What Are the Types of Awnings?
Outdoor living spaces—whether it’s your home garden, a restaurant terrace, or a hotel poolside—are the most valuable escape points for relieving the day’s stress. However, the enjoyment of these areas often depends on weather conditions. The scorching summer sun, sudden rain showers, or harsh winds can cut your outdoor enjoyment short. This is exactly where modern awning types and shading systems come into play.
As Tenteks, a pioneer in the sector since 1989 and currently exporting to 59 countries, we transform your outdoor spaces into living areas usable in all four seasons. But among dozens of different models and mechanisms, which one is best suited for your needs? A pergola, a bioclimatic system, or a classic articulated awning?
In this comprehensive guide, we answer in detail what the awning types are, where each model is used, and what you should consider when choosing an awning.
1. New Generation Technology: Bioclimatic Awning Systems (Skyteks)
Sitting at the peak of recent architectural trends, the Bioclimatic Awning is not just a shading tool, but a smart roof system. Composed entirely of aluminum panels, this system functions as both a sun breaker and a fully waterproof roof.
The biggest advantage of bioclimatic systems is that the panels can rotate around their own axis. This allows you to let sunlight in at your desired angle while slightly opening the panels to evacuate the hot air inside (ventilation).
The Tenteks Skyteks – Bioclimatic series offers three main models for different needs:
- Skyteks Slide (Folding System): Panels both rotate and fully retract backwards, offering a complete view of the sky.
- Skyteks Roll (Rolling System): A model that moves silently thanks to a special scissor mechanism, offering a modern look.
- Skyteks Soft: A special solution designed for spaces with high aesthetic concerns, featuring softer lines. The Bioclimatic Skyteks Soft model is frequently preferred, especially in luxury residential projects.
2. Rail Awning Systems (Automatic Pergola)
When it comes to covering large areas, the first solution that comes to mind is the Rail Awning, also known as Pergola systems. These systems operate with a durable fabric structure that moves on special rails.
The most distinct feature of rail awnings is their ability to fully open and close with a single button thanks to motorized automation. As Tenteks, the fabrics we use in these systems are not ordinary tarps. We use 3-layer, flame-retardant, Blackout (light-blocking) imported fabrics (Serge Ferrari and Sioen brands). These fabrics block the sun’s heat in summer to keep the environment cool, while demonstrating superior resistance to rain and snow loads in winter.
We have different rail system series depending on the size of your space and wind load:
- RTS 1300 Rail Awning: Ideal for standard-width terraces and gardens; a model with a high price-performance ratio.
- RTS 1400 Rail Awning: Our model with reinforced profiles capable of spanning wider openings.
- RTS 1600 Rail Awning: Designed for extra-large commercial areas, restaurant gardens, and hotel entrances; our most durable series against heavy weather conditions.
All Rail Awning Systems add a stylish and warm atmosphere to your venue in the evenings with integrated LED lighting options.
3. Classic and Practical Solutions: Awning Systems
Not every space needs a massive pergola system. Sometimes a balcony, a shop window, or a small area above a window requires a more practical, economical, yet equally stylish solution. Our classic awning models offer functionality without compromising on aesthetics.
- Articulated (Folding Arm) Awning: The most commonly used awning model. It is called “Articulated” due to the spring-loaded elbow (arm) mechanism inside. Thanks to these arms, the fabric opens outward under tension. Both motorized and manual options are available. The Articulated Awning is the most practical solution for balconies and small businesses.
- Cassette Awning: A more advanced and modern version of the articulated awning. When the awning is closed, the fabric and mechanism completely retract into an aluminum box (cassette). This protects the fabric from the sun, dust, and rain when not in use, extending its life. Since it looks much more minimalist and stylish on the facade, the Cassette Awning is frequently preferred in modern architecture.
- Canopy / Dome Awning: This is the only model that can block the sun from side angles as its sides are also closed. With its semi-circular nostalgic appearance, it is used as a decorative element in boutique hotels, cafes, and store windows. If you want to add a retro vibe to your business, you can check out our Canopy Awning models.
- Window Awning (Win Tente): Applied over home or office windows, it allows you to control the sunlight entering inside. It prevents your furniture from fading due to the sun and reduces air conditioning costs. Our Window Awning models add an aesthetic touch to your exterior facade.
- Custom Design Awning: We have Custom Design Awning solutions for areas where standard sizes or shapes do not fit. These are systems produced entirely unique to you, suitable for your architectural project.
4. Mobile Shading: Mega Umbrellas
If you do not want a fixed structure or want to move the shade to different points according to your needs, the solution is giant umbrellas. Unlike ordinary beach umbrellas, our Mega Umbrella models are suitable for professional use with their wind-resistant strong bodies and structures capable of covering large square meters. They are indispensable for cafe gardens and poolsides.
5. Under-Awning Enclosure: Winter Garden and Glass Systems
You installed an awning system and covered your roof. But what about the sides? To transform your space into a true Winter Garden and use it in cold weather, you need glass systems. Tenteks also offers high-quality glass solutions that work integrated with awning systems.
- Guillotine Glass Systems: Remote-controlled glasses that move vertically. When fully opened, the fixed glass at the bottom acts as a railing. This feature makes Guillotine Glass systems the safest option for terraces and restaurants.
- Sliding Glass Systems: Systems that open by sliding left or right on a horizontal axis, available with or without thresholds. Sliding Glass does not create space loss and is very easy to use.
- Glass Roof: If you don’t want any profiles between you and the sky, you can create spacious and bright spaces with fixed Glass Roof systems.
- Zip Screen (Outdoor Vertical Blind): For those looking for a lighter solution instead of glass, the Zip Screen is revolutionary. These special fabric blinds, moving within channels thanks to their zippered structure, are incredibly resistant to wind. They block the sun while allowing you to see outside, but prevent the inside from being seen from the outside (providing privacy) and also act as a fly screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Awning Systems Provide Energy Savings? A shading system not only provides shade but also directly affects the energy efficiency of your building. Especially in summer months, blocking sunlight hitting windows and facades before it contacts the glass surface can lower the indoor temperature by 5 to 10 degrees. This “passive cooling” method, which significantly reduces air conditioning usage, can provide up to 20% savings on your electricity bills. In winter, a pergola system enclosed with a Winter Garden or glass creates a buffer zone between your home’s outer wall and the cold air, reducing heat loss. In short, a correctly chosen awning is an investment that pays for itself over time.
Is a Permit Required When Installing an Awning or Pergola? Legal processes can be confusing when installing awnings in apartments or detached houses. Generally, permits may not be required for Articulated Awnings or light shading systems that do not damage the building’s load-bearing elements and are removable (portable). However, for large Pergola Systems with fixed legs that are enclosed with glass to turn into a room (creating a closed area volume), you may need to check the zoning regulations of your local municipality and the apartment management plan. Especially for commercial businesses, details such as pavement occupancy permits and signage taxes should be clarified before choosing an awning.
Are Retractable Awnings Resistant to Wind and Rain? Yes, they are resistant, but the resistance level changes according to the model you choose. For example; Rail Awning and Bioclimatic awning systems provide full resistance to storm-level winds and heavy snow/rain loads. For classic Articulated Awning models, which are a more economical solution, it is recommended to close them in severe winds (or protect them automatically with a wind sensor).
Conclusion: Four Seasons of Comfort is Possible with Tenteks
Awning systems are investments that add value to your real estate, increase the customer capacity of your business, and improve your quality of life. Whether it is a small window awning or a massive restaurant enclosure project; there is definitely a solution suitable for you in Tenteks’ wide product range.
To use your space in the most efficient way and to get a project-specific offer regarding awning prices, you can contact us via our Contact page or speak instantly with our expert team via our WhatsApp Line.
