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Retractable roof systems and awnings in Melbourne
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Maximise your outdoor area with designer motorised folding arm awnings
Entertaining family and friends at home has never been more popular, especially in warmer weather, so enhance the outdoor living area of your Melbourne property by installing motorised folding arm awnings. An awning or retractable roof system helps maximise your outdoor entertainment space by making it more usable throughout the year while providing sun protection in summer. Residential outdoor awnings make entertaining less stressful and more enjoyable, especially with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather!
SOM Blinds is a premium supplier of outdoor awnings in Melbourne. We have many years of experience sourcing and installing markilux folding arm awnings and motorised awnings in Melbourne. Use your outdoor areas more effectively with these high-quality designer awnings.
Premium retractable awnings and Melbourne awning suppliers
Retractable roof systems and folding arm awnings are effective and efficient outdoor shading solutions for Melbourne properties. We work with reputable Australian and international suppliers with decades of experience and quality products.
Specialist markilux product suppliers in Melbourne
SOM Blinds offers the entire range of prestige folding arm awnings and retractable roof systems from markilux Australia. They have a huge range of fabric options, including striking colours, plus dynamic and fun stripe combinations.
Markilux awnings are beautifully designed and engineered. Made in Germany for over 50 years, markilux are the leaders in residential and commercial awning development, producing premium quality products with innovative technology and impeccable design. The recipient of many accolades, markilux is our trusted partner in outdoor shading.
A markilux awning or retractable roof system will help create the ultimate “Wow” factor to complement your outdoor entertainment area.
Merits of markilux shadeplus add-on
Shadeplus is an option available on some markilux awnings to increase protection from the late afternoon sun. An integrated drop-down sunscreen blind, it is built into your awning and helps reduce glare inside your home. It’s perfect for rooms with large west-facing doors or windows, as you only need to adjust the shadeplus screen instead of the whole awning.
You’re welcome to drop by our showroom in Burwood, Melbourne to see how a markilux awning with the shadeplus add-on works together. We can also visit you at your premises to show you exactly what a markilux awning will look like using an app developed by markilux.
OZTECH and Renson retractable roofing systems
Aside from markilux awnings, SOM Blinds recommends and supplies many other retractable awning options, including roof systems manufactured by internationally renowned Renson, and Australian company OZTECH. One of Australia’s biggest manufacturers and distributors of quality retractable awnings and roofing systems, OZTECH’s extensive range of products is custom-made to suit various requirements. All their awnings also have an SPF 50+ rating, blocking 99% of UV rays and other harmful elements.
We take pride in choosing suppliers of the highest calibre so you can be confident that your outdoor shading products have been made according to the highest standards. When you’re ready to choose the correct type of retractable awning for your property, SOM Blinds makes the process easy.
Why we recommend folding arm awnings in Melbourne
Retractable roof systems such as folding arm awnings can transform any outdoor area into a more comfortable, welcoming space with additional features such as protection against UV rays. Some major benefits of folding arm awnings for Melbourne properties include:
Easy maintenance
In the excitement of installing your advanced and stylish roof system, it’s easy to forget what the maintenance process involves. The long-term implications of maintaining different types of shading solutions should play an important role in your decision making. Folding arm awning upkeep requires minimal effort, only needing occasional cleaning to keep them in mint condition. Fabric skins can be spot cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and the moving parts oiled once a year.
Durability
The ease of maintaining folding arm awnings can be attributed to their durability—they are made from strong, long-lasting materials and high-quality fabrics. When living in Melbourne, especially along the coast, durability is critical for outdoor shading, as unpredictable weather poses risks to outdoor furniture and awnings. While we always recommend retracting your awnings in rainy and windy conditions and when not in use, tests have shown that awnings can withstand considerable pressure. Sensors for wind and rain can be added to your awnings, triggering them to retract automatically to prevent weather damage. The lifespan of retractable awnings in Melbourne is far longer than fixed awnings as they can be folded away and remain protected from extreme weather conditions.
Versatility
Retractable awnings can seamlessly complement a wide range of outdoor uses. Whether for residential or commercial buildings, they can be used to shade many outdoor areas, including the following:
- Entertainment areas
- Poolsides
- Car parks
- Backyards
- Gardens
- Balconies
- Patios
- Alfresco cafes
- Courtyards
The awnings are customised to meet the requirements of each property, increasing and enhancing the use of your outdoor space. There are plenty of opportunities to do something new with a well-shaded open space and when it is not in use, simply retract the awning to enjoy the view.
Motorisation
Like motorised blinds, you can further increase the convenience and benefits of outdoor shading by investing in motorised awnings—Melbourne homeowners also love the available automation options! Eliminate the strenuous effort involved in manually opening and retracting your awnings and operate them via remote control. For even more comfort and ease, control your awnings through an app on your smartphone. Timers can be added too. Sensors that can detect rain, wind and motion are optional extras that ensure your awnings are folded away and protected when the weather changes. SOM Blinds can also supply other motorised window furnishing systems, such as external blinds and external Venetian blinds.
Sun protection
It’s common knowledge that extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage to our skin. Take your precautions one step further after applying sunscreen—opt for outdoor shading that provides reliable protection from UVA and UVB rays, as well as glare and heat. Awnings from OZTECH, one of our suppliers, have an SPF rating of over 50, as do markilux and Ricky Richards fabrics. You and your family, or your patrons and employees, can be protected from harmful sun exposure while enjoying the open outdoor spaces to the fullest.
Aesthetically pleasing & neat
Retractable awnings for Melbourne properties are a flexible shading solution that operates elegantly, especially when automated. They neatly fold inward against the building when not in use, and with no supporting poles or structures blocking your view, the area feels spacious and airy. Choose your awnings from a wide range of colours to match your facade. Retractable roof systems instantly add versatility to any outdoor space.
Types of outdoor awnings and retractable roof systems
Our expert team of outdoor blind specialists in Melbourne offers a range of outdoor awnings to suit your property and lifestyle needs. We can customise your awnings to your preferred size, shape, colour and style. Choose from the following types of outdoor awnings and retractable operating systems:
Automated and motorised awnings in Melbourne
We can customise and motorise your awnings to integrate with your home automation system so you can open and close them at set times, reducing energy bills and increasing comfort. Program them or use a remote to close them during the day to stop the sun from reaching your windows during Melbourne’s warmer months, keeping the interior cooler.
Retractable and folding arm awnings
Retractable awnings for Melbourne homes help create extra outdoor living space. When installed over patios and decking, they provide shelter from the sun—perfect for entertaining while enjoying Melbourne’s outdoor lifestyle. When not in use, the folding arms retract neatly into a cassette attached to the wall or roof.
Pivot arm awnings
This style of awning is usually installed above windows, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the pivot arm blind obstructing it. The pivot arm awning’s fixed arms keep it out of the way of the window as it is opened and allows airflow to easily enter your home. At the same time it protects the glass from direct heat during the warmer months. They work most effectively with top-hinged awning windows that wind outwards, and sliding or sash windows, however, they are generally not suitable for casement windows or access doors.
Wire guide awnings
Rather than retracting the fabric along traditional-style tracks, wire guide awnings retract using steel wire cables. They can be a good choice for areas that regularly experience windy conditions and outdoor areas that require both privacy and shade. They have a sleek and modern design and fully retract into a cassette when not in use.
Frequently asked questions about folding arm awnings
How do folding arm awnings work?
The engineering behind these awnings is straightforward yet ingenious. Retractable awnings are attached to the outside wall of your building so they can be opened and closed at will. A folding arm awning, which is one type of retractable awning, operates in a similar way to how the human elbow works—its spring-loaded arms extend and contract. These arms are attached to a bar, where the awning is mounted onto the building’s wall. The arms and shoulders of folding arm awnings need to be of very high quality as they bear the majority of the load of the system, with the weight coming from the fabric, front bars and gusts of wind. Not all walls are suitable for a folding arm awning, so we need to inspect your property before making any recommendations. Installing any type of awning is definitely not a DIY project.
Can retractable awnings withstand Melbourne’s wind and rain?
Awnings are primarily shading devices and are not intended to be used in heavy rain or wind. We highly recommend retracting your awnings during periods of strong winds. Several factors come into play when considering this, such as the awning’s size and strength and the direction it is facing. Generally speaking, retractable awnings for Melbourne properties display an impressive strength and can withstand some wind, but it is best to fold them away during extreme weather conditions. We always recommend adding wind and rain sensors to your awning so it automatically retracts in bad weather. We also recommend that awnings always stay retracted when not in use.
Does SOM Blinds offer canvas awnings?
Yes, SOM Blinds provides custom-designed and manufactured folding arm awnings made of durable materials such as canvas. Canvas retractable awnings are an excellent way to make great use of outdoor spaces—they help extend your home’s living area, provide full sun and UV protection, and are resistant to light rain.
Canvas awnings can shelter your property’s windows from harsh sunlight during summer, reduce glare and heat from entering the home, and protect indoor furniture and floor coverings from the sun to help reduce fading.
Outdoor awning vs portable gazebo: which option is best?
Outdoor awnings, including our retractable options, are a long-term solution that enhances outdoor areas for entertaining and modern Australian lifestyles. Providing excellent protection from the sun, they are generally installed onto the outside of the building, extending over backyard spaces, pools and patios. When motorised and automated, they are incredibly convenient and easy to operate.
On the other hand, portable gazebos, sometimes referred to as canopies, usually consist of poles used to create a non-permanent pop-up structure for shade protection. However, they aren’t always as durable, effective or stable as outdoor retractable awnings in Melbourne’s weather conditions. They can also be time-consuming and inconvenient to put up and dismantle whenever they are required.
High-quality folding arm awnings in Melbourne
Installing a designer folding arm awning or retractable roof system, customised for your outdoor entertaining area, makes it more versatile and increases the amount of quality leisure time you spend at home with family and friends.
Speak to our design team, book a visit to our showroom, ask for an on-site consultation or request a complimentary quote today. We provide retractable, folding arm and motorised awnings for Melbourne’s inner suburbs with a long list of clients based in the areas surrounding Brighton, Caulfield, Glen Iris, Malvern, Camberwell, Kew, Glen Waverley and Mornington to Portsea.
