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Browse our frequently asked questions and answers, or contact one of our specialists, who are happy to help.
The best solar shading depends on whether you want to shade an outdoor space or reduce solar heat coming through glazing. A patio awning provides shade over decking or a terrace, while a vertical awning shades windows, balcony doors and conservatories. The right choice can help keep indoor spaces cooler and outdoor seating more comfortable.
The orientation, size of the glazed area, wind exposure and how much of the view you want to keep all affect your choice. South- and west-facing windows often receive strong direct sunlight and can particularly benefit from external shading. Many homes combine a patio awning over an outdoor seating area with vertical awnings on sun-exposed windows.
A patio awning extends out from the building to shade a deck, terrace or patio. A vertical awning moves up and down in front of windows and glazed areas to reduce indoor heat and glare. The choice depends on whether you want shade over an outdoor space or protection for a room.
If you want shade over a sunny patio, a patio awning is usually the natural choice. If a room becomes hot through large windows or glazed doors, a vertical awning may be more suitable while still allowing some visibility through the fabric. Both types can be supplied with motorised operation and remote controls, depending on the model.
External solar shading intercepts sunlight before it reaches the window glass, while internal shading controls light after it has passed through the glazing. If you want to reduce indoor heat, external shading, such as vertical awnings, is therefore generally more effective.
Internal shading, such as Venetian blinds, roller blinds and curtains, is mainly used to control light, glare, room darkening and privacy. A patio awning also provides external shading, but primarily shades an outdoor space. Many households combine external shading to reduce heat with internal blinds or curtains for blackout when needed.
Vertical awnings are available in motorised, solar-powered and integrated-lighting versions. They all work in the same way: the fabric runs vertically in front of the glazing, reducing solar heat gain and glare before sunlight reaches the window. The best option depends on the window dimensions, its location and how you want to operate the awning.
A motorised awning is operated using a remote control or another compatible control system and is suited to locations where a mains connection is readily available. A solar-powered awning does not need to connect to the building's electrical system, which simplifies installation. The version with LED lighting built into the cassette suits balconies and conservatories used in the evening.
A vertical awning is an exterior sunshade that runs vertically in front of windows, glass doors, and other glass surfaces. It blocks a large portion of the sun's rays before they reach the glass, thereby reducing both heat and glare indoors while allowing natural light and some of the view to remain.
It works particularly well on south- and west-facing windows, large glazed areas, balcony doors and conservatories. The screen fabric reduces visibility from outside during the day, but does not provide complete privacy. On models where the fabric runs closely within the side channels, the awning also helps to keep insects out.
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Sensus LED is our design version for anyone who wants more than pure sun shading. The slim aluminium cassette has built-in LED lighting that lights up the façade, balcony or patio after sunset – an atmospheric light source integrated directly into the awning, with no separate light fittings or cables along the façade. By day it is effective external sun shading for the window; in the evening, a soft light that frames the patio.
The awning is made to measure – up to 500 cm wide and 480 cm high – and supplied ready for installation. The package includes a cassette with integrated LED lighting, fabric, side channels, mounting brackets and a motor with remote control. The lighting is controlled separately from the awning, so you can switch it on whether the awning is lowered or raised.
It is the details that make Sensus LED a designer vertical awning. The bottom bar is completely hidden when the awning is raised, giving an unbroken, architectural façade line all year round. The cassette is rectangular and slim, without a single visible screw on the outside, and you choose between four profile colours to suit your façade.
For a standard model without lighting, see Sensus Motor. For a sunshade that operates entirely without electricity, see Sensus Solar.
Sensus LED is mounted on the façade or recessed into the window reveal. All brackets, side channels and fixings are included, and the structure has no visible screws on the outside. The LED lighting is pre-installed in the cassette – no separate cables or light fittings need to be run along the façade. The awning weighs approx. 7–12 kg per linear metre, slightly more than Sensus Motor because the LED module is integrated, so we always recommend at least two people for installation.
You can fit the awning yourself where appropriate. Electrical connections for the motor and LED lighting must be made by a suitably qualified electrician in accordance with the requirements applicable to the installation.
Screws and wall plugs for installation are included in the delivery. For special substrates or delicate façade materials, other fixings may be needed – contact us if you are unsure. For recessed installation, make sure the window can still be opened for ventilation without touching the awning.
Sensus LED is designed in accordance with EN 13561, the European standard for exterior sunshades, and built with extra attention to detail and durability. The built-in LED lighting is designed for outdoor use, with protection that withstands rain, moisture, and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Despite the integrated lighting, the awning retains the full wind resistance of the series. The zip-screen design keeps the fabric taut in the side channels and is rated for wind class 8 according to DIN EN 13561, which corresponds to wind speeds of 28.5–32.6 m/s – equivalent to a severe storm – allowing the awning to remain fully extended even in very windy conditions.*
The aluminium cassette is powder-coated in several layers to withstand UV, salty coastal air and big temperature swings without flaking or corroding. The fabrics come from Sandatex, one of Europe’s leading weavers.
*The wind rating applies to standard wall mounting.
Sensus LED is designed to stay up all year round with minimal maintenance. The fabric is protected by the side channels when the awning is raised, and the LED module is maintenance-free. Rinse the cassette with lukewarm water and mild soap once a season, and check the fixings, screws and electrical connections at the change of season.
Below are the technical specifications for Sensus LED, including LED data, cassette dimensions and colour codes. Use the information when planning and configuring your awning. Product sheets, installation instructions and operating and maintenance instructions are available as PDFs.
Whether planning permission is needed for a vertical awning depends on the property, its location and any restrictions on changes to the façade. Listed buildings, conservation areas and flats may require additional permissions or consent. If you rent or live in a managed building, check with the landlord or building manager before installing the awning.
