Which Cassette Should You Choose for Your Awning?
Posted on: 23 February 2019
If you've decided to buy an awning that comes with a storage cassette, then you need to decide what kind of cassette to use. While all cassettes give awnings a home when they aren't being used, not all of them are the same.
You can choose between full, semi and open cassette models on many awnings. What's the difference between the three and which one should you choose?
An Overview of Cassette Awnings
All cassettes contain parts that hold the awning in place and then store it when it is closed. The main difference between the three types is the coverage they give to the awning when it is stored away.
A full cassette is like an enclosed box; it is covered on all sides. A semi-cassette is more open. It usually has a cover on the top but not on the sides or bottom. An open cassette doesn't have any enclosing cover at all. It just has fixings to hold the awning in place when it is closed.
How to Choose an Awning Cassette
While people may not put a lot of time into choosing a cassette, this is important. You'll usually end up paying a little extra for more casing cover, so you need to make sure you're getting value for money. Each type of cassette has its own benefits.
For example, a full cassette is great if you want to lock away all of the awning when it is retracted. The fact that the awning is completely enclosed gives you more protection in bad weather.
Rain won't get in the cassette and sun can't fade the awning as it is hidden. If your awning will be out on the open with no cover above it, then a full cassette gives your awning some added protection.
If your awning cassette will have some cover above it, like a slight overhang from a wall that provides shelter or shade, then you may not need as much protection against the elements. In this case, a semi-cassette may be enough for you.
If your awning has complete overhang protection, then using an open cassette won't be a problem. The overhang will shelter the awning from the worst of the weather. It's also sometimes easier to install non-standard sized awnings on an open system rather than a closed one.
So, before you choose an awning, think about where it will go and how you want it to be stored. Your awnings supplier can give you more information if you need it.
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