Shop Blinds and Awnings

Traditional Shop Blinds and Awnings have been used since Victorian days and they are still in great demand today, for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Their presence enhances a multitude of shop fronts and graces the most modern high street. They provide highly effective yet elegant protection from sunlight and rain, offer excellent promotional opportunities and, since the smoking ban was introduced, are increasingly in demand from cafés and restaurants where outdoor undercover seating is required.

One of the most efficient methods of protecting frontages from the elements and thereby reducing the need for cooling mechanisms and sun protection screens, their lasting popularity can also be attributed to their robust construction, which enables them to withstand higher wind forces than any folding-arm system currently on the market.

There are two different types of Awning - fixed-arm and Slide-arm designed to meet the needs of different locations.

Fixed-Arm

The fixed-arm version is usually installed at first floor level or above as the arms need to be safely above head-height and the roller itself located above the pivot point for the extension of the arms. The big advantage of fixed-arm awnings is that fewer parts are required and operation is simple.

Slide-Arm

This is the most popular awning design as it offers greater flexibility. Vertical rods are fixed close to the wall, on either side of the blind, onto which slides are mounted to take the blind arms. The blind is extracted from its box enclosure with a pole known as a stick hook. Once the blind has been opened the actual slides are then pushed up the rods again, so that they are well above head height, and secured with a pin. Two lengths of chain attached to the wall by chain clips support the front bar of the blind to regulate its final height.

Side-Blinds

A side-blind , offering additional protection, can be added to either side of the shop-blind once it is extended. The side-blind itself is fixed to a timber batten (usually 3" X 2"), with a hook attached to the wall end of the batten and a side-blind pin bracket put on the other end. A facia eye (for the hook) is fastened on to the wall next to the top socket and the pin is fitted into a side-blind eye attached to the front bar of the awning.

Where to buy

Hopkins supplies everything you need to install a traditional shop blind or awning. All the components, from the timber box enclosure, through the arms (bent to your requirements) and malleable fittings, to the pole for your Stick-hook, are in stock.

We will help you make the right selections for your requirements and our fully trained staff will be on hand to answer your questions.

Specification

All the parts are normally finished in black, but can be supplied coloured to a specific "RAL" code. A variety of patterned covers, valances and side-blinds are also available.

Blind rollers with widths up to 3.8 metres are usually made in 3" Dia. aluminium, for widths over 3.8 metres up to 6 metres a 3.5" Aluminium Tube is recommended, whilst for any length over 6 metres a 4" steel tube is used.

If you are unsure about anything please ask for our help and advice.