Standard awning catalogues are prepared for certain width and projection ranges. If your façade fits those ranges there is no problem; if it does not, two options remain: reduce the area to a standard, or go to custom production. The first option usually leaves part of the façade unprotected or produces a visually mismatched result. In this article we look at when Wintent custom awning systems come into play and how they are produced.
The first situation requiring a custom awning is dimension. A façade falling between catalogue widths is either under-covered or over-extended by a standard awning. Under-covering leaves unprotected strips at the edges; over-extending intrudes onto a neighbouring façade or window. In custom production the profile and fabric are cut to the façade's real dimensions, and both problems disappear.
The second situation is form. Non-rectangular façades - triangular gables, trapezoidal walls, curved balcony lines and façades meeting at two different heights - cannot be solved with a standard awning. On these geometries the fabric cutting plan, arm angles and fixing points are each calculated for the form. The result is an awning that accepts the façade as it is; rather than fitting the façade to the awning, you fit the awning to the façade.
The third situation is fixing constraints. On some façades the points where an awning can be fixed are limited; a window, air conditioning unit, light fitting or rainwater downpipe intervenes. Because a standard awning's bracket spacings are fixed, they can clash with these obstacles. In custom production the bracket positions are planned around the existing façade, and the structural calculation follows those new spacings.
Commercial applications are where custom awnings are used most. An awning running uninterrupted along a café façade, on the same line and at the same height, gives the venue an identity; standard awnings fitted piece by piece produce a scattered look. On commercial façades a logo or business name is often wanted on the awning, which requires the fabric cutting and joining plan to be set up for it from the outset.
Fabric width is a technical constraint to know about in custom production. Awning fabrics are produced in certain roll widths. When the façade is wider than that, fabric pieces are joined and a seam line forms. That joint is the fabric's most sensitive point; waterproofing and strength are weaker there. In quality production, high-frequency welding is used instead of stitching; a welded joint is both waterproof and more durable than a stitched one.
The position of the seam or weld line is also part of the design. When the line falls in the middle of the fabric it is visually prominent; planned nearer the edge it draws less attention. Planning it parallel rather than perpendicular to the direction of water flow also prevents water pooling. These look like small details but they determine the awning's appearance and performance over the years.
The arm system is recalculated for custom sizes. Folding arms apply spring or gas pressure to hold the fabric taut. As projection grows, that pressure and the moment on the arm increase. At custom widths the number of arms, arm section and the spacing between them are set by the dimensions. Where two arms suffice on a standard system, an intermediate arm may be needed on a wide custom build.
The wall fixing is the most critical calculation item in a custom awning. All the load bears on the façade and the moment increases as the arm extends. The number of brackets, their spacing and the anchor type are therefore set by calculation. Anchoring must go into a reinforced concrete beam, column or shear wall; aerated concrete, hollow brick or external insulation is not suitable. On insulated façades the anchor must bridge the insulation and reach the structural element behind.
Wind behaviour follows the same rule on custom awnings. An awning is a system with a flexible surface and must be retracted above a certain wind speed; as width grows, the lift force on the fabric increases. On custom-sized and wide awnings we therefore regard a motorised system and wind sensor as a standard requirement. We covered this subject in detail in our manual versus motorised comparison.
Colour and fabric selection offers a wider range in custom production. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are strong on colour retention and breathe; PVC-coated polyester fabrics are more resistant to water and dirt. In commercial applications where an exact brand colour match is wanted, the closest tone among the fabric options must be identified; fabric is not woven to a custom colour but chosen from the existing colour card.
The production process takes longer than a standard awning and involves more approval steps. During the survey the façade dimensions, obstacle points, bracket positions and any form curve are recorded. A technical drawing is then prepared and submitted for your approval. The fabric cutting plan and weld lines are set from that drawing. Once production starts, changing dimensions is practically impossible; we therefore confirm the measurements together at the approval stage.
The cost difference should be stated plainly. A custom awning is more expensive than a standard one because of separate dimensioning, bespoke fabric cutting, welding labour, a recalculated arm system and the extended survey and drawing process. Against that, the alternative is leaving part of the façade unprotected or accepting a solution that does not match the architecture. The coverage gained and the visual coherence cover the difference on most projects.
When getting a quotation we suggest asking: is the fabric joint stitched or welded, how many arms will be used and is an intermediate arm needed, have the bracket count and anchor type been calculated, are the façade's obstacle points marked on the drawing, and are a motorised system and wind sensor included. In custom production, having these items in writing is more critical than with a standard product.
In summary, Wintent custom awning systems are produced for façades that do not fit catalogue dimensions, are not rectangular or have limited fixing points, and for commercial applications wanting an uninterrupted line. For the right result the dimensions must be recorded precisely, welded joints preferred, the arm and bracket calculation renewed, and anchoring taken into reinforced concrete. You can review our special awning systems and we can determine the solution for your façade together.
To record your façade's dimensions and form on site, request a free site survey - we will plan the custom solution together.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the façade does not fit catalogue dimensions, has a non-rectangular form, or when bracket positions clash with obstacles such as windows, air conditioning units and downpipes.
A stitched joint is the fabric's most sensitive point. A joint made by high-frequency welding is both waterproof and more durable; we suggest asking about this in the quotation.
Yes, it is often wanted on commercial façades. But the fabric cutting and joining plan must be set up for it from the outset; adding it after production starts is difficult.
