Continental or Dutch Blinds

This is the most popular of all external awnings and is widely used on shops, restaurants, hotels and more than ever on domestic properties. Either retractable or non-retractable (see "wet look blinds" below).The quarter circle shape is formed by four or five legs, depending on the projection, from anodised aluminium extrusion and held together by metal or plastic components and rivets. The profile has a channel into which a PVC extrusion is inserted and to which the blind fabric is stapled and then covered by tape. The blinds can be housed under an aluminium top board and end cheeks if required.

Types and operation

Manual - with heavy duty nylon cord fed through three pulleys and attached to the front of the blind. It is held in the closed position by winding a cord around a cleat. Gear and electric operation - can be fitted into a tube that winds up the nylon cord and is mounted under the top frame.

Foldaway Awning Systems

Foldaway awnings (also known as Folding Arm Awnings) have in the past 20 years almost replaced the traditional awning. As a shop blind the foldaway is a very versatile awning. It is nearly always fitted below the fascia allowing the fascia to be seen when the blind is extended. The methods of installation are a concealed blind box within the shopfront, fitted directly to the shopfront in a cassette or fitted under a topboard with side cheeks for protection. The greatest asset of the foldaway is that when retracted it is contained in an area of approximately 200mm x 200mm.

Types and operation

Electric operation - an electric motor contained within the roller is usually activated by a switch within the premises. The extension/retraction is set on limits at the time of installation. The motors also have an automatic cut off to prevent overheating due to misuse.

Gear operation - generally attached to the side of the roller and is activated by a removable winding handle.

Most systems are built around a 40mm x 40mm galvanised steel bar to which the wall fixing or top fixing brackets are mounted. The bar also has the blind arms attached and two roller brackets.

Concealed foldaway system (or blind box system) - this method of installation is into a prepared blind box fitted usually by the shopfitter and incorporated into the shopfront.

Cassette system - this is a totally enclosed system with a combination of top, bottom and back sections which can be anodised, stove enamelled or sprayed to colour specified. The benefits are that the fabric is completely protected from the elements when retracted.