Cassette, folding arm, or pergola – which awning is the right one?
Not all awnings are the same. The three common types differ less in appearance than in what they can withstand.
The cassette awning
When retracted, everything disappears into a closed housing – fabric, arms, and motor. This means nothing is exposed to the elements when the awning is not in use. This is the most durable type and the right choice for weather-exposed sides or places where the awning remains retracted for weeks. Leiner builds premium-quality cassette awnings, as does Warema.
The folding arm awning
Built as an open or semi-open system, it is lighter and more affordable. The fabric is exposed when retracted and is subject to dust and rain. Under a sufficient roof overhang, this is not a problem, but it is on an exposed wall.
The pergola awning
It runs along side guide rails and is therefore supported on both sides. As a result, it withstands significantly more wind than a free-cantilevered awning and can be built to span large widths. Anyone who does not want to retract at every gust of wind or has a large terrace almost always ends up choosing this.
What decides the choice on-site
First, the width: Beyond about six meters, the construction becomes more complex; a central support or a pergola solution is often required. Second, the wall: Thermal insulation, clinker, or wood each require different fastenings, and with an insulated facade, the loads must be transferred through the insulation into the structural wall. Third, the wind: The wind resistance class indicates up to what force the awning may remain extended.
Light, heat, automation
LED strips can be integrated into the cassette, and radiant heaters from ExtremeLine can be mounted on the front or on the wall above. Wind and sun sensors retract the awning before anything happens – especially useful for a holiday home or if you are away during the day. All of this must be decided at the time of ordering; retrofitting is not possible for most models.
To the product range: Awnings
