A) Measure the height of the wall exactly where you would like to install your awning. You will need at least 8’ of height from the floor surface to the bottom of any roof, eave or overhang for light to medium rain run- off, or approximately 3” for every linear foot of projection. For example a 9’10” projected out awning would need at least 2’ of pitch in light rain conditions.
RULE OF THUMB: The higher the mounting Height allows you to adjust for More Pitch and will allow- your awning to roll off more rain.
Note: If using your awning for Sun and Shade protection only, that is “NO RAIN,” than you do not need a pitch on your awning. Your awning can be mounted as low as 7’ to 7’6” if used only in Sun and Shade protection applications. Of course these are general guide line instructions working with minimum height suggested above. It is always better to mount your awning as high as possible to allow for any pitch settings.
B) Measure your width, (this is your “Side to Side” measurement). This measurement will determine how wide your awning will be. Your SunShield Plus model is available in custom built width sizes to the inch, from 5’ to 24’ wide shipped and delivered. The SunShield Economy model can only be ordered in three custom ready to ship sizes, 12’1”, 15’8” and 19’5’ wide. The actual fabric width is approximately 2 ˝” less on each side/ends of the awning.
C) Measure your projection, (How Far do you want the awning to roll out). Please note as stated in section (A) above mounting height determines how much pitch you can allow for on your awning. It will also determine how high the end of your awning will be when it rolls out from the bottom of the valance to the floor surface.
D) Finally decide how you will want to install your awning: 1) flat wall mount, please order wall mount brackets. 2) Under side of the soffit mount, please order our Universal/Soffit mount brackets. 3) Roof Mount, used when there is a very low wall mounting height. Mounting the awning on the roof will allow you gain more height if nessesary. Order roof mount brackets plus wall brackets for this application.
Notes: Your awning will need at least 8 ˝” of horizontal mounting clearance, (this is the approximate size of the awning when rolled in, including brackets. This 8 ˝” area must be totally unobstructed throughout the size width that you choose.
*12” of Horizontal width clearance for sizes: 5’wide by 5’out, 5’wide by 6’8”out, 6’wide by 5’out, and 6’wide by 6’8” out, ( Solarus Smart Fold System, small width with long projections) *
Solarus USA, Inc. is in no way responsible for customer measurements and there will be no refunds for wrong size orders. However Solarus USA, Inc., is available and will be more than happy to help and assist our customers in determining what size width is needed for their application. Solarus USA, Inc. may be able to help you to determine the width sizes when clear emailed photos of mounting area are sent to us along with a detailed description of the area. However, Solarus USA, Inc. and its representatives will only make appropriate suggestions as to the width, the final determination is of course our customer’s choice.
Choosing a Drive side and Crank Handle size
In the awning industry, the drive side refers to either the left or right side of the awning. You will choose whether the left or right side best fits your needs.
1. If you are purchasing a motorized awning from Solarus USA, you will choose the side of the awning that will be closest to your 110 volt plug- in power supply. Another words, you want to choose the side that is most convenient to plug in your wire to the nearest outlet source.
2. If you are purchasing a manual hand gear, (non-motorized), retractable awning system from Solarus USA, you will choose the side that is most convenient to you. This drive side should have no obstructions so you will be able to stand underneath to hand crank your retractable awning in and out with ease of operation.
Choosing a Crank Handle Size
In general, your hand crank size should be chosen based on how high you have mounted your Solarus Retractable Awning System. As a rule of thumb, add the distance from the floor to your waist plus the crank handle size and that should equal the height of your awning. However, Retractable awnings may be mounted very high and choosing the longest hand crank may not reach. In these instances, you may consider using a step ladder to help you to reach the drive side. As you will see in the ordering menu drop down tabs there are several Hand Crank sizes to choose from.
