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Why should you choose motorised awnings and pergolas?
Pergolas and awnings are popular outdoor products for both domestic and commercial property.
They make outdoor spaces cosier and more functional by offering shade and shelter from the weather. Compared to the traditional pergola and awnings which need to be manually operated, there are a number of advantages for motorised pergolas and awnings that make them the preferred choice.
Samson Outdoor Living will explain in this article why motorised awnings and pergolas are a great choice for anyone looking to improve their outdoor space.
Ease of use
The main advantage of motorised pergolas and awnings is how easy they are to operate. You could easily extend or retract your awning or pergola with the touch of a button or the click of a remote. You do not need to manually adjust the shading or using cranks, levers, and/or a ladder for it.
Additionally, motorised systems are significantly better than manual ones, enabling you to precisely position your awning or pergola to provide the ideal level of shade and protection. Motorisation offers convenient and simpler operation, especially for people with restricted mobility.
Comfort
Motorised pergolas and awnings also significantly increase comfort. For example, if you are enjoying a night with your loved ones, simply say ‘evening scene’ to your smart speaker, and the patio awning /pergola opens to insulate from cooler evening temperatures, the lights switch on and the music starts. These scenes can also be activated with a tap on your phone, which helps you when a sudden gust of wind comes along and you might find yourself struggling to retract your awning/pergola.
Protection
Installing light sensors or timers will reduce or extend the shading and prevent the sun’s drying or bleaching effect on plants and furniture in summer days. Moreover, some larger sized awning products are only available with motorisation. So if you are looking for a larger sized awning, it is always recommended to check with the experts for consultations.
Between now and 21st June 2023, when you order a Markilux retractable awning or pergola from Samson Outdoor Living you will receive a FREE Somfy Tahoma® Home Automation System.
Somfy Tahoma® Home hub will help you control your awning, pergola and lighting from your smartphone or tablet anywhere in the world.
What the Somfy TaHoma® brings to you?
The TaHoma® interface, is accessible via the internet, a computer, a smartphone, or a tablet, giving you control over awnings, lighting, heating, and more at the touch of a button. Simply download TaHoma® app, connect your awning to Somfy TaHoma and enjoy.
Motorised awnings and pergolas are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to add style, convenience, and functionality to their outdoor space. With their durability, protection, and enhanced aesthetics, motorised awnings and pergolas are an excellent way to improve the value and enjoyment of your home. Beat the summer rush and prepare your outdoor space in time to welcome the new season today. Contact us to on 01933 44 88 44 or view our full collection of Markilux retractable awnings on www.samsonawnings.co.uk and instantly transform your outdoor space.
Weinor Semina Life – The 2023 awning summer choice
Just in time for spring, the first rays of sunshine appear and our awning manufacturer, Weinor, would also like to set further rays of hope.
Many of our customers have recently benefited from Weinor Semina Life drop down valance (Weinor Semina Life Valance Plus) awning to avoid the summer rush.
Just in time for spring, the first rays of sunshine appear and our awning manufacturer, Weinor, would also like to set further rays of hope. Many of our customers have recently benefited from Weinor Semina Life drop down valance (Weinor Semina Life Valance Plus) awning to avoid the summer rush. Thanks to its sleek design, easy operation and durability, the Weinor Semina Life Valance Plus has become a favourite among both home and business owners. In this article, we will look at the key features and advantages of this popular awning and why it has become a top choice for people looking to improve their outdoor spaces to enjoy all year round.
At a glance, Weinor Semina Life is an all-rounder among cassette awnings. It impresses because if its cutting edge, innovative design and Weinor’s test timed technology. The Weinor Semina Life is a true solution for the semi-cassette since it offers such fantastic value.
1.Design Feature
- Cassette awnings– youthful designs with state-of-the-art technology: No matter rain or shine, the Semina Life cassette prevents the awnings from the unpredictable British weather. The cushioned infeed rollers allow the awning to close with practically no wear at all.
- Side design covers: With the beautifully shaped steel look headplate rings, they serve as a visual emphasis and enhance the uniquely combined frame colour and fabric pattern.
- Fabric and frame: The Weinor Semina Life Valance Plus is sure to match any property and give a customised feel to your home with a stunning collection of 171 fabric patterns and more than 200 frame colours.
2. Technical Feature
- The Weinor Semina Life has a maximum width of 6500mm and a maximum projection of 4000mm. What is width and projection? Learn more here.
- Longlife arms design: The LongLife arms guarantee that the awning fabric is always correctly positioned for optimal sun and rain protection since they are built to deliver better tension force, even in windy situations.
- Exceptional wind resistance: The Semina Life is the best option for even the windiest of days as it can easily handle winds up to force 5 on the Beaufort scale. You do not have to be concerned about your awning getting harmed or being blown away because the Semina Life is designed to resist the worst weather. The Semina Life has you covered whether you are managing a busy outdoor restaurant or spending a tranquil afternoon on your patio.
- Extremely quiet operation: Say goodbye to noisy awnings that require regular maintenance and hello to the effortless luxury of the Semina Life. The Semina Life’s low maintenance design means that you do not need to pay much additional attention in order to take use of its advantages.
3. Optional Feature
- The optional Valance Plus: a vertical privacy and sun protection screen with a motor or gear drive, is most outstanding feature of Semina Life awning. It provides privacy and sun protection even with a low-lying sun and is gracefully integrated into the drop profile of the awning.
- Heating: Do not let the cold weather prevent you from enjoying your outdoor space. With any retractable awnings in April, you will receive a FREE Infrared Evergreen 2kW Heater, which perfectly creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in an outside setting.
- An extra side screen: For extra privacy, why not add a Weinor Paravento blind side screen along with your retractable awnings. Not only creating a personal shaded and enclosed space for the patio area, it is also a perfect complements in frame colour and fabric patterns.
Beat the summer rush and prepare your outdoor space in time to welcome the new season today. Contact us today to shop our robust collection of Weinor Semina Life retractable awnings that will instantly transform and add value to your outdoor space.
Domestic Awnings Spring – Guide to buy
Spring is coming and when customers come to us, most of them tell us that they want to extend their garden into entertaining area so they may take advantage of the outdoors at any time of day. Awnings are a perfect solution to accomplish for all year round outdoor living.
From aesthetic plain styles to modern striped designs, we have a fantastic assortment of colours and finishes to match the style of your home and decor. Using your patio on cooler evenings? Benefit from built in heating and lighting for added comfort. Our experts from Samson Outdoor Living will help you enjoy hassle free outdoor partying with some professional advice on the factors you should consider when purchasing an awning.
1. Make sure your awning offers enough shade
Although it may seem simple, finding the ideal awning size might be trickier than you first thought. Since the sun’s position changes throughout the day, you must ensure that your awning is sufficiently large enough to always offer shade. There are two factors that you should consider when choosing your awning size: Projection and width.
Width
The width is referred as the wall mounted bar’s length. The easiest way to measure it and get a price estimation is using a tap measure, following the horizontal line across the wall to get a general estimate of the breadth. There are brackets available to place the awning in front of gutters, so measure across any gutter as if they weren’t there
At Samson Outdoor Living, our majority of the awnings ranges is about 3 meters wide. However, the biggest maximum widths available from us are 14m for a single patio awning unit. When our surveyor team comes to get a survey, we will work and help you design your bespoke awning precisely because our manufactures, Markilux and Weinor, work to the closet centimeter.
Projections
The term ‘’ projection’ describes how much the awning will extend from the wall. The measurement is made without taking the pitch into the account and as though the tape measure were lying flat along the top of the fabric. Projection range will vary from a multiple of 0.5m and no more than 4m. Typically, the projection needs to be 0.5m shorter than the width to support the structure properly.
Though the projection is all depends on how much shade you want to provide, our standard patio awning projection is 2m and with supported system, we can offer up to 8 meters in projection. *Guide price for awnings in each dimension: Find here
2. Choose a treated fabric to the awning to improve performance.
Most people enjoy their awning all year round, which means it will be exposed to all weather conditions. Our awnings are an investment and are built to last a long time, including the fabric so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. But what makes a good woven fabric? How are the colours able to stay bright? What should you consider when cleaning it?
At Samson Outdoor Living, our leading manufactures, provide the top fabric that ticks all the boxes. For example, Weinor fabric awning ‘my collection 2’ has arrived with 171 fabrics with the latest structures and colours and at least 93% UV protection. Either you are a fabric stripe fan or a colourful, lively vibe, you will find the perfect match with our selection of colours.
Also, the Weinor high quality acrylic fabric comes with one outstanding feature in particular: dirt has absolutely no chance. The fabric has passed through all test and works as an invisible protective shield which guards against dirt.
3. Consider how you will use the outdoor space
Most of our customers tell us that they want to expand their entertaining space into the garden so they can enjoy alfresco dining at any time of the day. If this is the case, we advise them of the integrated lighting and heating to the awning to ensure they can eat as pleasantly as possible. With outdoor heating, the golden outdoor infrared heater is the perfect way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in outside settings. Between now and June 2023, we are still offering a FREE heater with any electric operated retractable awning or pergola.
We also advise getting a motorised control for your awning, so you can operate it at the push of a button for ease and convenience.
In short, a domestic awning can be a wonderful addition to your house, offering shade and protection for your outdoor space. Consider your needs, the type and size of awning, the fabric and colour, as well as the installation and maintenance requirements when selecting an awning. With these factors in mind, you will be able to select an awning that will give you the shade and protection you require, as well as improve the aesthetics and use of your outdoor space. Contact us to have a chat with our expert team and be ready for your awning.
5 garden and outdoor trends that will be huge in 2023.
2023 will reveal a few design trends to be on the lookout for in this year, according to House and Garden magazine. Let’s update with Samson Outdoor Living some early inspiration for your garden and outdoor space.
1. Spa like sanctuaries within your home
As the pandemic reached its peak, our home became our sanctuary, and with it we began to invest much more time, money and effort into our home. Even though it feels like we are returning to pre-pandemic times, our home has become our retreat from the world, with calming interiors, relaxing surroundings, and spa-like qualities. Whether you invest in a luxurious bathtub or install an outdoor shower, it seems that in 2023 your home is still on trend when it comes to your well-being
Feature: Biossun Pergola spa ideas
2. Sustainable gardening
This is another garden trend for 2023 that has put in appearance before. Sustainable gardening is an ongoing method of limiting our impact on the planet in our outdoor spaces. There are many ways to become more eco friendly in the garden such as non plastic plant pots, natural materials plant feed or peat free compost.
3. Colour is back – bolder than ever
Pantone has announced that Viva Magenta will be the colour of 2023. ‘‘It’s a colour that really vibrates with vim and vigour, demonstrating a new signal of strength that we all need for a more optimistic future.” Just simply plant some colourful flowers or choose this shade of the awning if you think about it.
4. Indoor and outdoor become one.
Locals are embracing the indoor-outdoor living lifestyle, attempting to make it as seamless as possible by integrating our homes with the garden or patio area. Frameless retractable glass doors or softer patio furnishings are some examples of how our homes are becoming more easily interchangeable from inside to outside.
5. Key print and pattern: Multi – weight stripes.
According to the Trendbible report, multi weight or ticking stripes explore a more handmade and rustic mood as consumers seek crafted and real-world finishes that provide relief from the slickness of onscreen life. The playful use of bold and balanced colour across outdoor accessories is unquestionably at the forefront of garden and outdoor tren
Feature: Erhardt KD with Vario Valane
Browse our range of outdoor collections for spring and summer and contact us today for any questions that you have any enquiries:
Tel: 01933 448 844
Email: enquiries@samsonawnings.co.uk
Install an awning in the winter time? Why not?
During the winter, you are most likely spending more time indoors and may ignore any outside property improvements. You may be thinking about adding a new awning next spring, but by planning and ordering an awning in the winter, you may discover that you can enjoy some unique perks. Here are several reasons why installing a patio awning in December, January, or February is a good idea:
1. Availability
Summer months see significantly more installations and contracting works than the winter months. Since many homeowners have the same idea to add a new awning to their property throughout the summer, the spring and summer months are the busiest. A winter awning installation, on the other hand, is more likely to provide a flexible date to install your awnings. That is why now is such a good time to consider installing a residential awning.
2.Savings on your energy cost
We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so getting your awning installed now will allow you to enjoy it as soon as the weather warms up. When the spring arrives, having an awning in place can help you save money from fans or air conditioners bill right away. Awnings provide shade, allowing less direct, blazing sunshine into your home. If you choose a winter awning installation and have your awning in place before the warm spring and summer days, you will be able to take advantage of the savings for the entire sunny season.
3.Promotion
Ordering with us this winter will save you £££ on any Awnings, Verandas, Glassrooms, Canopies or Pergolas, you are eligible to get the offer of up to 50% off LED lighting! Looking for an easy way to brighten your outdoor space and make the most of the colder months? Adding LED lighting to one of our stunning retractable fabric awnings is a great way to create an outdoor living environment in your garden, patio or terrace.
Browse our impressive collection of beautiful outdoor living products and discuss with our team of experts how a retractable awning installed in the winter months will benefit you for years to come!
Contact us today for any questions that you have any enquiries:
Tel: 01933 448 844
Email: enquiries@samsonawnings.co.uk
2023 Warmer than 2022?
All the predictions being made right now point to 2023 being one of the hottest years recorded, according to the UK Met Office, especially because the cooling effect of Le Nina are likely to end now, after being in place for 3 years, and all part of the natural weather cycle
Global warming is truly taking effect it seems and its effects will change our decisions and behaviour too here in the UK.
Last year gave us a very good idea of the scale of what is happening. In March Australia had more rainfall in a week than Britains annual total. Europe experienced the worst drought in 500 years, triggering many wildfires and destroying more than 3,000 square miles in 23 countries.
At 3 o’clock in Coningsby, Lincolnshire on July 19th UKs highest ever temperature was recorded at 40.3C. Maybe easy to forget in January, but this happened and will almost certainly happen again somewhere else, this year or next.
2022 is now officially confirmed as the hottest year on record and 2023 is set to be hotter, according to the Met Office.
2023 has started warm already, with half the French ski slopes closed as of today, January 7th. In the Pyrenees, 10 out of 30 ski resorts haven’t opened at all.
In the lower resorts in Austria conditions are more like a warm spring day..
Looking to the summertime, a poll of 2,000 British holiday makers discovered that 71 per cent believed countries like Spain, Greece and Turkey will be simply too hot to visit by 2027! Spain is already in a second year of a nationwide drought.
Holiday destinations are very likely to change for many and southern spots may be switched for Northern shores as the temperature gets too hot to bear for British tourists.
The traditional summer months for holidays may be shifted to spring and autumn as the temperatures in those months become the same as in July and August.
We don’t really know exactly what will happen of course because we also see the extremes of weather now becoming more common place in the UK. Strong winds come out of nowhere more often, heavy rain comes down harder and faster and yes, for sure, those hot days are now hotter.
For Samson Awnings and all our products designed to protect you in the outdoors we now have to only use products which have been properly tested and can deal with the extremes of weather, the very strong windows and the heavy rainfall.
We also look more towards externally fitted shading products designed to prevent the damaging effects and also the heat of the sunshine and to prevent solar gain inside domestic and commercial buildings, meaning less effort to keep cool and less energy used with any cooling systems used. Keep the buildings and rooms cooler and save money at the same time…
We started in 2006, simply offering various fabric retractable awnings to shade from the sunshine, but now, 16 years later, our product range covers awnings, canopies, pergolas, umbrellas, vertical blinds and glass verandas and outdoor rooms, all designed with options and specifications to deal with sun, wind, rain and snow..
We can all enjoy more time outdoors in the UK and appreciate those warmer months a lot more, but we also need to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun and make the time outside longer by protecting from the rain and wind too..
Samson Outdoor Living has one of the largest ranges of high quality weather protection systems in the UK catering for domestic and commercial properties, large and small.
Your Connexoon app will disappear soon!
Download the new TaHoma app now!
TaHoma is Somfy’s core application for home automation, allowing you to manage your connected home. The switch from the Connexoon app to the TaHoma app is final.
Some features and compatibility options may be impacted by this app change.
4 reasons to switch to the TaHoma app now
- Everything is clearer
A new, more sleek and modern interface. More intuitive navigation
Access to a wider range of compatible Somfy products
No need to have a different mobile app for each product family! With the TaHoma app, you can control all your io or RTS products from one place.
- Enjoy new compatible partner brands
In addition to your Somfy devices, the TaHoma app allows you to add new products from compatible partner brands, including Sonos speakers and the Legrand with Netatmo range of connected switches and sockets.
You can also continue to enjoy compatibility with Philips Hue products and voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, etc).
- Take advantage of new features
Scenario suggestions A completely redesigned “scenario creation” feature A new “My Favourites” feature
How to switch from the Connexoon app to the TaHoma app
1.Download* the TaHoma app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
I download the TaHoma app now
*the Connexoon apps are going to disappear, so the app switch is final.
2.To begin, select your country and then your box model.
3.Log in to your account by clicking on “Sign in”.
4.The data from your Connexoon app will be automatically transferred to your new TaHoma app*.
*except for saved scenarios
Control your system with ease
Activate or deactivate your alarm system, receive real-time alerts when a problem arises, regardless of where you are!
Share access with whoever you wish
Allow your neighbours and family members to access your home while you are away and manage the level of access that you wish to share with each person.
Control your cameras remotely
Add a camera your system to view live images of your home and receive a free video if unusual movement is detected.
Connexoon apps will still be working until 2026. However, they will not be updated anymore.
On the contrary, TaHoma app is updated regularly, offering new possibilities and compatibilities
Outdoor cafe furniture – Where do you start from?
Outdoor dining cafés are becoming more and more popular as the trend of eating at aesthetically pleasing places has grown. According to the National Restaurant Association (2021), more than half of both fine dining (62%) and casual dining (56%) operators have jumped into the fresh air solution/trend while more than four in 10 full-service operators taking advantages of city program that allow expansion out onto sidewalks and streets.
There are many ways to expand your current indoor dining/seating area outdoors, such as setting up a sidewalk area, having a patio or operating the rooftop.
What benefits can the outdoor cafes bring? And where should you start from? Let find out with us in the guidance below.
ERHARDT K Retractable Awning – Top quality awnings with fast delivery
The rise in popularity of retractable awnings and retractable pergolas in both residential and commercial properties across the world is directly tied to the appeal of outdoor living spaces.
The advantages of constructing a retractable pergola or retractable awning are nearly unlimited, ranging from expanding space to protecting structures from the elements, saving money on energy bills to improving a property’s curb appeal.
Especially when summer is coming, you might wonder about changing up your garden with an awning.
Here are some reasons why you don’t want to miss the ERHARDT K retractable K awning this summer:
What to do in your garden in July?
Summer is approaching, and the summer check lists will make your gardening tasks less onerous and more enjoyable.
Beckly Crowley, a former cutting gardener, has compiled a guide to help you get your garden ready for the sun. ‘’This list is not exhaustive, it will assist you in staying on track’’, he stated, ‘’ June is the ideal month for adding colour blossoms, expanding your outside spaces and making outdoor entertaining easier by combing relaxing areas with eating and drinking places.’’
Here are some suggested gardening tasks in June from Beckly and Landscape urban design as follows: