Folding Arm Awnings

Folding Arm Awnings are fabric awnings on a metal frame that projects horizontally over outdoor spaces. A "folding arm" pushes the front rail of the awning outwards, which causes the fabric to unroll off the spool.

Folding Arm Awnings have no permanent supporting structure from below and therefore do not impede foot traffic.  It is for this reason they are often used by cafes and restaurants over alfresco areas.

Folding Arm Awnings have several significant benefits:

• No supporting structure from below, providing a clear opening free from obstructions
• When retracted, awnings are quite discreet and blend easily in to the facade design, especially if a cassette model or recessed model is used
• They are aesthetically attractive, and provide outdoor spaces with a distinctive look
• Combined with Warema's tilting function and/or with the use of a front valance, sunshading can be adjusted to protect from low sun or glare
• The degree of projection can be controlled to adjust the amount of shading desired, including closing completely when not needed
• Quite large areas can be shaded, especially with our special models that can be coupled to provide a single awning up to 13.5m wide.

The Warema range of Folding Arm Awnings is very broad, but there are two main considerations:

Style of Cassette (enclosure in to which the awning retracts)

We have awnings with no cassette, "semi-enclosed" (top cover only) or full cassette (square or ellipsoid). Choice of cassette type comes down to three factors, which are:

• Mounting location. If the awning is to be mounted under an eave or other protective structure, a cassette is not strictly needed. If the awning is mounted on a wall or exposed to the elements, we strongly recommend a cassette to protect the awning from the elements when not in use.
• Aesthetic of the cassette. Square and ellipsoid models are available.
• Budget (cassette awnings generally cost more than non-cassette awnings)

Warema also have a fully recessed awning, which is mounted behind the facade and provides flexibility to clad the closing panel to match (subject to some constraints).

Size and shape of area to be shaded

Our range comprises the following:

• Small/compact, available in widths 4.5 - 6m and projection up to 2.5 - 3.5m. This includes the compact model 550, which has a very small cassette size of only 130x100mm (2.5m projection max)
• Large, available in individual units of up to 6.5m in width and 4m projection. Options are available with no enclosures ("cassettes") or with square or oval-shaped cassettes. Browse Full Cassette Awnings.
• Coupled units are available, where two folding arm units can be joined and share one large awning. These allow very large awnings up to 13.5m wide and up to 4m projection
• Narrow awnings that project further than their width, which is not normally possible due to the way the folding arms operate. Warema has developed awnings with special folding arms that do not collide with each other when retracting, and allow for projections that are greater than the width. These are perfect for narrow outdoor spaces.
• Fully integrated, recessed awning (model 700S).

Warema Folding Arm Awnings can shade large spaces. Individual units are available that can be up to 7m wide and up to 4m projection. Coupled units (specific models) allow for up to 13.5m width and up to 4m projection.

Because Folding Arm Awnings are not supported from below they are not able to withstand wind as well as other shading systems such as Pergola Awnings.  However, Warema engineering and material selection allows them to safely operate in winds up to 8 m/s (approx 28km/hr).  Talk to us about the specific wind ratings of different models.  We strongly recommend driving Folding Arm Awnings by motor and using a wind sensor, so that a threshold can be set above which the awnings will protect themselves by moving to the retracted position.

Awnings can either be operated manually using a crank handle or by electric motor. Generally we recommend the use of a motor so that protective wind-sensoring can be used

Folding Arm Awnings cantilever from their mounting location and the combination of their weight and wind load necessitates very strong mounting in to solid timber, steel or concrete. In some instances it may not be possible to use a Folding Arm Awning unless remedial work is first done to the structure (installation of beams, design of special brackets etc). Shade Factor can help determine the best method of installing awnings and can advise if preparation work is required.

There are three methods of mounting depending on where the awning is to be mounted and the required height:

1. Wall mounting, where the awning is fixed back to a wall with solid sub-structure (beam or similar).
2. Ceiling mounting, where the mounting brackets are driven vertically in to solid structure and the blind mounts below.
3. Rafter mounting, where the brackets fix to a rafter member and protrude up through the roof structure, where the blind is mounted.

Speak to us about the specifics of your situation

Warema Folding Arm awnings can handle low sun and glare in two ways:

1. Tilting function. Depending on the model, the front rail can be raised and lowered, in some cases up to 90 degrees.
2. Optional front valance. Valances are either a fixed height piece of fabric or on some models can be an operable vertical blind.

Awnings are available in large range of colours and finishes.

Explore Awning Frame Colours.

Browse Fabric Catalogue.

For all information about product cleaning and care, including downloadable instructions, please click here.