Climate for innovation

DALEKIT AWNINGS

Joe Pajeska, Owner of Dalekit Awnings, tells WFA; “With the carbon neutral economy regularly in the headlines, and as global warming talk starts up again, there are increasingly products on the market that actively and passively cool the home, specifically for the welfare of the environment.” 

For the last 25 years, Dalekit has been manufacturing a range of 20+ awning systems all of which are customisable. Key products in the range include traditional window awnings, automatic awnings, the pivot arm, the gearbox straight drop and most recently the Zipscreen system. 

“Way back in 2002 when we were all eagerly awaiting the new movie release of ‘Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ to hit cinemas, we first started researching the cooling effects on the home,” Pajeska tells WFA. “A large amount of time and effort was dedicated to learning and researching the effects of the sun on an average window and the heat transfer that takes place.” 

Further research was obtained from the CSIRO which backed his theory that the greatest amount of heat enters the home through the windows; an average square metre will allow up to 1000 watts of heat energy to enter a western facing window in summer. 

“It is exciting to see all of this research is now being actively shared through the WincovER website via the BMAA and information being researched further by the industry. An average window of four square metres with up to three windows facing west would put the average resident with 12KW of heat entering a home on a hot day. This is a decent air conditioner’s limits.”

Dalekit has been selling window coverings that respond to these findings, as the main part of its business since its inception, with only a recent move into internals; the main core product of the business has been the humble manually operated external awning, says Pajeska.

He reconfirms that “while roller shutters are close competitors to external awnings in the reduction of heat, the external awning stops the heat entering a home in the first place.” 

For a simple option, longevity, ease of use and value for money, “Dalekit would highly recommend the Automatic awning as being the standout performer. With strong wind performance, great heat resistance/reflection and simple operations, this product is still regarded as a staple in the sales repertoire.”

“The Convertible awning and Verandah Straight drop still have their place in the market, however the older style awning systems are slowly phasing out of existence. Gone are the days where the humble cord operated awnings graced the outsides of homes or apartments being replaced by more modern systems where motorisation is possible.” 

He adds that the increase in motorisation has been one of the biggest catalysts for change in the external market “with a large percentage of systems leaving the factory with a motor inside.”

SCOTT FREE (AUST)

Since the introduction of eZIP Track Blind system with Scott Free (Aust), the company has experienced a surge in demand for this performance track blind system, Mike Taylor – Scott Free (Aust) BDM Queensland tells WFA.

“The system is manufactured in Australia, and designed to perform in our Australian environment with robust high density aluminium frame with built-in flex resistance, enabling a smooth, trouble-free blind motion. Its patented multi-direction tension setting, always looking good with a taut blind fabric result, accents and complements any outdoor setting.”

A slim and sleek fully enclosed 135mm square pelmet headbox, in extruded aluminium or Colorbond colour options. The fabric lay flat technology with self-lubricating polymer zip is designed for problem free blind rolling with no fabric distortion, “and the eZIP motion technology with floating side channels with fully concealed side retention only adds to the quality of the product and sustained longevity that your clients will see year after year.”

“The unique patented multi-direction tension adjustment allows for consistent blind alignment and problem-free installation, plus the evenly weighted bottom rail, eZIP look and operate tirelessly for your clients and will surely compliment any outdoor living spaces.”

“Hand crank, spring assisted tension control or motorisation options are available, simply go to our website and view the video in action, then give us a call to make this your next system to install.”

OZROLL INDUSTRIES

Ozroll has recently released a new Chain Guide system, Ryan Charvetto, National Sales and Marketing Manager tells WFA.

The release is described as “a new, innovative outdoor blind system which will service the market as an answer to a wire guide system with some advantages in terms of strength and functionality.” 

“The Chain Guide Blinds system offers a stylish design for shading contemporary and modern homes. The bottom bar can be locked in intermediate positions – every second chain link. 

“This product offers shade and protection with a wide range of outdoor applications. The chain can be easily tensioned on each side with our custom made tensioner for a drum tight finish on your fabric. The system was built with strength, durability but most importantly, we were conscious of installers, so we’ve developed a user-friendly, easy and quick to install product. The system is available with spring, crank or 240v and 12v motor operation and even a solar operated option. 

He says Chain Guide is a new alternative to an auto/fixed guide/pivot arm awning for domestic applications and is ideal for wide commercial windows too. 

“For patios and balconies, it’s the perfect solution for situations where fitting side tracks is impractical, or a high degree of sealing is not required.”

“Early stages of this product’s release have been very exciting and positive for Ozroll and the Slidetrack family of products. We now have our fully restrained system with Slidetrack blinds, our straight drop awnings, so the Chain Guide System is another feather in the cap to our offerings. We now have a solution for all situations.”  

With the pandemic preventing one-on-one interactions during the initial release, he says; “our distributors definitely have responded positively to the product now we have the ability to show case it face to face. 

“We’ve since participated in various trade shows, most recently the Spectex Trade Exhibition and Conference, where we had such a positive response to the new system, so this sort of exposure is so valuable and was greatly missed during our initial release. 

“We look forward to the BMAA Super Expo, where we’ll be able to showcase the Chain Guide Blind system. So be sure to stop in and see us at the Ozroll stand and learn more about this exciting new system.” 

TURNILS

The Alpha M Awning is Australia’s first and only magnetic retention awning system, delivering 200kg^ of pull force keeping fabric taut and neat inside channels. 

“The Turnils Alpha M Awning has been engineered and tested in Australia to specifically handle our diverse and unforgiving conditions all year round,” says Vera Meharg – Marketing Communications Manager.

“Independent testing by James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, in accordance with AS 4040.2, has shown that the Turnils Alpha M Awning (at 3.5m opening span width) is able to withstand pressures up to 185kph*.

“Alpha M has the smarts to self-correct fabric blow outs back into position without a service call. The powerful magnets effortlessly return the Stance Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric into the channel and pull it tight, eliminating the appearance of creases or folds. The patented technology is hidden within the side channels, allowing Alpha M to outperform standard zip systems.”

It also features an inner tube-in-tube design for unrivalled strength. This is specially engineered design enables the awning to hang straight at ultra-wide sizes extending up to 6.5 metres wide.

“Alpha M is available exclusively with Stance Fibreglass External Sunscreen, which remains taut and beautiful at any interval during operation.  Stance fabric is tested for Australian conditions, blocking out high levels of solar heat and harmful UV rays. Stance Fibreglass features European Enduris Glass Core technology, providing exceptional tear resistance and higher tensile strength compared to polyester fabrics, making it the perfect partner for use in any side retention awning system.” 

The Turnils Alpha M Awning the strongest Straight Drop awning that has been wind tested in Australia. Alpha M is also Australia’s first and only magnetic retention system, delivering up to 200kg of pull force, keeping the fabric taut and neat inside the channels. 

“Awnings that can close off alfresco areas and protect against harsh UV and debris are in high demand. But it’s often hard for awning products to maintain taut skins due to fabric stretch over time. The Alpha M partnered with high performance fibreglass screen solves this issue.

“With most of us spending more time at home now, our backyards have become increasingly important in providing a haven and entertaining area. The demand in external products, especially awnings, is maintaining momentum due to its quality and performance.”

WEINOR AUSTRALIA

Simon Meyer – Managing Director of Weinor Australia, confirms Weinor has recently released the combination Plaza Viva with VertiTex II – two tried and tested Weinor products combined to form a complete system with seamless integration. 

“The Plaza Viva is the slimline design weather all-rounder, which allows you to enjoy your deck or patio all year round. The VertiTex II is a stunning vertical awning that gives you privacy and sun protection. Combining the two gives you the clear and added value of a complete system with a seamless look – offering privacy, wind, sun and glare protection from all sides.”  

The Plaza Viva offers what’s described as “a highly practical feature for facades without enough load-bearing capacity to mount a folding arm awning, offering very reliable weather protection for your favourite outdoor space. It is incredibly wind-resistant, integrates subtly into the overall look of the building and provides width x projection to a maximum 6m by 5m. 

“Technical innovations such as the optional adjustable telescopic post – not available when combined with the VertiTex II), the OptiStretch version, integrated LED lighting and gear handle operated Valance Plus – leave almost nothing to be desired.”

“The VertiTex ll avoids bulky cassette housings on patios, windows and balconies. Its unique cantilever guide rail mounts allow blinds up to 2.5m wide to be installed without cassette brackets (mounting just off the side channels) and it comes in a tiny 75mm cassette (not available in conjunction with the Plaza Viva) and 92mm cassette that enables blinds to span up to a massive 6m width. 

“A 112mm cassette is also available for longer drops. The VertiTex II is available in two sleek architectural profiles – square and round – adapting unobtrusively to all building facades. The patented Weinor Opti-Flow System ensures the fabric position is always perfect.” 

Meyer says the pandemic shut down the world and turned our attention to making our homes more comfortable and enjoyable to live in, so we experienced an increase in demand for exterior awnings. 

“As the world has opened up and inflation and raw material costs have increased, sales have slowed. However, it will be interesting to see if the recent increase in infections impacts people’s desire to travel again and therefore increase the demand for home improvement. Even if this is the case, there may still be the issue of affordability due to the increased cost of living.”

BM BLINDS

From autos to convertibles and everything in between, the awning range at BM Blinds has grown over the past four years, says Michelle Macready of BM Blinds.

“We now offer a comprehensive range of awning systems, from your old time favourites such as auto awnings right through to the state of the art eZIP track blinds.”

“Our awnings are all assembled right here in Australia so you can rest assured that you are supporting Australian manufacturing when choosing one of our quality awnings.”

“It’s the little things that make a difference in our systems. We are constructing awnings that are suitable to the harsh Australian environment while being functional and easy to use.”

“As the weather begins to heat up, it’s imperative that awnings are used to help prevent the heat from entering the home. The best way of doing this is to install an awning on the external facade of the home, ensuring you are shading the windows that would normally allow heat to be absorbed right into the home.”

“The global pandemic has seen many people move away from working in traditional office spaces, to working from rarely used spare bedrooms. It is in these once neglected rooms that have now become a hive of productivity. In order to keep these work spaces functional, awnings are being used to help cool these rooms and make a pleasant working environment.”

AUSTRALIAN AWNING GROUP

Daniel Gollan, Sales Director of Australian Awning Group, tells WFA the company has a new product being released, the Solto awning program, which will have a number of products, the first of which is the Pivot Arm Awning.

“With heavy duty spring tension in the arms and 100% anodised Aluminium front rails and arms, The Solto Pivot Arm awning has width options from 1m – 5.5m and an arm projection from 0.5m – 1.5m.  

“Designed to operate either motorised or by cranks, with a versatile 135mm extruded aluminium headbox and a five year warranty, the Solto Pivot Arm Awning offers peace-of-mind performance. 

“With its 160° arc of movement, the Solto Pivot Arm awning easily adjusts so you can filter the light but keep the airflow,” Gollan says. “Pivot Arm Awnings remain an ever popular shade option when retractable shade solutions require perfect awning placement.”