The maximum width of a folding arm awning is 6 metres and the maximum projection is 3 metres. The maximum projection of the awning is governend by the width of the awning, with the exception of the crossover arm system no awning can project greater than it's width as the arms can not fold beyond the middle of the awning when closed. The crossover arm system overcomes this limiatation by staggering the height of the folding arms to allow them to crossover each other when folding back.
If sufficient slope can be obtained, a folding arm awning will withstand light showers but it should be considered as a sunscreen rather than as a retractable roof, especially with regard to high winds.
A folding arm awning should be rolled away whenever the wind seems to be moving the awning too much and it should never be left extended whilst the house is unattended unless it is connected to automatic weather sensors which will roll it away when the wind exceeds a safe level.
As standard awnings are controlled by a detachable crank handle, and wound in and out manually. However if your budget permits motorised controlled should alwways be considered because of the safety benefit of having automatic wind sensing and the convenience of automatic operation with sun sensors and timers.
