At Designer Shade Solutions Ireland, we have a wide range of outdoor shading products from retractable fabric awnings to retractable roof pergolas. But what is the difference between these two products? There are many characteristics which differentiate these systems, so it is important to explore the two options and find out which one is right for you.
Structure
Firstly, there are structural factors which distinguish these products from one another. For instance, our retractable awnings are smaller, fabric structures, whereas our retractable pergolas are heavy-duty, and built from posts, beams, and framing. There are also differences when it comes to installing these structures. Our retractable awnings shade must be attached to a property, covering a patio, balcony, terrace, or conservatory (using our conservatory awnings). Retractable roof pergolas can be installed as an extension to your property or as a standalone piece, providing more diverse designs.
Materials
Materials are another defining factor when it comes to retractable awnings vs retractable pergolas. For example, our retractable roof pergolas are available in an array of materials from retractable glass roofs, retractable louvre roofs and retractable fabric roofs, as well as metal and wooden framing options. Our louvre design uses a panelled roof which can tilt to create shade or close entirely to shelter from rainfall. Each of these retractable roofs has unique features which set them apart.
The retractable awnings, however, are made from a fabric material which is both waterproof and UV resistant, again protecting you from varying weather conditions. These awnings are also available in all RAL colours, allowing you to pick the design which best suits your property.
Functionality
When it comes to functionality, these two structures operate very differently. As mentioned, the retractable awnings are waterproof and UV resistant, providing shelter from harsh UV rays and heavy downpours overhead.
Our retractable roof pergolas operate in a similar way, providing shelter overhead with a large roof as opposed to an overhanging awning. You can customise our pergola structures so that they provide further protection. This could include adding heating systems for warmth outdoors in the colder seasons or integrating vertical glass systems, creating a bespoke outdoor room. For instance, you can implement retractable glass windows and doors which allow you to enter or exit the pergola structure, supplying shelter from all angles.
Clearly, these two structures are very different from one another, but each system has its own distinct features and advantages. You might want to install retractable awnings in Northern Ireland. Maybe you want an awning outside your café, or perhaps you would like a retractable roof pergola for your garden. If this article has inspired some ideas for your outdoor project, why not contact our team to discuss them and start building your ideal shading structure?
