Drop-arm awning operation
A drop arm awning can be operated in two ways:
- with a rotary stick (manual) this is standard
- automatic or electric (on request)
Wind resistant awning
A drop arm awning can take a beating due to the method of mounting, but with too much wind, the sun protection always runs the risk of damage. However, you can also order awnings that can withstand wind extra well thanks to a wind-resistant or storm-resistant extension arm. The screens can then absorb a lot of wind without being damaged. After all, it sometimes happens that it is both sunny and stormy. When the wind is too strong, however, it is always better to catch up on your awnings.
Benefits drop arm awnings as a sunshade
There are advantages and disadvantages to every type of sun protection. The advantages of this type of sun protection are:
- cheap
- shade in your house
- better view of screens and TV through shade
- awnings look great on the outside of the house or building
- your view will not be obstructed if you can determine the stand
Disadvantages drop arm awnings
- unsuitable for free passage. This means that you cannot place them in front of a door or balcony door because you would always have to bend down to walk in and out
- only suitable for windows that remain closed or open inwards
- you cannot sit under it if you place them in front of windows on a balcony or on the ground floor
Cheapest drop arm awning. What does a drop arm awning cost?
The cheapest drop-arm awning costs about 100 euros. Of course there are sometimes cheaper offers. It depends on the quality of the fabric, the system used and the brand. If you opt for automatic operation, these will cost more than the standard sun blinds with manual operation.
- calculate at least 100, – for a drop-out awning of 1 meter (manual operation)
- calculate at least 150, – for a drop-out awning of 3 meters (manual operation)
However, these are the minimum prices and only an indication. This concerns screens that serve well and look neat. However, if you want screens that can be operated automatically (electrically), and that have an extra thick cloth, or a certain color or conversion, et cetera, and that are also stormproof, the price will also go up further.
Have it made to measure
There are also several companies that specialize in custom-made drop arm awnings, for example from brands such as Luxaflex or Verano.
Place a drop arm awning in front of the window
The awnings are readily available and if you are a bit handy you can install them yourself, but the bolts must be properly and professionally anchored to the walls of a house. That is why many people choose to order the screens from a company specialized in sun protection in their own region and have them installed directly by professionals.