Awnings, Canopies, Shop Sign Boards & Commercial Signage

Your choice of awnings can rely on a number of different factors, including material, style, size and location. If you’re unsure what awning might be best for you, let us help. 

The most popular choice for awnings is retractable, both manual and motorised. These awnings provide shade from the sun and harmful UV rays, as well as protection from the rain. They are proven to be useful all year round, serving as a weather-resistant front for homes, shop fronts and patios across the UK. They can be easily adjusted in size and are perfect if you’re struggling for space. 

When deciding on material, the most commonly used are vinyl, polyester, acrylic and cotton, with copper, steel and fibreglass often used for the frame. Many have found that the most popular awnings are ones made from acrylic and vinyl. This is due to their high durability levels and resistance to weather, with both fabrics protecting against UV light and preventing mould and mildew growth.

Style-wise, the most common are:

• Half Cassette – Awnings with ‘half’ a cassette sitting on top of the fabric roll.
• Full Cassette – Where the roller, fabric cover, and arms are protected and stored away.
• Non-Cassette – Where the housing of the awning is completely exposed. 

Your choice of design may depend on the use of the awning, where it will be located and what size you want. Sizes differ for shop fronts, patios and caravans to name a few, with recommendations depending on use. Luckily, Mill Reef Signs offers custom awnings tailored to your specific needs and measurements. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote.

If you’ve decided to purchase a brand new awning, you’ll need someone to install it. An awning installation is a quicker process than you might think, with some taking as little as 30 minutes to two hours to complete. Retractable awnings often take up to two hours as they are generally lighter in weight and already pre-assembled. However, it is possible for the installation of larger awnings to take up to two days. 

Installations can only take place if the awning doesn’t exceed 40 feet in width and doesn’t extend past 14 feet. These are the size restrictions for many awnings and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to install any larger than this. This is because you’ll also need additional space for the installation, around 12 inches above the door for clearance space and 8 feet above the ground for retractable awnings.

If you’re considering the angle of your awning, we would recommend between 30 and 50 degrees. This is often the best angle when installing an awning, as it blocks out the sunlight during summertime but lets the sunlight in during the winter. This angle also provides you with shelter during light or heavy rainfall.

The best way to clean an awning in London is to begin by scraping off any loose dirt, this can be done easily with a broom. Then use a bucket of warm soapy water to soak the fabric, then rid the awning of any excess dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Leave the awning to soak before washing any residual soap and dirt away.

It’s best to let the awning dry naturally by draping it over outdoor furniture, try and keep it as stretched out as possible to allow all areas of the awning to try properly. This stage may take a little while to dry, but don’t leave it out for more than 48 hours. We also recommend never power washing your awnings as it can damage them.

Awnings that are properly cared for and maintained throughout their lifetime can last up to 15 years, depending on the material, with an average lifespan of 8-10 years. Our top tips for keeping your awning properly maintained include:

• Regular cleaning 
• Allowing the material to dry naturally
• Keeping it away from heavy rainfall

It’s also important to know when your awning needs to be replaced, as broken or rusting awnings can be a hazard. If the material of your awning has been significantly stretched, if there are rips or holes in the fabric, or if the metal has started to rust, it may be time for a replacement. Get in touch with Mill Reef Signs for more information on purchasing a new awning.

When investing in an awning, you should expect to pay anywhere between £100 to £9000 for a standard patio awning, with more exclusive styles ranging from £1000 upwards. Some awnings also include electronic features which can drive up the price, such as a remote control or electric operation. However, this figure depends entirely on the material you’re using, the style you’ve chosen and the size you’re going for. The bigger the awning, the more it will be.

There is also the cost of the installation which differs depending on the awning itself and how long the process might take. On average, awning installations could add £400-£500 to the total ticket price and is something to take into consideration when investing in an awning.

However, we believe the price of our awnings is completely worth it. They’re not just practical, awnings also bring a certain stylish element to your property or shop front. Whilst the upfront price may seem like a rather hefty investment, we believe the benefits of awnings definitely outweigh the costs. Get in touch with Mill Reef Signs for more information on our awning prices, or to receive a quote.