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A motorized patio awning is extended and retracted using a remote control or wall switch and can be equipped with automatic features such as sun and wind sensors. A terrace awning with a crank is operated manually using a removable crank and requires no electrical installation. The motorized version is more convenient for everyday use, while the crank model is reliable, less expensive to purchase, and well-suited for summer cottages, for example.
It depends on the size and how often you plan to use the awning. For a wider patio awning—about 4 meters or more—manually cranking it becomes difficult; in that case, a motorized model is worth the investment in the long run. If you use the awning infrequently or have a smaller area, the manual version is often sufficient and less expensive to purchase.
Measure the width of the area you want to shade and choose an awning that is at least as wide. The projection (how far the awning extends from the wall) should match the depth of the patio, typically between 200 and 300 cm. Also keep in mind that the fabric hangs at an angle at the front—allow for a mounting height of at least 220–250 cm so you can walk under the awning without bumping your head.
For a 4×3-meter patio, we recommend a patio awning that is approximately 400 cm wide and has a 300 cm drop. This way, the awning will cover the entire area when the sun is at its highest in the middle of the day. If the facade faces south or west, a slightly longer drop may be worth considering, since the sun is lower in the sky during the afternoon.
Yes, many people install their patio awnings themselves, especially smaller manual models mounted on a sturdy wall. Due to the awning’s weight and length, two people are always needed for the actual installation. If the facade is made of a thinner material, such as stucco over cellular plastic, or if the awning is wide and motorized, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure secure mounting and any necessary electrical work.
A roof profile is an aluminum profile that is installed above the awning during wall mounting and covers the top edge of the cassette. The profile channels rainwater away, prevents dirt and leaves from getting trapped between the wall and the awning, and extends the life of the fabric. It is especially recommended in exposed locations or where water runoff from the roof would otherwise flow directly onto the top edge of the awning.
Velum Lite is our compact and stylish patio awning for patios, balconies, and outdoor areas—with a low, sleek profile that blends in with most building facades. The design is based on a strong folding arm with double-encapsulated cables in the arm joints and two spring assemblies per arm—this combination ensures even fabric tension and a long service life, even with frequent use. You can choose whether to operate the awning with a motor and remote control or manually with a crank.
Velum Lite is ideal for those looking for a compact patio awning for a balcony, a small patio, or a summer cottage where you want to avoid electrical installation. With the crank-operated version, the awning is completely independent of electricity—a popular choice for vacation homes and coastal cottages where an electric awning isn’t an option.
The awning is custom-made to your specifications and comes ready for installation. The delivery includes the awning frame, fabric, mounting brackets, and the control unit of your choice. Please note that Velum Lite is designed as a sunshade and should not be extended during rain, strong winds, or snowfall.
The awning is available in three standard profile colors—white (RAL 9010), gray (RAL 9006), and black (RAL 9005 Sable)—and features a wide selection of fabrics from Sandatex, one of Europe’s leading awning fabric manufacturers. This means you can create a solution where the awning either blends into the facade or serves as a visible design element. Since the width is custom-made to order, the awning fits perfectly right away, without you having to compromise on standard sizes.
Please note that accessories such as roof profiles are selected separately during configuration.
Velum Lite is designed to be mounted on both walls and ceilings using custom brackets. The installation process is straightforward and requires no special tools, but due to the awning’s weight and length, we always recommend having at least two people on hand during installation.
Please note that if you choose a motorized awning, all electrical installation and connection to the power grid must be performed exclusively by a licensed electrical contractor.
To ensure that the awning remains stable and safe, especially during sudden gusts of wind, it is important to use the correct mounting technique for the surface on which the brackets are installed:
Velum Lite is designed to withstand Swedish weather conditions over time. The frame is made of extruded and powder-coated aluminum that won’t rust or flake, and the fabric is supplied by Sandatex and made of 100% acrylic fiber with a Teflon coating. This means the fabric’s color retains its luster year after year, and water and dirt roll right off instead of sticking.
Manufacturing takes place in a controlled environment where each awning undergoes a quality control check before leaving the factory in Sweden. Velum Lite is designed in accordance with EN 13561 (the European standard for awnings). We offer a 3-year warranty on the awning’s frame, mechanism, and powder-coated aluminum profiles. The fabric warranty from Sandatex is 3 years, and the Somfy motor comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The aluminum profiles require no repainting or surface treatment, and the fabric’s Teflon impregnation ensures that the awning fabric retains a clean, fresh appearance even after several seasons outdoors. Over time (typically after 8–10 seasons), the awning fabric may need to be re-impregnated to maintain its water-repellent properties—in which case, a specific awning impregnation agent is sprayed onto the extended fabric.
At the change of seasons, we recommend that you remove the cover (front fabric) and store it indoors, rolled up or laid flat (do not fold it), to maximize its lifespan. The awning itself does not need to be removed, but it’s best to retract it during strong winds, heavy rain, or snowfall. Give the awning a quick cleaning and inspection 1–2 times a year. When the fabric wears out after several years, it can be replaced—contact us for Sandatex fabric of the same quality as your original delivery.
Here you’ll find technical information about our Velum Lite patio awning—including dimensions, compatible projections, mounting specifications, and color information. Use this information as a guide for planning, ordering, and installation. All files are available as PDFs.
In most cases, no building permit is required to install a patio awning on a single-family home. If the facade is a designated historic building, or if the house is located in a culturally protected area, the municipality may have specific regulations. For apartment buildings and condominiums, you must always obtain approval from the board before ordering an awning for the balcony. Always check with the building department in your municipality before ordering an awning for a property subject to special restrictions.
