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Markilux folding-arm awnings
One retractable system with many faces and functionsThe folding-arm awning is the classic awning for patios and balconies. When retracted, it does not take up any space. The awning is stored in a cassette or in the case of an open awning, it is protected by a top gutter. Fully extended, the awning can provide shade over an area of up to 28 square metres. Two sturdy folding arms ensure that the awning is reliably extended and provide for a taut cover. The cover wound on to a roller is tensioned by means of various arm mechanisms depending on the particular type of awning. When the awning is retracted, the folding arms retract between the front profile and roller to form a compact unit.
Sturdy arm mechanism built to last
For the arm mechanism, steel-link chains, gas pistons or high-tech fibres are used. Stability and high cover durability play an essential role for the mechanism because very high forces are exerted when the awning is extended in order to tension the cover. The latest technology is capable of easily coping with up to 10,000 Newton. This corresponds to about a tonne – the weight of an average mid-range car.
The first folding-arm awnings featured wire ropes for tensioning the cover. From the 70's, fine-link flyer chains were used that were similar to bicycle chains. These were replaced by sturdy steel-link chains, which are still used for the majority of awnings as a control mechanism* in the form of parallel arranged twin steel-link chains. Since the end of the 90's, additional gas pistons for exerting a constant pressure on the centre arm and improved cover seating are used. Since 2006 the bionic tendon is part of the product portfolio of markilux.This technology is made from a particularly tough and durable high-tech fibre mix, the components of which are also used in aerospace and sailing applications. The bionic tendon enables the mechanical arms to be bent 50,000 times and about 18,000 time when using steel-link chains. This is sufficient for the life of an awning, however, material loads change, e.g. due to the use of motors resulting in more frequent operation. Rapid wear is the result. The new fibre mix designed to give lasting stability is maintenance-free and low-noise.
Cassette, semi-cassette or open awning?
To ensure that awnings have a long life span when exposed to wind and weather, sealed cassettes in which the cover, roller and mechanism are fully protected when retracted are available. The front profile additionally seals the cassette at the front when the awning is retracted.
With semi-cassettes, the mechanism and cover are protected from the weather from the top and front by means of an outer top gutter. This type of awning is suitable where total protection is unnecessary.
Open awnings are suitable where top gutters protect the awning from the wind and weather; in this case the mechanism and roller are exposed.
Additional functions for folding-arm awnings
The blind in a blind: Window blinds for sun and glare protection
Our vertical window blinds provide maximum sun and glare protection towards the evening or in late summer, i.e. this is a so-called blind in a blind. Provided in the front profile is a further roller from which a second blind can be lowered to a length of about 2 metres.
Automatic control
An awning not only provides protection against the sun on patios and balconies, but also provides protection against glare and heat and keeps rooms cool. The awning must be extended as soon as the intensity of the sun increases. This is ensured by sun and wind sensors with automatic control. Outdoor sensors continuously measure the heat of the sun and retract and extend the awning depending on the temperature. A similar mechanism operates when strong winds occur. The awning is retracted for protection. Rain sensors are also used with this control technology to prevent the cover from becoming unnecessarily wet.
Our balcony and patio awnings featuring a wealth of useful technical details will keep you and adjacent rooms cool on the hottest days.
