Awning glossary - Complex matters with a simple explanation

Arm bearings are essential components of every awning: at the points where the arms pivot they ensure friction-free, noiseless power transference and lateral stability e.g. in strong winds. Teflon-coated bronze bushes - as used in many markilux models - are the best guarantee of durability and easy, problem-free operation.

The nominal projection is measured, with the awning extended at a pitch of approx. 15°, from the wall over the cover to the leading edge of the front profile. The tolerance in the projection is + 40 mm / - 40 mm.

The front profile is the profile of your markilux that extends outwards. It shuts snugly against the cassette when the awning is closed.

The foremost rod on the awning is commonly known as the front profile or moving arm part. When one talks of front profiles one is referring to the struts, pipe-like in shape, to which the awning arms and the cover are both fastened. If necessary, the valance is also attached to the front profile.

The mounting console is the term for the bracket element that is screwed to the wall, the roof or the eaves and on to which the awning is subsequently hung. In the case of open folding-arm awnings, the suspension tube is hung on the console, whilst with cassette awnings the entire housing is mounted to the console.

Nearly all models can be fixed on request either to the wall or ceiling. In most cases different brackets are required to do this.

This tube motor is radio-controlled. There is no need to fit a switch - a small hand-held transmitter sends the required signal. The advantage of this technology is the simple mounting and the awning can be controlled from any desired point. The range is 300 metres.

Electric drive of the awnings is an option, and this is driven by so-called tubular motors, which are fitted into the cover rollers. This means not only that the motor is almost entirely invisible, but also that it is reliably protected from weather damage. A power supply at 230 V is required and this should be fitted by a specialist.

The processing form of aluminium for three-dimensional parts with extreme tensile strength and a relatively high degree of elasticity. These characteristics contrast with aluminium die casting, which is very hard and brittle and is never used by markilux.

Pivot joint components are made of aluminium at markilux- and in the case of some models even of steel. Both materials guarantee a smooth motion and longevity.

The folding arms of your markilux are moved either by the markilux Bionic tendon, by gas pistons or by strong round steel link chains. The latter are available as simple or even more robust twin chains, corrosion-proof. Gas piston-tensioned arms are an economic alternative. All mechanisms ensure high operating comfort and a taut cover - even if your markilux is not completely extended.

Awnings are divided into awnings with an open unit, which can be fitted with a top gutter to protect the retracted cover (additional charge), or cassette awnings, which are completely protected when the cover is retracted. Cassette awnings also have a housing, which is able to accommodate all of the awning technology and the retracted cover in a box. The housing profiles are generally manufactured in aluminium.

The impregnations on the markilux awning covers repel dirt, grease, oil and water.

The folding arm awnings can be operated either by a winding handle or electric motor. Those who opt for the winding handle do not have to lose out on comfort because markilux have put together a team of designers especially to create a winding handle that sits particularly comfortably in the hand.

Structural components such as cassette profiles, coverboards etc. are all made of extruded aluminium – this reduces the weight of the awning and increases safety. But above all, this material is extremely durable, is all but indestructible and looks good and presentable after many years.

can appear during the cover making process and when the fabric is folded. A dark line may become visible at the crease when viewed against the light, especially in the case of light colours.

The cover material used is always either acrylic or polyester fibre (see sunsilk). Acrylics display a particularly high level of stability when exposed to the aggressive power of the sun. Unprotected fibres in polyester, cotton, nylon, polyethylene etc. lose a considerable degree of their tear resistance after a number of years. The ultra-violet rays of the sun affect acrylic fabrics to a very limited extent only. In addition to this, acrylic as a basic substance protects the colour particles in the fibres, meaning that the colour remains bright and fresh longer.

The pitch of your markilux is set individually by the professionals during installation. If you would like to set the angle of pitch yourself, you will need a pitch adjustment gear which is available as optional accessory for some markilux models.

When a power coating is applied, the power is sprayed on the substrate and then "baked" in an oven to form a sealed coating. The advantage of powder coating is that no solvents are released during the coating process, unlike with the common painting process, and that the powder coating is particularly tough. This is of great benefit when compared to brittle paints, which can become chipped when exposed to this type of treatment.

Dirt caused by air pollution is best removed at regular intervals whilst the cover is dry, using a brush. Small stains should be treated as follows:

• Hand wash programme at approx. 30° C using commercial powder for delicate articles
• Afterwards rinse with clear water for several times
• Repeat this process until the fabric is clean (washing powder residue must be completely removed)
• Let the cover dry
• If any local waterproofing is necessary use a tent waterproofing spray.

In the case of very wide awning systems the roller tube may sag slightly in the centre. So that the cover does not come into contact with the internal mechanics during projection and retraction a rolltex bearing is used to support the roller tube.

The union pieces are known as roller support brackets (usually manufactured in aluminium). These are located at the external ends of the awning and connect the cover to the suspension tube.

Awning materials have no need to fear the rain. However, many owners do prefer to protect their awning system from the rain where possible. An electrical contact measures the air for wet weather, and if rain does start to fall the awning is automatically retracted.

see waterproofness

There will invariably be a time when your awning becomes wet. However, so that water can run off effectively during retraction there are - depending on the awning model - various mechanisms to ensure this happens in the case of rainwater and residual water in the cassette. If the awning is retracted when wet it should be extended again at the earliest opportunity to allow it to dry.

sunsilk is the brand name of a newly developed awning fabric, manufactured from polyester. The special thing about sunsilk is that it contains a new UV blocker that thoroughly protects both the fabric and the fibres from bleaching and the solar-related destruction of fabric tear resistance. The fabric is smoother and is thus also less prone to becoming dirty than regular acrylic materials (see brand-name acrylic). The fabric is also lighter and slightly thinner than acrylic fabrics, meaning that the colours emit a more intensive light beneath the awning. sunsilk is tear resistant and more tolerant of bending and abrasions than the regular brand-name acrylic awning fabrics.

Solar cell operated sunlight sensor.
The sensor Sunis RTS will protect you from the sun and is flexible enough to be fitted to any façade. It sends extension and retraction signals to any blind or awning fitted with a radio-controlled motor without needing to be wired to the mains supply.

Aluminium is a light and strong material that can be shaped at very high temperatures and with the application of extreme pressure, in a similar manner to shortbread cookies. This method allows the production of very complex forms, even with considerable lengths. For this reason all longer parts, as well as many brackets, are produced from extruded aluminium. The most common method of processing extruded aluminium is the simple use of sawing. The material preservation takes the form of polyester powder coating or anodising, which is a special method of corrosion protection. The advantages of extruded aluminium are a high degree of elasticity combined with an extreme tensile strength.

Many awnings are installed in order to prevent the heat of the sun from warming the lounge or bedroom during the day. In such cases it would be practical if the awning were able to extend automatically when the sun starts to shine, and retract once again if the clouds come out. A sun sensor, combined with a wind sensor, has been designed for this very purpose. This provides you with the added assurance that the awning will be retracted if the wind becomes too strong for the system, even if this occurs whilst the sun is still shining.

In most cases an active tensioning system keeps the cover taut almost permanently. Although seams and hems provide reinforcement, they also have to withstand the most strain. When the cover is rolled up the seams and hems roll up on themselves, which increases the pressure and tautness still further. Seams and hems are pressed flat and are stretched in length. This may lead to slight sagging of the lateral seams when the awning is extended.

Shadeplus is a markilux creation whereby a small rotating union is built into the front profile, around which a retractable valance is wound. Shadeplus is available in retractable lengths of between 1.5 m and 2.1 m. Shadeplus withholds a certain percentage of the day’s heat, allowing you to sit out on your patio for longer in the evening, whilst also providing you with an added degree of privacy. This also effectively creates an additional open-air room in your home. Shadeplus is usually extended and retracted using a winding handle. For the markilux models 1000, 1500, 1600 and 6000 it is possible to operate the shadeplus with a motor, if required also with remote control.

Roller tubes are the rotating shafts mounted on bearings that are most commonly found on the upper outside edge of the awing. The awning cover is wound around them. Thus they are sometimes referred to as winding rollers. The greater the degree of deflection is seen in the roller deflects, the more the cover itself will droop later. The aim of a good awning design therefore is to ensure that the roller remains as rigid as possible. his is often achieved by increasing the size of the roller diameter. Only rollers with a diameter of 85 mm are used for the markilux folding-arm awnings. On the market there are also rollers with a diameter of 78 mm and 63 mm.

Transolair is the brand name of an awning fabric made from branded acrylic with a special perforated design. This allows for a very good degree of shade whilst providing a clear view. These materials are therefore particularly well suited to situations where the awning user requires both shade and a view at the same time. Transolair is the ideal choice for conservatory awnings and vertical blinds. The specifications and EU computer screen requirements are even fulfilled with darker coloured designs.

The torque bar is normally a steel tube at which the awning arms by means of tube supports, the roller tube and also the consoles are attached. Cassette awnings often do not have a torque bar if the cassette awning is self-supporting. It is important that the torque bar bends as little as possible to transmit the enormous forces that are transmitted from the awning cover to all over the frame and the consoles. Therefore the following basically applies for awning torque bars: the greatest possible diameter results in the greatest possible bending stiffness. At markilux we use square torque bars with 40 mm edge length or round torque bars with 50 mm diameter.

For many centuries brass has been used wherever it is important that even under adverse outside conditions, e.g. in shipping, reliable functioning is guaranteed. The brass bushings of markilux are additionally coated with Teflon. Teflon gives an extremely smooth surface that normally renders the lubrication with oil superfluous. Teflon-coated brass bushings are used at markilux among others in the arm bearings.

The individual panels of the awning covers are not stitched together, but bonded by a high-density surface bonding. It is particularly weather-resistance and durable as the adhesion technology results in a plain surface. Furthermore the bonding of the panels ensures a better, homogenous appearance without bothersome threads.

Valances are short awning covers that are suspended from the projection tube or profile as additional decoration. Depending on the model they are part of the delivery scope or they are optionally available in different shapes.

Sensor for dynamic wind loads.
Oscillation and inertia sensor based on radio-controlled technology for the wireless transmission of wind signals for awnings with radio-controlled motor. Battery powered so no power supply or cabling required.

see sun sensor

can appear along the side hems, next to the seams and in the centre of the panel. There are two layers of fabric at the seams, which are stitched or bonded when flat. As the cover is wound onto the roller the two layers of fabric are forced to assume different diameters thus creating tension within the fabric. The tension of the folding arms and the weight of the roller and/or front profile can exacerbate this effect. Puckering can also develop if a water trough forms during heavy rainfall. Criteria such as water impermeability, rigidity, dirt and water-repellent properties, resistance to tearing and tear propagation, colour fastness and numerous other characteristics are defined, assessed and guaranteed for each fabric type by the manufacturer. Although only first-class, quality controlled fabric is used in awning production, there are limits to the degree of perfection that can be achieved.

The polyacrylic sunshade fabric is impregnated with a water-repellent finish and, if properly cared for and used at a pitch of at least 14°, remains impervious to water during short, light rainfall. During prolonged and/or heavy rainfall the awning must not be extended or should be retracted to prevent any damage. If the cover gets wet the awning must be extended again later so that it can dry.