Electric Awnings

Why go electric?

Larger awnings can take quite a lot of winding. An electric motor extends and retracts the awning at the press of a button, which means you're far more likely to actually use it when the sun comes out.

Things to consider

• Power: you'll need a power supply near the awning. We'll look at where this can come from when we visit.
• Controls: remote, switch and sensor options vary from one system to another, so we'll show you what's available for the awning you choose.

Planning an electric awning

Most of the planning is the same as for any awning: the width you'd like shaded, how far it should project, the height above doors and windows, and whether the wall is sound enough for the fixings. With an electric awning we also plan where the cable will run and where any wall switch will sit, so everything looks tidy once it's fitted. Our options include the UK-made Base Plus and Base Lite fully cassetted awnings from Base Awnings, and the Base Plus can also have LED arm lights and heaters.

If you're not sure whether to go electric, mention it at your visit. It's much easier to plan the cable route before the awning goes up than to add it afterwards, and we'll explain what's involved for your wall.

Using and looking after your electric awning

Having a button rather than a winder means you'll use the awning whenever the sun comes out, but it's still important to bring it in when the weather turns. A wind sensor gives peace of mind if you're out or forget, and a timer can wind it in at the end of the day.

Electric awnings need very little upkeep. Brush off leaves and loose dirt, rinse the Dickson acrylic fabric with clean water now and again, and open the awning to dry if it's had to come in wet. If anything doesn't sound or move as it should, stop and get in touch rather than forcing it — see repairs and spares.

Electric awnings in the Base range

Several of the awnings we fit from Base come with a Somfy motor as standard, including the ultra-slim Epica and Epica Lite cassettes. The Epica can reach up to 6m wide and project as far as 4.1m with its heavy-duty arms, so it suits larger terraces where winding by hand would be hard work. Base frames come in white, anthracite or black as standard, and LED lighting is available on selected models so you can keep using the space after dark.

Site visit and fitting

Book a free appointment and we'll check the wall and work out the best route for the power supply.

Somfy motors and sensors for awnings

We use Somfy motors and controls on our electric awnings. As well as a remote or wall switch, you can set a timer, or control the awning through the Somfy TaHoma app and by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. A wind sensor can wind the awning in automatically when it gets gusty, and a sun sensor can bring it out when the sun is strong. Sensor options depend on the system, so we'll explain what's possible at your visit. You can read more about Somfy motorisation.