If you’re thinking about how to create a great space in your garden for a really nice seating area, you really should take a look at retractable awnings. These are great products that can be installed on just about any building, meaning that they are perfect at providing shelter for spaces adjacent to a building that you would find in a garden, such as a patio. This article will provide information about retractable awnings from both a general understanding point of view, and to help those trying to determine which features of the retractable awning are worth investing in.

The schematic of a retractable awning varies to a certain extent depending on the specific product that you purchase, however there are also some commonalities. This is mostly not a big deal, however if your awning suffers damage and a part needs to be replaced, it does mean that you will likely have to reach out to either the supplier or the manufacturer directly in order to get suitable replacements.

At their most rudimentary, a retractable awning consists of a canopy, two foldable arms, and a roller assembly, and some sort of operating mechanism. The canopy can be made from various types of fabrics, and is attached at either end to the end of the foldable arms and the roller assembly. The fabrics that are used in a canopy can be made from a range of different materials, sometimes with natural fabrics, but more often than not synthetic materials are used for the advantages they bring. Namely, synthetic materials offer reliable waterproofing, can be made with very strong structures to resist damage from high winds, and can be sun resistant as well. Beyond the practicalities of the materials used, you can also get fabric that has been printed with any type of colour or pattern so that you can fulfil your personal inclinations for the style of retractable awning you want.

The retractable awnings will always have at least two foldable arms, which are designed to fold in on itself when the awning is retracted, or extend outward when the awning is put out. The foldable arms can also be increased in number in order to provide additional support, which is one of the solutions required to produce an awning of a larger size. Usually, a pair of foldable arms are adequate for supporting the weight of a awning canopy of about fifteen feet in diameter, however different materials used in the construction of the arms is going to alter this slightly.

The roller assembly is attached to the end of the canopy fabric, and as part of the retraction of the awning, it will roll around and wrap the canopy around itself. The advantage of this is that the fabric of the canopy is both protected from damage that can be caused by wildlife or by weather, and that the canopy uses up less space when it isn’t needed. The roller assembly is composed of numerous parts, but in essence the main component is essentially a rolling pin that can rotate. Often times, this component in an awning will be housed in an additional cover that offers protection for the fabric so that damage is even further reduced. Many feel that the hood profile that acts as a cover also provides a cleaner look, making the retractable awnings that include this component have a more aesthetically pleasing look.

The operating mechanism of the retractable awning is where the difference in the types of retractable awnings really gains importance. There are two main types of mechanisms, and the retractable awnings available may have one or both of these. The first to examine is the manual operating retractable awning, which usually requires the assistance of a separate arm. This separate arm is necessary as the actual awning is usually placed out of reach, and so the arm is used to attach to the awning to either pull it out or to rotate a wheel, which are the two most common manual operating mechanisms. The second type is an electrical operating mechanism, where an electrical motor is attached to the retractable awning in order to operate the product automatically. This is usually used by a switch that is placed beneath the awning, however there is also the option for purchasing a remote control for the device. You can even purchase ones that can open automatically when sensors detect rain. The electric motor is usually attached to the roller assembly in order to drive the rotation, however with some models the engine is used to drive the foldable arms outward instead, but both achieve very similar results.

When you decide to add a patio to your property, it is vital that you know what materials and tools are necessary for this project. Continue reading below to see what you are going to need.

Tools
With regards to tools, there are only a few tools that you will need. One of the main tools you’ll need is a shovel. This helps you to remove the ground of the area where you want your patio to go.
You will also need a spirit level. This will be used to ensure your ground is level when you are placing your patio slabs. There is nothing worse than having wonky slabs.
Finally, you will need something like a hand trowel, to put down your cement when placing your slabs.

Materials
Now for materials, of course, you are going to need the slabs you wish to use for your patio.
But alongside this, you will need cement. This is what you will be using to hold your slabs in place.
Finally, you will need a type of MOT or Hardcore. This provides you with the best land to lay your slabs.

Machine movers are items of lifting equipment that make lifting easier and safer. On the other hand, if they are not used correctly, they can actually make it more dangerous and difficult to complete a lift. There are some general things you should take note of when lifting and moving an object with machine lifters, so that you can remain safe and get the most out of the movers.

The most important factor is checking the lifting capacity. It is essential that this is adhered to as if a load is lifted that is too big, the machine mover might not be able to hold it and it might fall, causing damage and injury. It is also very important to ensure the load is positioned evenly on the machine mover and is not going to fall off. It should be secured with a strap where needed if it is bulky or unbalanced.

When you think of lifting solutions, you might initially think of cranes and jibs that will lift heavy loads for you. However, a forklift can be more of a lifting solution than you might initially think. There are many highly advanced forklift attachments that can turn them into mini cranes and allow them to lift in a whole different way. One of the most popular and useful types of forklift attachment is the forklift jib. This allows a forklift to be used in a similar way to a jib crane, getting more use out of it without having to spend money on a whole jib crane. This can be a good solution for people who would only need a jib crane occasionally, or who want a solution where space is tight.

Forklift jib attachments can help lift and move loads more flexibly in a warehouse space or on site. They offer good value for money.

Drums are awkwardly shaped, heavy and difficult to carry. Doing so without the proper measures can result in injury, and as an employer you have a duty of care towards your staff to make sure that injuries of this natures do not occur in the workplace. Drum handling equipment can help you to meet this duty of care, providing safe working practices for members of staff and ensuring they can go about their work safely. There is a vast range of drum handling equipment available that can provide solutions to all lifting, turning, storing and opening requirements in any environment. You will need to find the right solutions for you and your particular processes, consulting with a drum handling equipment supplier to ensure you make the right choices for your business.

Different types of drum handling equipment

There are various kinds of drum handling equipment available on the market. Here are some of the most common types you might find:

• Drum trucks. Often with a hydraulic mechanism, drum trucks can be used for transporting drums and lifting them onto or off pallets. They can also be used to move and turn them, making these processes simpler and safer.
• Drum grabs. Intended for vertically transporting steel drums, the drum grab has jaws that will attach underneath the lip of the drum. Some drum grabs will have adjustable arms, meaning they can also be used with a forklift.
• Drum clamps. If you are looking to lift and transport steel drums, a drum clamp could work. You can use two clamps to lift an open drum that is still full, and you will need a two leg chain sling as well. If you are transporting empty drums or drums that are sealed, one drum clamp should be enough. These clamps tend to be light and simple to use, making them a good investment.

If you can’t find exactly what you need, it’s always worth consulting with a supplier. They will know the drum handling market inside out and can point you in the right direction. They might also have more bespoke attachments for particular types and brands of forklift, that they can tell you about and advise on further. This is the best way to find the right drum handling solutions for you.

Certificates of conformity – safety with drum handling equipment

Whenever you buy lifting equipment, you need to know that what you are buying is safe to use and fully compliant. Certificates of conformity will show you that what you are buying conforms and is compliant. You should make sure that any drum handling equipment you purchase comes with the necessary paperwork and can be traced back to the supplier. If required, any servicing should also have been logged. A reputable supplier will only sell drum handling equipment and other lifting equipment that is fully compliant and comes with all the right paperwork, so make sure you buy from the industry leaders and you can be sure that what you are purchasing will meet legal obligations.