Frequently asked Questions

Why is there a such a difference in the price between the Swingline, Hiline and Llaza awnings?
The main difference in price between the Swingline and Llaza awnings are because of the quality of the fittings. The Hiline is made from the higher quality Llaza fittings as well as having an extra aluminium beam and runners to give them extra strength.

How long do the awnings last?
The hardware and most fabrics have a 5 year warranty and we expect them to last a lot longer than that.

How much wind will they withstand?
We only recommend awnings and drop curtains to be out in moderate winds. Fixed frame awnings are manufactured and installed to withstand strong winds. Click here to view the Swingline wind ratings.

What colours is the hardware available in?
The Swingline is available in French white (warm white) and grey/natural anodised. The Llaza and Hilines are available in French white, ivory, silver/grey and black.  For the grey awnings - the imported components are powder coated, and the aluminium front rail and back bar are extruded in New Zealand and finished with a natural anodised treatment.

What colours is the fabric available in?
There are many colours available in plains, tweeds and stripes. New colours ranges are introduced regularly, so you should be able to find the colour you want that matches your house.

Can I view the fabric online?
Yes.

For the Planasol acrylic canvas range:

http://www.contender.co.nz/Contender/Acrylic-Canvas/Planosol/Planosol.php

For the Docril acrylic canvas range:

http://www.citel.es/producto.asp?idc=1&ida=1&idp=126&docril-disenos – Stripes
 
http://www.citel.es/producto.asp?idc=1&ida=1&idp=123&docril-lisos – Solids
 
http://www.citel.es/producto.asp?idc=1&ida=1&idp=124&docril-listados – Block Stripes

For the Sunbrella acrylic canvas range: www.sunbrella.com/showroom 

PLEASE BE AWARE: not all fabrics may be available in New Zealand.

Are the fabrics waterproof?
Acrylic canvas fabric is water resistant, and will withstand a large amount of water before it starts to drip through. PVC fabric is welded together rather than sewn and this makes it waterproof. PVC is not recommended for lateral arm awnings as it is very heavy and will start to smell if rolled up damp. We also have a range of polyester fabric (Mainstreet) which is acrylic coated which when welded forms a waterproof skin for a lateral arm awning. This fabric is called Mainstreet and is imported by Cool Awnings from the USA.

How do you clean the awning and fabric?
Acrylic canvas fabric can be cleaned using mild detergents and water. We recommend regular cleaning, approximately 6 monthly, of both the fabric and the hardware. Drop curtains should be cleaned using water and a mild detergent and soft brush every 3-4 months. More frequently in areas with high salt spray. We can provide Vuplex cleaner which is specifically designed for cleaning drop curtains and plexiglass.

What are the limitations of use?
Lateral Arm awnings are designed for shade protection in moderate wind conditions only. Although generally waterproof, they are not designed for weather protection, and must be retracted in windy conditions, or if the awning collects water. Larger awnings should be motor operated, and controlled by a wind sensor. There are too many variables to accurately predict the safe wind speed setting for a particular installation,

Wind sensor setting: is set at the mid point, and can be adjusted if it is believed the awning can handle slightly more wind or down if the wind is too strong.

Arm angle setting: Must be sufficient to shed water. If it does not, the fabric will become permanently stretched and must be replaced. If water does collect, please retract the awning immediately so that we can adjust the angle.
The watershed angle can be checked with a hose, also check our angle measurement diagram. We recommend a fall of 15 degrees.

What does it look like on the wall?
Lateral arm awnings fold away to 300 x 300mm , and all you will see is part of the front rail and the valance of fabric at the front. If you choose to have a pelmet this will be seen above the awning and provide protection for the fabric, meaning it will last longer. Click here for more information on pelmets.

Click here for Llaza technical information including brackets and mounting.

Do they need a permit?
Lateral arm awnings, fixed frame awnings and drop curtains do not require a permit. As the Jiggleshade is attaching to an existing structure it does not need a permit either. We work on the rule if you are putting poles in the ground a permit is required, so for shade sails and the tension shade system a permit is sometimes required.  The building code specifies a permit is required for an awning 20m2 and over, and awnings that are above level 1 of a building.  Shade sails over 100m2 require a permit.

How long before I receive my order?
We provide a 3 week turnaround from the receipt of your deposit to the completion of your installation in most cases. If special brackets or galvanising and powdercoating is required there may be a slightly longer time scale. During November and December due to the high level of work requests, this usually increases to 5 weeks. We cannot guarantee installation prior to Christmas for any orders placed after 20th November. We produce our awnings in a chronological order, so the sooner you place your order the sooner you will receive your awning.

Do drop curtains come with zips?
Yes, if you would like zips on your drop curtains forming a complete room with a door, we can provide this for you. We have three different styles of drop curtains – crank operated, hand rolled and zipped. These are on display in our showroom at 6 Morrin Rd, Panmure.

How is the awning attached?
Our installers work to the NZ building standards for attaching to wood, concrete and plaster houses. We can give specific attachment details on request.

How far out can the awning go?
We hold stock for lateral arm awnings extending out from 1.5metres to 3.5 metres, and we can arrange for supply of 4m and 4.5m arms on request.

How long can the awning be?
We can and have produced awnings up to 20m long.

Do you do shade sails?
We are not a shade sail specialist, and we work with 2 companies who are, so we can arrange a shade sail on your behalf.

Are the awnings waterproof?
Our fixed frame awnings are made from waterproof fabric and the seams are welded to ensure a waterproof finish. The frame is silicone sealed to the wall. We cannot guarantee a 100% waterproof area under the frame, but we do try.

Drop curtains are dependant on the style and type of fabric used. A crank operated curtain has a gap at the top. Hand rolled curtains are not sealed on three sides and zipped curtains can leak through the zips. Drop curtains are not waterproof.

Lateral arm awnings can be made using Mainstreet acrylic coated polyester fabric which is sealed on the seams and can be made as waterproof as possible. We cannot guarantee a 100% waterproof area under the awning, but we do try.

What shapes do the fixed frames come in?
We can produced fixed frames in four main shapes. The most popular is the wedge which is triangular in shape. The next most popular is the vertical hoop, where the curve comes from the top down to the bottom. We also do the Spanish hoop, where the curve goes from side to side and the duckbill which is short at the back and has a slight curve in the front.

What do they cost?
As everything we produce is custom made we need measurements to be able to provide an accurate price for the product you are looking for. Please feel free to contact us for a no obligation free measure and quote.

How can I pay?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos, cash, cheque and internet banking. We can complete credit card transactions over the phone, so please call us to get your job underway asap.

What does the warranty cover?

Lateral arm awnings:
All awnings are fully guaranteed against faulty materials or workmanship, according to the following schedule:

Hardware: All arm sets, installation tube, aluminum extrusions, roller, support brackets, gearbox, and fixing screws are guaranteed for 5 Years, parts and labour.
Warranty excludes wind or rain damage. Refer to Limitations of Use.

Electric Motors: Somfy motors are guaranteed for 5 Years, parts & labour.

Care of Fabric: Fabric should be cleaned every 3 months, using a sponge and plain water. If the fabric will not clean with plain water, you can use a watered down mild detergent. Do not use solvents. Always dry out the awning skin when rolling it away for long periods. It is accepted that it is sometimes unavoidable to roll away when wet, but always dry out as soon as you can. If the skin stays wet, a green film will form on the surface which may become difficult to remove. Always ensure that fabric rolls off the TOP of the roller. Fabric may become torn, or may puddle with water otherwise.

Fabric: Acrylic fabric is guaranteed for at least 3 years, and Mainstreet polyester fabric is guaranteed for 5 years full replacement, subject to care procedures being followed.
Note that all fabrics will fade progressively over time, and this must be accepted.

Seams: We now use PTFE Teflon thread which is guaranteed for 10 years against burst seams

Fabric Flame Resistance: Patio 500 and Mainstreet fabrics are guaranteed flame retardant in accordance with NFPA 701 which complies with NZ building codes.
Please specify if you require an acrylic canvas that is flame retardant as this is not standard in all ranges.

Fixed frame awnings:
1. Cool Awnings warrants for 5 years the integrity of the framing against weather damage.
2. Cool Awnings warrants for 5 years against corrosion for powder coated frames, but cannot give corrosion warranty on Mill finish Aluminium frames.
3. Fabric Warranties will depend on which fabric is chosen.
• Acrylic Canvas is unsuitable for fixed awnings, as it stretches over time and carries no warranty.
• John Boyle fabrics, which include Mainstreet polyester canvas, Patio 500 matt finish PVC, and Signmaster Supreme PVC all carry a 5 year warranty, with the exception of Red, and Patio Clear which carry a 2 year warranty.
4. All fabrics will fade over time, and this must be accepted.
5. The warranty is conditional on the fabric being regularly cleaned with fresh water to remove dirt and salt on a 3 monthly basis.
6. Cool Awnings cannot guarantee a full water seal where the awning joins the building, as the wall detail can vary. We also cannot guarantee a 100% dry area under the awning, as rain usually does not fall vertically.
7. Cool Awnings disclaims any liability for damage caused by water penetration into the building. We will remedy any leaks if they are our fault.

Drop Curtains:
Drop curtains are designed to keep wind and rain out in moderate weather conditions only. No fabric structure is capable of holding up in storm conditions, and no warranty is offered for wind or storm damage. Drop curtains should not be left down in strong wind conditions.

Fabric: Patio 500, has a 5 year warranty for loss of colour, and deterioration, with the exception of Red, and Patio Clear which carry a 2 year warranty. All fabrics will fade over time, and this must be accepted.

The warranty is conditional on the fabric being regularly cleaned with fresh water to remove dirt and salt on a 3 monthly basis.

Clearglass PVC: This is very popular, because it provides best visibility. Unfortunately there are limitations which must be understood.
13. The fabric is not reinforced, and if it starts to tear, the tear will continue. To overcome this, we weld a reinforced PVC border around it.
14. If your Clearglass PVC becomes milky looking it is likely waterlogged. Please leave the curtain down for a couple of days in fine weather to dry out and it will become clear again.

Mesh Fabrics: Each fabric has a different length warranty, with 3 years a minimum. This warranty is against fabric faults, deterioration and colour loss.

Labour: Cool Awnings provide a 3 year warranty against sewing and welding coming undone on drop curtains.

Hardware: Cool Awnings provide a 5 year warranty against rusting and failure of hardware.