Folding arm awnings (also known as folding arm awnings) have, in the past 20 years, almost replaced the traditional awning.  As a shop blind, the folding arm is a very versatile awning. 

It is nearly always fitted below the fascia allowing the fascia to be seen when the blind is extended.  The methods of installation are a concealed blind box within the shopfront, fitted directly to the shopfront in a cassette or fitted under a topboard with side cheeks for protection.   The greatest asset of the folding arm system is that when retracted, it is contained in an area of approximately 200mm x 200mm.

Types and operation

• Electric operation - an electric motor contained within the roller is usually activated by a switch within the premises.  The extension/retraction is set on limits at the time of installation.  The motors also have an automatic cut off to prevent overheating due to misuse.
• Gear operation - is generally attached to the side of the roller and is activated by a removable winding handle.  
• Most systems are built around a 40mm x 40mm galvanised steel bar to which the wall fixing or top fixing brackets are mounted.  The bar also has the blind arms attached and also the two roller brackets.
• Concealed system (or blind box system) - this method of installation is into a prepared blind box, fitted usually by the shopfitter and incorporated into the shopfront.
• Cassette system - this is a totally enclosed system with a combination of top, bottom and back sections which can be anodised, stove enamelled or sprayed to the colour specified.  The benefit is that the fabric is completely protected from the elements when retracted.
  

Components

• Roller - generally 70mm or 78mm in diameter.  Usually galvanised steel or mill finish aluminium.  A longitudinal groove is used to provide fabric attachment.
• Back bar (or installation bar) - generally 40mm  x 40mm galvanised steel but can be anodised aluminium.  Often not required on cassette systems.
• Face fix wall bracket - for attaching back bar to wall.
• Top fix bracket - for attaching back bar to soffit or concrete lintels.
• Roller tube bracket - fitted on each end of the back bar they carry the roller and gear box or motor.
• Blind arm bracket - carry the arms from the back bar to which they are attached.
• Blind arm - made from aluminium extrusion and various components, enabling projection from 750mm up to 4m.
• Front profile (or front rail) - this generally is an aluminium extrusion which is attached to the blind arms.  It also has two longitudinal grooves to which the blind cover and the valance are attached.
• Winding handle - detachable handle for manual operation.
• Blind fabric - usually made from woven acrylic fibre or reinforced PVC sheeting complete with fungicidal and flame retardancy treatments.

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