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What Outdoor Roof Terrace Cover May be Best for Your Building/Premises?
There are many factors in narrowing down your search for a retractable or fixed roof cover system for your premises to either provide shade from the heat and glare of the sun right through to all year round protection from sun, wind, rain and even snow.Samson Awnings specialises in commercial terrace cover systems ranging from commercial umbrellas through to complete outdoor room solutions, either attached to an existing building or free standing.
Will the Terrace Cover System Be Freestanding or Fixed to an Existing Structure?
We have terrace cover systems for erecting totally independently of any other building or alternatively, systems to extend straight off an existing building structure. The height of the existing building wall to fix to is often one of the deciding factors as a reasonable height is required in order to have a descent pitch on the cover system enabling rainwater to disperse properly.
One of the most popular solutions for sun shade and rain protection and with a far higher wind rating than a normal retractable awning is either a Vortex umbrella or the Markilux Pergola.
The Vortex is unique in that it has one of the highest wind ratings for any commercial umbrella of over 100Km/h; it is available in 3 sizes 2.8m or 4.2m square or a 4m x 3, rectangular shape.The main structure is constructed from high grade stainless steel sections and components and the fabric on the main cover is a super tough fully waterproof fabric with a choice of colours and of course the ability to have logos and text to promote your business.
Take a look at the Vortex Umbrellas >
The Markilux Pergola is a retractable fabric roof system using the cassette principal of an awning to house the fabric,
but unlike a normal awning this system has aluminium side guides and front post supports and does not use the folding arm principal of a normal awning which restricts the projections possible. This system can be up to 6 metres in projection and up to 12 metres wide in one unit. The Pergola can also be coupled together to make systems as wide as required and also fixed back to back to form a gable roof shape with 2 no. 6m projections providing 12 metres of retractable roof cover by whatever width is required. The fabric is extended and retracted with an electric motor driven system of tensioned cables inside the side guides to help make the fabric cover as taught as possible with the fabric further enhanced by being 'zipped' into the sides, also keeping rainwater controlled. With over 140 fabrics to choose from and several colours offered as standard for the framework and adjustable pitch depending on the site requirements this is a superb system for covering large areas on patio, terrace and garden areas.Take a look at the Pergola System >
The Pergola can also be installed using the Markilux Syncra frame system to enable a freestanding solution. The Syncra is an aluminium framework finished to a high standard with various methods of ground fixing available enabling the use of various Markilux products to produce outdoor cover.The Syncra is extensively used for fixing any of the Markilux retractable awnings to either side of the cross beam to form what is commonly known as a 'butterfly awning'. Again large areas can be covered using this method as the Syncra units can be coupled and with 2 awnings capable of 4 metre extensions either side you can cover 8 metres one way and have endless width capability lengthways.
Take a look at the Syncra >
The Markilux Pavilion is a further enhancement of the Syncra system using all the same technology and strength to provide a stand-alone system capable of having any of the Markilux awnings, vertical blinds and side screens attached to form more of an 'outdoor room' effect with all sides and roof easily controlled by various methods.Take a look at the Pavilion >
Is the System for use only as Sun Shading or more All Year Round Use?
Obviously there is a big difference between any roof system or structure only used for sun shading and one that is to be used in heavy rainfall and stronger winds.
Careful consideration has to be given to the possible variations in use for whatever system you opt for. With awning fabrics the general rule of thumb for use in rain is to ensure there is at least a 14 degree pitch on the cover, thus enabling rainwater to drain fast enough never to cause the dangerous 'pooling' effect where the water collects, stretches the fabric, and ultimately will damage components and the building.
Wind is more commonly the enemy of fabric roof systems and we advise the use of wind speed detection systems on many larger fabric terrace covers to ensure the roof retracts if the wind speed gets too high, far higher of course than is comfortable to be sitting outside in!
For complete all year round use we have to recommend the use of even stronger retractable fabric cover systems or even glass roof systems, all offered by Samson Awnings.
More recently we have also seen the introduction of the bioclimatic roof systems using a series of aluminium roof sections which rotate when required to let sunlight and air in but otherwise provide total protection against rain and snow.
Do you require a Fixed or Retractable Roof System?
The retractable roof systems nearly always use various types of fabrics which either roll or fold back to open up and the fixed roof systems we offer can be also fabric but tend to be triple polycarbonate or glass sections in aluminium framework sections.
With a retractable roof system with all round side protection you can think of it like a convertible car and have the benefits of sunshine on any of the colder days as the cooling effects of the wind are prevented whilst the suns heat can make it very pleasant indeed, just like that favourite sheltered area in your garden on the same days.
Samson Awnings have a solution for every requirement.
What Size of Area do you need to Cover Outside?
The sizes for various systems may have some limits as a single unit but most systems are modular and can join together to cover as much space as required.
The limitations are the same as for a normal roof with a pitch where you maintain a sensible height at the low side for people to pass under and do not take the higher side up too high so as to look ridiculous.
There are great visual differences between systems and some careful thought can produce fairly unique overall effects whilst providing the wow factor for clients underneath using and benefiting for these systems.
Will the System Require the Sides to Be Covered as Well?
Many of the systems can be used just as a roof or have the side infilled with fixed or retractable/removable solutions.
We offer many options of vertical blinds, all designed for outdoor use. We also offer sliding and folding glass doors systems, fixed glass sections, aluminium and fabric fixed panel sections and the ever popular 'crystal' blinds providing full vision when closed down.
As one of the main issues in the early evenings and into the night or even during the day in spring and autumn is an annoying and cooling breeze then being able to close one or all the side to an outdoor area is essential if you are to expect customers to remain in place. Many extra hours can be provided without the use of additional heaters just by stopping the wind and its cooling effects, even on the sunniest days in winter you can provide a superb and desirable place to sit in complete comfort all because the wind has been stopped.
Call Samson Awnings now on (01933) 274276 to discuss options and prices.
