Just like everywhere else, it holds true for awnings that when two do the same thing, it is not the same. Awnings are a popular form of shading and there are several companies on the market that supply them to wholesalers as well as directly to end customers. We purposely write "supplies," not "manufactures," because there is no purely Czech company that manufactures and installs awnings completely in our country. All awnings on our market are assembled from components produced in various countries around the world.
There is growing interest in awnings, and both good and bad customer experiences are multiplying. "We have been dedicated to awnings since 1998, and during this practice, I have come to understand that it is not just about the quality of products, professional installation, speed of delivery, and price, but primarily about the ability to listen to the customer," says Jan Koritenský, owner and founder of T-shade, and adds: "I dare say that over the years we have become experts on both frequently and less frequently asked customer questions. Today we have selected a few interesting ones for you, including useful answers."
Problem 1: "I am trying to figure out whether there are or are not rain-resistant awnings. I found absolutely contradictory statements on the internet. What is the reality about the waterproofness of awnings?"
Several interconnected factors influence an awning's resistance to rain: the correct anchoring of the structure to the building and preventing water from flowing through at the wall, the proper slope of the awning, the quality of the fabric used and the seams, and the solution for draining water that falls onto the awning.
The most significant role in the waterproofness of an awning is, of course, the fabric from which the shading part is made. The latest nanotechnology allows the production of products that simply do not leak. To the touch, they feel somewhat rubberized, and if you test them with a stream of water from a hose, you will see how the water flows away with a beading effect on the impregnated and solid fabric.
Markilux fabrics, thanks to nanotechnology, do not absorb dirt and are easy to maintain. Their effectiveness is further enhanced by clever drainage channels.
Problem 2: "We usually sit on the terrace later in the afternoon and evening, and instead of shading from above, we are troubled by the low sun, which goes under the awning and shines directly into our eyes. What can we do about it?"
A low sun is easily and effectively solved by the drop valance that extends up to 210 cm. Thanks to it, you can remain undisturbed and without rearranging furniture to the farthest corners of the terrace even during the part of the day when the sun (or neighbors) tries to peek into your privacy. The drop valance can be found on awnings with an extension of up to 350 cm.
The awning Markilux 6000 equipped with a front drop valance (up to 210 cm extension) protects against low sun.
Problem 3: "We have had bad experiences with wind; it has already damaged several different shades. We know that an awning is not a cheap affair, and we are afraid that the wind will destroy it."
As for the wind, Markilux awnings have two significant advantages. The first is a certified wind resistance of 38 km/h. In tests, the Markilux awning withstood wind speeds exceeding 120 km/h without damage. The second advantage is the wind sensor.
This wind protection is effective, almost invisible, and can be installed on all retractable awnings offered by T-Shade. So before leaving home, you won’t have to check the forecast or rush back home in case of an unexpected summer storm. An awning with a sensor has "intelligence" and retracts itself to safety in the event of imminent danger.
Watch the video to see how the awning handles strong winds. It gets exciting at the 14-minute mark:
Problem 4: "We have a large terrace and no matter what we do, the sun always finds us on it. What is the maximum size of a single awning?"
The maximum width of a retractable awning is 13.9 m and the length (extension) is 3.5 m, or 12 m with a length of 4 m. Read more information about large awnings.
Making the right decision about what size to choose for the best shading of your terrace can be done easily with the smart tool Markilux Compass. It takes into account the orientation of the terrace and the movement of the sun across the sky. Unlimited spaces can then be shaded using modular aluminum pergolas.
The Markilux 6000 awning can have a maximum width of up to 13.9 meters.
Problem 5: "We have two different properties for which we need an awning. One is a traditional wooden cottage in a rustic style by the forest, the other is an ultramodern minimalist family home of glass and concrete. Can we choose a suitable color for both properties from the fabric samples?"
You can choose not only the color but also the shade, brightness, pattern, and effect. There are 250 options available in the Markilux sample book. They are suitable for both modern and conservative architecture. The palette of thread shades even includes up to 16 million shades. Awnings can be literally invisible on the building or, on the contrary, bold and contrasting. Whatever you need.