Short version: choose a folding-arm awning if you want to cover your patio or balcony without visible posts, and screens (or zip screens) if you want to shield a window or facade from the outside without losing your view. A folding-arm awning floats out horizontally over your patio; a screen rolls down vertically in front of or alongside your window. In this article we explain the best choice for each situation — including lifespan, price range, wind resistance and ease of operation.
When should you choose a folding-arm awning?
A folding-arm awning is a horizontal awning that moves outward from the facade on "folding" arms. The fabric therefore floats right in front of the patio — no posts, no obstruction underfoot. That makes it the favourite sun shading for:
- Patio or balcony — covers a large surface (up to approx. 24 m² at 6m wide × 4m projection) with no structure on the ground.
- Sun-outside situations — when your main problem is sun on your patio or in your living-room view, rather than on the window itself.
- An attractive facade — the awning sits neatly in a cassette against the facade and is barely noticeable when rolled in.
Advantages of a folding-arm awning
- Up to 7 metres wide and 4 metres of projection possible
- Shade and openness — no posts, no interruption of the view
- Electrically operated by remote control, app or smart home (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa via a Brel Home Hub-04)
- Optional sun sensor + wind sensor — closes automatically in too much wind
- Aesthetics: fabric + cassette in hundreds of colour combinations
Disadvantages / points to consider
- Moderate wind resistance — even a folding-arm awning with a wind sensor cannot withstand a storm. At wind force 5+ it really has to close (automatically with a sensor, otherwise manually).
- Doesn't protect your window — if your main issue is sun coming in through the window, a screen is often the better choice.
- Price: from ~€1,000 for a compact model, ~€2,500-3,500 for a large quality awning including installation. See the prices for specific models on our folding-arm awning page.
- Requires clear space — if a gutter, balcony edge or overhang is in the way, the installation has to be planned around it.
When should you choose a screen or zip screen?
Screens (and zip screens) are vertical sun-shading screens that roll down in front of or alongside a window or glass wall. The fabric sits in side guides (a "zip" means it locks fully into the guide, hence "zip screen"), keeping the fabric taut and flat. As a result:
- It keeps out 90-95% of solar heat (energy-efficient in summer)
- You keep your view outside (transparent fabric, ~10-15% openness)
- Being seen from outside is greatly reduced
- Resistant to wind up to wind class 3 or higher (depending on width)
When is a screen better than a folding-arm awning?
- For large window surfaces — sliding doors, a living-room glass wall, a garage window: a screen blocks the sun before it comes inside.
- High-wind situations — screens (especially zip screens) keep working in wind where a folding-arm awning would already be rolled in.
- Energy saving — by stopping the heat in front of the glass, you avoid using air conditioning. A folding-arm awning provides shade, but the facade still heats up.
- Privacy protection — especially for ground-floor flats and street-facing facades.
Advantages of a zip screen / screen
- Up to approx. 5m wide and 6m high
- High wind resistance (wind class 3+, zip screen up to class 5)
- Energy-efficient — keeps heat outside
- Sleek design, barely noticeable
- Electric + smart-home compatible (Somfy / Brel motors)
Disadvantages
- No shade on the patio, only in front of the window
- Slightly less aesthetic effect (transparent fabric vs. the decorative folding-arm fabric colour)
- Zip screens are more expensive than folding-arm awnings per m² (from ~€700 each excl. installation)
Comparison table — folding-arm awning vs screen
| Folding-arm awning | Screen / Zip screen | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Above patio / balcony | In front of window / glass wall |
| Max size | 7m wide × 4m projection | 5m wide × 6m high |
| Wind resistance | Moderate (wind cl. 1-2) | High (wind cl. 3-5 zip screen) |
| View retained | Fully (no fabric over the window) | Yes, via transparent fabric |
| Shade on patio | Yes, primary function | No |
| Energy saving | Limited | High (facade insulation) |
| Privacy protection | No | Yes |
| Starting price incl. installation | from €1,000 | from €1,200 |
| Operating options | Remote control, app, sensor | Remote control, app, sensor |
| Smart-home integration | Apple Home / Google Home via Brel | Apple Home / Google Home via Brel |
What if I need both?
Many customers choose a combination: a folding-arm awning above the patio (for shade when you're sitting outside) and screens for the living-room glass wall (to fight the heat indoors). In practice that's what makes your home summer-proof: each product delivers maximum protection at different moments of use.
At STERK you get at-home advice as standard, where we look at orientation, window dimensions, facade material and wind exposure. Based on that, we recommend the right combination. Book a free visit here.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more expensive: a folding-arm awning or a screen?
Per unit, a folding-arm awning is usually more expensive than a single screen — a folding-arm awning does much more (a larger surface, more complex mechanics). But for large windows where you'd need 3-4 screens, a folding-arm awning can work out cheaper. Request a tailored quote — starting prices can be found on the product pages for folding-arm awnings and zip screens.
Do a folding-arm awning and screen work with a smart home?
Yes. With a Brel Home Hub-04 (Matter certification) you can operate both your folding-arm awning and your screens from one app, and link them to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings. Read more on the Brel Home page.
What is the difference between a screen and a zip screen?
A screen has side guides in which the fabric slides; a zip screen has a closed zip coupling (like a tent zip) between the fabric and the guide. The effect: a zip screen is much more wind-resistant and leaves no gaps. For patio canopies and tall facades you'll usually choose a zip screen.
Do I need a permit for a folding-arm awning or screen?
For many regular homes, a folding-arm awning or screen can be installed permit-free. Other rules may apply for monuments, protected town or village conservation areas, and locations where the zoning plan sets additional requirements. The position on the facade can also make a difference. So, for your address, do the official permit check at the Omgevingsloket. STERK can advise on a suitable model and provide the technical information, but the owner or client is responsible for obtaining any required permission or permit.
How long does sun shading last?
A good folding-arm awning or screen lasts 15-20 years if you have it maintained (make sure it's closed in a storm, have the hinges lubricated once every 2 years). The motor comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty as standard; the fabric usually has 5 years against fading. STERK gives a full 5-year warranty on product and installation.
Conclusion + next step
Choose a folding-arm awning if you want to cover your patio or balcony. Choose a screen / zip screen if you want to shield a window, facade or glass wall. Combine both for maximum summer performance — our installers always advise on the best mix for your specific situation and orientation.
Call now for advice: 035 203 13 14 or book a free at-home consultation.
Deel:
What does a Heatstrip cost per hour? 2026 power consumption calculated