An awning always sounds like a simple idea until you’re stood outside with the sun in your eyes, a plate of food in one hand, and the weather deciding to do something dramatic. 

That’s when the real question shows up: do you want to be winding a handle, or pressing a button? Your answer isn’t really about “features”, it’s about what you’ll realistically do on a normal day when you’re busy, distracted, or halfway through hosting people.

Manual crank awnings: simple, solid, and a bit old-school

A crank awning is the straightforward choice. You wind it out when you want shade and wind it back in when you’re done. 

For some households, that simplicity is the whole appeal because there’s no wiring to think about, fewer moving parts to fail, and nothing that feels over-complicated. If you only use your outdoor space occasionally, a crank can feel like the perfect “do the job, no drama” option.

The catch is that the crank only stays charming while it feels easy. On a larger awning, winding can take a little time and effort, and if the wind suddenly picks up, you might find yourself speed-winding like you’re trying to beat a timer. It’s also not ideal if anyone in the home has shoulder, wrist, or mobility issues. 

The bigger truth is that if it feels like a hassle, you’ll simply use the awning less, even though shade is exactly what would make the space nicer.

Electric awnings: the convenience that changes habits

An electric awning tends to turn the awning into something you actually use “little and often”. Instead of thinking, “Shall I bother?”, you just extend it. 

That’s why an electric awning often feels like a lifestyle upgrade rather than a luxury. If your patio gets used for quick coffees, family meals, working outside, or you just want instant relief from glare, motorised control makes the awning feel effortless and therefore more useful.

The practical side is worth mentioning too. An electric awning may need proper wiring and installation, and you’ll want to check what happens if there’s a power cut. Many systems have manual overrides, but it’s something you’ll be glad you asked before it’s needed. 

The more important point, though, is that once you go motorised, it makes sense to think about protection – because that convenience can also mean you leave it out longer without noticing the weather turning.

Why wind is the real enemy, not rain

Most people buy an awning for sun and gentle shelter, but wind is what causes the real trouble. 

The annoying thing about wind is that it can feel calm where you’re sitting, while above you it’s stronger, more gusty, and more unpredictable – especially between buildings or along open stretches where it funnels. 

That’s why a surprising amount of awning damage happens on days that didn’t even feel “that windy” until it was too late.

This is where the conversation stops being about crank versus motor and becomes about control. You can be the most responsible person in the world, but you still can’t be outside watching the sky every minute, and you definitely can’t predict that one sudden gust that turns the awning into a sail.

When an awning wind sensor genuinely earns its keep

An awning wind sensor is one of those awning add-ons that sounds “nice to have” until you picture the moment you forget to retract the awning, pop to the shops, and the wind decides to show off. The sensor detects wind or movement and automatically retracts the awning, which can prevent bent arms, torn fabric, and expensive repairs. 

It’s not about being fancy – it’s about avoiding that sick feeling you get when you realise a simple mistake has become a big bill.

If your area is naturally windy, if your garden is exposed, or if wind tends to whip through a side passage or open space near your home, the sensor is usually worth it. It also makes a lot of sense if you’re going electric, because you’re already investing in convenience and it’s smart to protect that investment with something that reacts faster than you ever could.

When an awning sun sensor is more than a gimmick

An awning sun sensor sounds like a luxury until you live with strong sun hitting your patio doors and turning your back room into a greenhouse. This is where it starts to feel genuinely useful, because it can extend the awning automatically when sunlight reaches a set level, helping reduce glare and heat build-up indoors. 

That’s especially handy if you work from home near the back of the house, or if your living area feels uncomfortable in the afternoon because the sun is blasting straight through the glass.

It’s also a comfort feature for the patio itself. Instead of constantly shifting seats, squinting, and re-adjusting, the awning does the “shade job” for you. If you’re the type who wants things to feel easy and consistent – especially with kids, guests, or pets around – a sun sensor can quietly make the space more usable without you thinking about it.

The best “most people” setup for real life

For a lot of homes, the sweet spot is an electric awning paired with an awning wind sensor. The electric awning makes it effortless to use the space, and the wind sensor adds the reassurance that your awning won’t be left out and vulnerable when the weather changes its mind. 

It’s the combination that protects both your comfort and your wallet, without needing you to be on constant patrol.

An awning sun sensor tends to be the optional upgrade that makes sense when you have a specific problem to solve – mainly overheating and glare through windows, or a patio that gets strong sun at predictable times of day. 

If you’ve ever thought, “This room gets unbearably hot in the afternoon,” that’s when a sun sensor stops sounding fancy and starts sounding practical.

Final thought: choose the setup that matches your habits

If you love simple systems and you’ll only use the awning occasionally, a crank can be a brilliant, sensible choice. If you know you’ll use it often, or you want the awning to feel like a natural part of daily life, an electric awning is usually the option you’ll enjoy more. 

And if wind is even slightly common where you live, adding an awning wind sensor is one of those decisions that feels boring right up until it saves you from a real headache.

So, should you have any questions about our ranges of awnings and accessories, please don’t hesitate to contact the Fraser James Blinds team. We are always more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit at a time that works best for you.