Outdoor Blind & Awning Automation NZ

Smart Automation for Outdoor Living

View our range of automated retractable awnings and drop down screens

Do you prefer to work out in the gym and not on your deck winding out or in your awning? Get an automated sunshade from SunGuard! It’s quick and easy!

In the past, electric awnings were considered a luxury. Today, advances in technology have made motorised awnings a convenient and affordable upgrade for homes and businesses across Auckland and New Zealand.

With the push of a button, you can extend or retract even large, heavy systems like the Fetuna Cassette — which can span up to 7 metres wide. Outdoor shade automation has never been easier.

If your awning is difficult or impossible to reach with a crank handle, automation removes the hassle completely, giving you effortless control every time.

Automated awnings also create a cleaner, more streamlined look, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with your outdoor and interior design.

Order automated awnings and enjoy your outdoor space more!

Outdoor shades automation features

What outdoor sunshade products can be automated?

All our outdoor sunshade products can be easily automated – folding arm awnings, pivot arm awnings, cafe screens and Ziptrak outdoor blinds.

How are folding arm awnings motorised?

At SunGuard, we use a wide range of tubular motors with different lifting capacities suited to particular types and sizes of awnings and drop down screens. That’s why our electric awnings always work smoothly and efficiently.

After we’ve selected the best motor for your awning, it is carefully inserted into the back of the roll tube. To ensure our products are robust and reliable we work only with the best motor manufacturers.

Order an automated retractable awning from SunGuard and get a five-year warranty on all components.

Tubular motors are connected directly to your power network. Please note that SunGuard staff can’t do this part of the installation process. For this you should contact a registered electrician who is familiar with NZ safety requirements, standards and procedures associated with work on power networks. After we’ve installed the awning, our staff will set up, test, adjust and show you how to operate your automated sunshade.

How are motorised awnings controlled?

You can use either a remote control or a wall switch. Both options have their pros and cons.

A remote control is easier to install and set up. It doesn’t require any wall work, and you can operate your awning from anywhere within range. A wall switch, however, is fixed in place and always accessible.

There are two types of wall switches: hardwired and wireless. A hardwired switch requires installation by an electrician. A wireless wall switch does not require any work on power networks.

Both wireless wall switches and remote controls run on batteries, which will need to be replaced when required.

Range of Somfy outdoor sunshade remotes and wall switches

What sensors are available for retractable awnings in Auckland? How do they work?

Weather sensors are a popular addition to any electric awning. They detect changes in the environment and send signals to the control system so your awning can extend or retract automatically. There are several types, including wind, rain, and sun sensors.

Strong wind can cause serious damage to a retractable awning, so a wind sensor is often the most useful option in New Zealand. You can choose between a motion sensor installed on the front bar of the awning or a standalone wind sensor mounted separately. Both will automatically retract the awning if wind levels exceed safe limits.

A motion sensor is fitted to the front bar and detects vibration caused by wind. A standalone sensor is installed in a more exposed location to measure wind conditions directly.

Sensors are very useful, but some supervision is still recommended. If a wind sensor is triggered, you can override it and reopen the awning using your remote. However, the sensor may temporarily deactivate after that, so the awning should be monitored until it reactivates. For specific details, it’s best to check the characteristics and usage conditions of your particular sensor with our team.

Range of Somfy outdoor sunshade sensors

What motors are used for electric folding arm awnings?

At SunGuard, we aim to provide electric awnings that are reliable, easy to use, and reasonably priced. That’s why we work with what we consider to be the best tubular motor manufacturers: Somfy (France) and Alpha (China).

Why Somfy?

Somfy is a global leader in automation for homes and buildings. Their motors and sensors are tested under extreme conditions to ensure durability and safety. They offer a wide range of products for automating both exterior and interior shading systems, including motors, remotes, wall switches, and sensors. While Somfy systems are more expensive, they are known for their performance, reliability, and design.

Why Alpha?

Alpha produces a range of high-quality, more affordable motors for awnings, blinds, and screens. Their systems are easy to program and can be controlled with a remote or integrated into a building management system. Alpha motors are reliable and safe, with optional sun and wind sensors available for retractable awnings.

Range of tubular motors

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