How to Make the Most of Your Motorised Awning This Winter: Our Top 10 Practical Tips

Motorised awnings offer comfort and convenience year-round, even during the chilly winter months. These versatile additions to homes and businesses can be enjoyed beyond the summer season, providing shelter and enhancing outdoor spaces throughout the year.

With a few simple steps, homeowners can maximise the benefits of their motorised awnings in winter. From adding cosy lighting to using them for creative outdoor activities, there are numerous ways to make the most of your awning when temperatures drop. Proper care and maintenance during the colder season will also ensure the awning remains in top condition for years to come.

1) Install a Weather Sensor

A weather sensor can protect awnings during winter months by monitoring environmental conditions and triggering actions to safeguard the awning from damage caused by harsh weather. Here’s how it works:

Wind Sensors

• Function: Detect high winds that could strain or tear the awning.
• Protection: Automatically retract the awning when wind speeds exceed a safe threshold.

Snow Sensors

• Function: Measure snowfall or detect snow accumulation.
• Protection: Signal the system to retract the awning before heavy snow builds up, which can cause excessive weight and structural damage.

Rain Sensors

• Function: Detect rain or freezing rain.
• Protection: Retract the awning to prevent ice build-up or pooling water that could freeze and damage the fabric or frame.

Temperature Sensors

• Function: Monitor outdoor temperatures.
• Protection: Alert the system to retract the awning when temperatures drop below freezing, reducing the risk of ice formation on the awning.

Integrated Systems

• Smart Controllers: Weather sensors can integrate with smart home systems to automate the awning’s retraction based on real-time weather data.
• Remote Monitoring: Allow homeowners to check conditions and control the awning remotely, even when not at home.

With a weather sensor in place, you can relax knowing your awning is protected from unexpected weather changes. This allows for worry-free use of the awning throughout the winter months.

2) Utilise LED Lighting

Winter days are shorter, but with built-in LED lighting, your motorised awning can extend outdoor use into the evening. Adjustable lights allow you to set the perfect ambiance for cosy nights or festive gatherings.

LED lighting can greatly enhance a motorised awning’s functionality during winter months. These energy-efficient lightscreate the perfect ambience, making outdoor spaces more inviting and usable after dark.

Lighting extends the usability of your awning-covered space, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities, entertain guests, or relax outside even after the sun sets. It creates an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of winter evenings, especially if you have a scenic view or snowfall to admire.

Our awnings can come with built-in LED strips, but you can easily add LED lights to existing awnings. Choose warm white LEDs to create a cosy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing winter evenings outdoors.

They are also great for Enhanced Visibility and Safety. Winter days are shorter, and LED lighting ensures your outdoor areas remain well-lit, making it safer to navigate around your property. Proper lighting reduces the risk of slips and falls on icy or wet surfaces under the awning, preventing unwanted accidents.

For those concerned about energy consumption, LED lights are an excellent choice. They consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, which is especially beneficial during the colder months when energy bills may already be higher due to heating. They also last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements in challenging winter weather.

Proper placement of LED strips is crucial for optimal lighting. Installing them along the awning’s arms or edges can provide even illumination across the entire area.

3) Incorporate Outdoor Heating

Winter doesn’t mean the end of enjoying your motorised awning. With the right heating solutions, outdoor spaces can remain cosy and inviting even in chilly weather.

Infrared awning heaters are an excellent choice for providing instant warmth. These integrated heaters direct heat towards people and objects rather than the air, making them efficient in outdoor settings.

Portable electric or gas-powered heaters offer flexibility. They can be moved around to suit different seating arrangements or gatherings. This versatility allows users to create comfortable outdoor rooms under their awnings.

When selecting a heating solution, it’s important to consider the size of the awning space. Larger areas may require multiple heaters or more powerful units to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Safety should always be a priority. Heaters should be placed away from flammable materials and used according to manufacturer instructions. Proper ventilation is crucial, especially when using gas-powered heaters.

With the right heating setup, a motorised awning can become a year-round outdoor living space, perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing on crisp winter evenings.

4) Choose Waterproof Fabrics

Selecting the right fabric for a motorised awning is crucial for winter use. Our waterproof fabrics ensure protection from rain and snow, keeping the area beneath dry and comfortable.

Many awning materials claim to be water-resistant, but true waterproof options offer superior protection. Look for fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use, such as acrylic or polyester blends with waterproof coatings.

Quality waterproof awnings not only shield from moisture but also resist mould and mildew growth. This feature is particularly important during damp winter months when fungal growth can be a problem.

Durability is another key factor to consider. The fabric should withstand harsh winter conditions, including strong winds and freezing temperatures. Look for materials rated for year-round outdoor use.

Regular maintenance helps preserve the waterproof properties of the fabric. Clean the awning periodically and reapply waterproofing treatments as recommended by the manufacturer.

5) Add Side Panels

Adding side panels to a motorised awning can greatly enhance its functionality during winter months. These panels provide extra protection from wind and cold, creating a cosier outdoor space.

Side panels are typically made from durable, weather-resistant materials. They attach to the sides of the awning, forming walls that shield occupants from harsh elements.

Wind protection is a key benefit of side panels. They act as a barrier against chilly breezes, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the awning area.

Before purchasing side panels, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with the specific awning model. Measurements should be taken carefully to guarantee a proper fit.

Installation is generally straightforward. Most panels use a rail or clip system to attach securely to the awning. Some models may require additional poles for support.

Side panels can often come with windows, allowing natural light to enter while still providing shelter. This feature helps maintain a bright, airy feel within the enclosed space.

For added versatility, some side panels are removable. This allows users to adapt the awning setup to changing weather conditions or personal preferences.

6) Install a Smart Somfy Control System

A smart control system can take a motorised awning to the next level. It allows users to operate their awning remotely using a smartphone or tablet.

Many systems offer voice activation and smartphone control, making it easy to extend or retract the awning without leaving the comfort of indoors. This can be especially handy during cold winter months.

Take advantage of smart home integrations to control your awning with voice commands or via an app. Adjust the awning’s position to maximize sunlight during the day or create shade if winter glare becomes an issue.

Smart controls often include features like timer settings and group control. Users can set their awning to open or close at specific times, even when they’re away from home.

Some advanced systems incorporate sensors for optimal control. A wind sensor, for example, can automatically retract the awning in strong winds, protecting it from damage.

7) Host Cosy Outdoor Gatherings

Make use of your awning-covered space to host winter get-togethers. Add warm blankets, fairy lights, and hot beverages for a festive atmosphere your guests will love.

Dress up your awning with seasonal decorations like string lights or seasonal garlands to add a festive touch to your outdoor area. This creates a cheerful, welcoming vibe for your home during the winter season.

8) Protect Outdoor Furniture

When using a motorised awning in winter, it can be beneficial to consider the protection of outdoor furniture as well. Storing furniture in a garage or shed is the best option to shield it from harsh weather conditions. 

However, if indoor storage is not possible then your awning can potentially act to shield outdoor furniture from rain, snow, and frost, helping to preserve its condition. By keeping your awning extended during inclement weather, you can minimize wear and tear on your patio setup.

9) Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

A motorised awning can play a surprising role in improving a home’s energy efficiency during winter. When positioned strategically, it can act as a barrier against cold winds and drafts.

Placing a drop arm awning to block cold winds from windows and doors can help reduce heat loss. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in keeping the interior warm.

By creating an additional layer of insulation, the awning helps the home retain heat more effectively. This can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating, potentially lowering energy bills.

During sunny winter days, the awning can be retracted to allow natural warmth to enter the home. This passive solar heating can complement the existing heating system, further enhancing energy efficiency.

10) Regularly Maintain the Mechanisms

Proper maintenance of a motorised awning’s mechanism is crucial for its longevity and smooth operation during winter. Regular care ensures the awning functions correctly when needed.

Keeping the awning arms and motors lubricated with a silicone-based lubricate, helps to prevent rust and keeps the mechanisms running smoothly, especially during colder months.

Additionally, regular maintenance checks on awning arms and components is essential to ensure your awning is in top condition.

It’s advisable to open the awning at least once a week during winter, even if it’s not in use. This keeps the motorised components moving and prevents moisture build-up.

If any issues arise, such as sticking mechanisms or unusual noises, contact us to arrange a site visit for us to service your awning. We can address problems before they worsen and potentially damage the awning.

Winchester Awnings are a leading supplier of Weinor and Somfy motorised awnings in the south of England. We provide a huge range of awnings, recovering service and also servicing to existing awnings. Get in touch to see how we can help you or your business.

At Winchester Awnings we have an impressive 30 years of industry experience. We are also an authorised dealer of the highly sought after German manufacturer, Wienor.

We offer bespoke and high-quality awnings, tailored to each customer’s preferences. This includes custom-made designs in a variety of colours and fabrics. Our commitment to quality ensures the highest standards in both materials and craftsmanship.

Available Services

• No Obligation Quotations: Customers can obtain detailed estimates without any commitment.
• Expert Advice: Professional consultation to find the perfect awning solution.
• Professional Fitting: Installation is handled by trained and experienced professionals.

Areas Covered

Winchester Awnings are the only authorised dealers of Weinor awnings in the Winchester area. We cover multiple regions, including:

• Hampshire
• Surrey
• Dorset
• Sussex
• Berkshire

Additional Benefits

• Made to Measure: Each awning is custom-made to fit specific needs.
• Family Run Business: Personalised service with a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Survey Service: Initial surveys to ensure precise measurements and perfect fit.

For information on our commercial awnings, take a look at our commercial awnings or canopy pages to see how a commercial awning can draw attention to your shop or restaurant and boost your business. With over 30 years in the industry and using trusted brands such as Weinor and Somfy, you can trust in Winchester Awnings to provide you with the highest quality awnings with expert advice and knowledge.

We also provide a huge range of blinds and shutters to homes and businesses. Visit our sister site Winchester Blinds for more information.