FAQs

Outrigger awnings are made in Australia using high-quality tensile
fabrics and stainless steel marine-grade hardware. The cost of an
awning is determined by the following factors:
1. Is the awning or sail fixed, demountable, or retractable?
2. Is the awning or sail for shade only, or for shade and rain protection?
3. Does the awning or sail require poles?
4. Does the awning or sail require a frame?
5. Is the retractable awning motorised?
A demountable shade sail without poles or a frame is the most
affordable option, followed by a manually operated retractable awning
without poles or a frame.
As poles, a frame, rainproof fabric, and a motorised mechanism are
added, the cost increases.
Depending on the design priorities, an Outrigger Awning could be your
most cost-effective solution.

Rainproof fabrics tend to stay cleaner and last longer
than shade fabrics. A PVC rainproof awning with a
frame will have the longest lifespan. The frame
distributes the tension load more evenly, resulting in
less movement and dynamic load applied to the fabric.
A rainproof awning with a frame will look good and last
for around 22 to 25 years.
Light-colored shade fabrics collect dust and soot from
the air, leading to a shorter life expectancy compared
to rainproof fabrics. With periodic cleaning, a shade
awning with a frame will look good for a long time and
last around 15 to 18 years.
Rainproof retracting awnings have a lifespan of around
18 to 20 years, which can increase substantially if the
awning is regularly retracted. Retracting awnings may
move around during high winds, impacting the life of
the fabric to some extent.
Rainproof sail awnings have an expected life of around
15 to 18 years. Sails typically have high tension loads
at each corner and dynamic loads due to movement
during high winds, which can slightly impact the life of
the sail.
Shade sails have an expected life of around 14 to 15
years, and light-colored shade fabrics will benefit from
periodic cleaning.

Outrigger uses top-grade European fabrics for their awnings and sails. All fabrics are specifically designed for
outdoor awning and tension structures. They are supported by extended manufacturer-backed warranties covering
fading, rotting, UV degradation, mould, and mildew. These fabrics are chosen for their strength and durability.

It is essential for rainproof awnings to effectively shed
water during heavy rainfall. A fixed awning with battens
needs approximately 50mm of fall per metre, while a
retractable awning requires around 150mm of fall per
metre. To achieve the necessary slope, awnings are
often installed above the roof.

Outrigger will design the awning to be an exempt structure in most cases, meaning it does not require council approval. As an
exempt structure the awning must comply with the following conditions:
1. The awning must cover an area of less than 25 square metres.
2. The covered area must not be higher than 3 metres above the natural ground level.
3. If poles are necessary, they must be at least 450mm from a side boundary.
4. If poles are required, they must be located behind the building set back line.
For most installations, our awnings are considered demountable or retractable, with the poles sitting in sockets. The entire
structure is suitable for dismantling and removal from the site in less than one hour.
If council approval is required for your awning, Outrigger will assist with arranging for the necessary information to be prepared
and lodged with your local council.

Installing an outrigger sail or awning can significantly
extend the lifespan of a timber deck and reduce the
amount of maintenance needed. For areas where a
permanent structure is not feasible, a lightweight sail
with minimal poles and supports can provide
seasonal shade and meet building regulations.
A retractable awning is effective for providing allweather
protection and can be neatly stored away
when not in use. For situations requiring permanent
all-weather protection or the creation of an outdoor
room, a lightweight fixed structure may be the best
option.
If freestanding poles are necessary, their placement
should be determined by the deck’s support
structure, and multiple poles may be needed for
spans larger than 6 metres. If you are still in the
planning stages for your deck, it’s a good idea to
incorporate the awning into the design.

For pergolas, we offer two popular awning options: a
retractable awning or a fixed batten awning.
Our retractable shade awning with side track is wellsuited
for a horizontal pergola and disappears from
view when retracted.
The rainproof curved batten awning provides allweather
protection and promotes airflow during hot
summer months.
Retractable awnings can be installed either above or
below the pergola structure and work well with external
vertical shade blinds.
Shade sails are also an alternative for an open pergola.
They feature a demountable design that may be more
cost-effective than a retractable or fixed rainproof
structure.

All types of outrigger awnings are suitable for installation
in courtyard gardens. When choosing an awning,
consider how much of the courtyard you want to cover
and whether you prefer a waterproof fabric or a shade
fabric. You also need to decide whether you want a
retractable or fixed awning. For small courtyards, it’s
important for the awning to allow natural light and
promote airflow. A retractable awning often works best in
small courtyards. In larger courtyard areas, a fixed
rainproof awning providing partial coverage is often an
excellent solution, creating a cozy outdoor room with
plenty of natural light.