Motorised Vs Manual Patio Awnings – Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right patio awning can transform your outdoor space, providing shade, comfort, and style. However, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a manual or motorised awning. Both types have their benefits, and the best choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

At Rigby’s, we supply and install a full range of manual and motorised patio awnings. We have put together a comprehensive guide below to help you make the right choice. 

Why Invest In A  Manual Patio Awning?:

1)  Budget 

One of the biggest advantages of manual awnings is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to motorised versions, manual awnings are much more affordable. Since they don’t need electrical parts or professional wiring installation, you save on both upfront costs and long-term maintenance.

For example, our manual awnings typically start at around £1,200, while electric models usually begin at £2,000 or more.

2) Low Maintenance

Manual awnings require very little maintenance as they are not powered by a motor   or electrical system, they have fewer parts that can break down over time. No wiring or remote controls to worry about, just a simple hand crank mechanism which is easy to use and reliable.


3) Energy efficiency;

Manual awnings are inherently more efficient and environmentally friendly than their electric counterparts, primarily because they operate without the need for electricity. This means they consume zero energy during use, reducing both your utility bills and your carbon footprint over time. Electric awnings, while convenient, rely on motors and electrical systems that draw power every time they are extended or retracted,  even minimal use can add up.

Why Should You Invest In a Motorised Patio Awning?

1) Additional Features – Lights and Sensors

One of the standout features of motorised awnings is the integration of intelligent weather sensors. These sensors can detect sun and wind. They retract automatically when faced with adverse weather conditions.  This means you don’t have to constantly monitor the weather or rush outside to adjust your awning, it takes care of itself. 

At Rigby’s, all of our motorised patio awnings feature built in weather sensors and integrated LED lights, meaning that you can benefit from your awning all year round. 

2)Remote Control

A remote control is a great addition to an awning because it adds a high level of convenience, allowing you to operate the awning effortlessly from anywhere within range, whether you’re inside the house or relaxing on the patio. With just the press of a button, you can extend or retract the awning without having to manually crank it or go outside.

3)  Ideal for Larger Spaces 

Electric awnings are an ideal choice for larger outdoor spaces because they offer effortless operation and greater convenience, especially when dealing with wider or deeper awning systems that would be physically demanding to operate manually. As the size of an awning increases, so does the weight and resistance of the fabric and frame, making manual cranking impractical particularly for everyday use. Motorised awnings solve this issue with smooth, push-button control, allowing you to extend or retract even the largest awnings quickly and evenly.

Our patios awnings can be installed up to  7M ( Width)  check out one of our large patio awning installations below!:

There’s no doubt about it, having a patio awning is a great investment. Whether you choose a manual or motorised model will depend on several key factors.

If you have any questions regarding our awnings or would  like to receive a free quotation please do not hesitate to contact us  Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

 

A Guide to : Electric Fireplaces

The Difference Between Patio Awning Cassettes: A Buyer’s Guide.

Retractable patio awnings are designed to provide shade and protection from the sun and rain while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. With the addition of a retractable awning, you can create a comfortable and stylish outdoor area that can be enjoyed all year round.

Among the various types of awnings available, awning cassettes stand out for their sleek design, durability, and versatility. At Rigby’s, we supply a range of patio awnings  with different cassette options.  We’ve outlined the different types of awning cassettes below, check them out.

What Are Awning Cassettes?

An awning cassette is a protective housing or enclosure that houses the fabric and mechanism of a retractable awning when it is not in use. This design not only keeps the fabric clean and protected when not in use but also adds to the awning’s overall durability and longevity.

Types of Awning Cassettes:

There are several types of awning cassettes available, each offering unique features and benefits to suit different preferences and needs. Here are some of the most common types:

Full Cassette Awnings:

  • Full cassette awnings are characterised by their fully enclosed housing, which completely covers the fabric and mechanism when retracted. This design provides maximum protection against the elements, keeping the awning fabric clean and extending its lifespan. Full cassette awnings are ideal for locations with harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain.

Semi-Cassette Awnings:

  • Semi-cassette awnings feature a partially enclosed housing that covers the top portion of the fabric and mechanism when retracted, leaving the bottom exposed. This design offers a balance between protection and aesthetics, providing adequate shelter for the fabric while maintaining a sleek and streamlined appearance. Semi-cassette awnings are suitable for most residential and commercial settings. At Rigby’s our Corsica and Palladio awnings  are both equipped with a semi cassette, so they are therefore the ideal choice for a patio area.

Open Cassette Awnings:

  • Open cassette awnings have a minimalist design, with no housing covering the fabric when retracted. Instead, the fabric rolls up onto a roller tube without any additional protection. While open cassette awnings offer a more budget-friendly option, they may be less durable and prone to dirt and debris accumulation compared to full or semi-cassette models.

Features and options:

In addition to different cassette styles, awning cassettes come with various features and options to enhance their functionality and aesthetics. Here are some key features to consider:

Motorisation: Many awning cassettes can be motorised, allowing for effortless operation with the push of a button. At Rigby’s, all of our awnings come with the option of a motorised cassette, so that you can operate your awning with comfort and ease . Our  awnings can also be programmed to retract automatically in response to changing weather conditions. 

Lighting: Rigby’s Corsica awning can be equipped with integrated LED lighting allowing you to enjoy your awning in the evenings.

Colours : Our awning cassettes are available in 6 different RAL colour options including the following –  

 

Whether you require an awning for a commercial or domestic purpose the RAL Cassette can compliment the exterior of your building.

 

Wind Sensors: Our awnings are available with the additonal option of wind sensors which allow the awning to automatically retract windy conditions,offering added convenience and protection for your outdoor space.

Retractable patio awnings are a versatile and practical solution for adding shade, shelter, and style to outdoor spaces. Whether you opt for a semi-cassette, or open cassette design, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and preferences.

For more information on our extensive range of awnings you can either visit our website at  https://rigbys.com/retractable-garden-patio-awnings/ or contact our showroom on : 0208 868 7899.