4 things you need to know before installing your awning

With a wealth of experience behind us here at the Awning Company, we’ve worked hard to make sure that it’s simple and easy to hire a commercial awning from us. Whether you’re in catering, motorsport, mobile tech, or another industry entirely, you can always count on us to provide a commercial awning that’s perfectly suited to you. They’re straightforward to install, too – as long as you’re properly prepared!

In that spirit, here are a couple of key things you need to know (or have prepared) in advance, so that when you get your awning, you can get it assembled in no time!

The size of the area being covered

As you’ll no doubt already know, precision is key when it comes to choosing the right size awning. It’s important to measure the dimensions of the area you want to cover, and to take into account the height and clearance required for the specific type of work being carried out under the awning. For example, if you’re running a mobile valeting service, the awning needs to provide ample space for vehicles to be cleaned. The height of the awning needs to extend out far enough that your staff can move freely and comfortably, especially if they’re using equipment like pressure washers or detailing tools.

The clearance beneath the awning is just as important. If the awning is too low, it may obstruct movement or limit the type of work that can be done underneath. Additionally, an awning that is too high might not provide sufficient protection from the elements, especially when dealing with driving rain or intense sunlight, so that’s something to check for in advance!

Environmental conditions

Before you get your awning installed, you’ll also need to assess the environmental conditions at the site (or sites) where you’ll be using it. For starters, the ground type and level can have a major impact on the stability of the awning. As you might imagine, uneven or soft ground can make life difficult in a couple of ways, so if the surface isn’t level, it may be worth considering additional support or adjustment to ensure that the awning is anchored correctly and can withstand the weight of wind, rain, or snow. If the ground is particularly uneven, a concrete base or additional ballast can be helpful for providing greater stability and security.

By the same token, it’s a good plan to consider the accessibility of the installation site. Is the location easily accessible for the delivery of the awning and for the installation process? Narrow streets, busy urban areas, or tight spaces can make the delivery and assembly process difficult. If the site is hard to reach, you may need to plan for additional logistics or installation resources to avoid delays or complications.

Any relevant permits or regulations

Depending on where you operate, you may need certain permits or regulations before installing an awning. Local councils and government bodies often have specific rules governing outdoor structures, especially in public spaces or on commercial properties. These rules may dictate everything from the size and design of the awning to the installation methods and materials used.

Now, there’s a good chance you’ll already have a fairly decent idea of what these are for your industry, but if you’re operating in a new area it’s always a good idea to double check.

For example, if you’re installing a large commercial awning on a public highway or in a busy urban area, you may need to secure planning permission to ensure that it doesn’t obstruct pedestrians or vehicles. Even in private commercial spaces, there may be zoning laws that restrict certain types of installations. It bears repeating – even if you’re sure you know them, it’s still a good plan to double check! Otherwise, you may be risking potential fines, or even having to dismantle your awning later on.

In addition to local laws, it’s also a good plan to ensure that you and your staff are all up-to-date on any industry-specific regulations that may apply. (For example, mobile medical units or emergency services may need to adhere to specific safety standards, which could affect the type of materials and installation methods used for their awnings.)

Staff training, safety and equipment

Now we come on to perhaps the most important general point. Safety is a critical aspect when installing commercial awnings, particularly when working at height or handling heavy equipment. Proper staff training is essential to ensure the installation is done safely and efficiently.

Training should begin with the safe use of ladders and steps. Your team needs to know the essential elements of working at height, such as correctly positioning ladders, maintaining three points of contact, and ensuring that the ladder is properly stable before use. Manual handling training is also vital. Awning installations often involve large, heavy components, so staff need to know the proper lifting techniques to prevent injury. (Using lifting aids or working in pairs should be standard practice.)

Equipment like ladders and scaffolding also needs to be inspected regularly to ensure it is safe to use. If any equipment is found to be faulty, it needs to be removed from service immediately.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also crucial. Staff should wear hard hats, gloves, high-visibility vests, and sturdy footwear at a minimum. If using power tools or working from height, additional PPE, such as safety goggles or fall arrest gear, may be necessary. Regular safety briefings should also be conducted to ensure staff are aware of site-specific hazards and emergency procedures.

That’s all the essentials covered! And of course, if you ever need any extra advice on the general process of installing our awnings, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at the Awning Company, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01204 544 900, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!

Alternatively, if you’re looking to get branded awnings installed for your fleet, you’re in exactly the right place. Motorsports and equine and mobile tech are just a couple of our key sectors here, and we have a long history of delivering flawless solutions for our customers across the North West. Feel free to take a look at our bespoke GH Awnings to see what we can do for you – and if you have any questions or need any advice,