Markilux 1700 - Manual Operated Open Cassette Awning

Face Fixing Installation - Other fitting positions are available.

Installation Guide: Markilux 1700

Installation instructions are available on request and detailed PDF guides are included with your product delivery.

A Flexible Torsion Bar System

The Markilux 1700 is built on a high-strength round steel torsion bar. Unlike fully enclosed cassette awnings which typically rely on fixed bracket positions at the far ends, this design allows for significant installation flexibility.

• Bracket Positioning: You can slide the mounting brackets along the torsion bar to locate the strongest fixing points on your wall. This allows you to avoid mortar joints, weak brick edges, or obstacles like downpipes.
• Critical Zones: While flexible, brackets must still be positioned within specific structural zones (generally close to the arm shoulders) to handle the leverage effectively. Always refer to the specific dimension chart included with your awning for the allowable ranges.

Handling and Lifting

Although the 1700 has a slim, elegant appearance, it is a heavy engineered product. Safe installation requires a minimum of two (and for larger sizes, three) competent people to lift and position the unit.

• Protect the Fabric: As an "open" awning, the fabric roller is exposed. Great care must be taken during lifting to ensure the fabric is not snagged, stained, or damaged by tools or ladders.
• Leveling: Precise leveling of the brackets is essential. If the awning is not level, the fabric may roll up unevenly (coning), leading to creases or damage over time.

Fixing and Structure

The flexibility of the 1700 makes it a problem-solver for difficult substrates, but the structural loads are still substantial—especially on the "Stretch" version with its long projection.

• Standard Brackets: The awning is supplied with face-fix wall brackets as standard.
• Top/Ceiling Mounting: If you are installing under a deep concrete soffit or balcony, top-fix brackets can be specified.
• Rafter Mounting: The torsion bar design is ideally suited for roof rafter installation using specialist rafter brackets. This is often the best solution for single-storey extensions where wall height is limited.

Structural Warnings

• Single Storey Extensions: Do not fix heavy awnings into the top few courses of brickwork alone, as the leverage can dislodge the masonry. We strongly recommend using spreader plates to distribute the load down to lower, stronger courses.
• Fixing Anchors: Use only high-quality masonry anchors or resin bond fixings suitable for your specific wall material (solid brick, concrete, stone). Standard plastic plugs are not sufficient.

Professional Installation Recommended

While the movable brackets make the 1700 more forgiving to install than a fixed-point cassette awning, the weight and tension of the system mean professional installation is highly recommended to ensure safety, correct pitch alignment, and long-term performance.

Safety Note: If you have any doubts regarding the structural strength of your wall or the correct bracket placement, please contact us for advice or consult a structural engineer before proceeding.

As a premium Markilux product, the 1700 is backed by a comprehensive manufacturer’s guarantee, supported by Awnings Online.

5-Year Manufacturer’s Guarantee

Subject to correct installation and normal domestic use, the warranty covers:

• Frame & Arms: Including the torsion bar, castings, and the Bionic Tendon mechanism.
• Fabrics: Guaranteed against rot, mildew, and abnormal functional deterioration.
• Manual Gear: The winding mechanism is covered against manufacturing defects.

Conditions

• Installation: Must follow Markilux’s official manual.
• Weather Use: Damage caused by storms, high winds, snow, or leaving the awning out in heavy rain is excluded.

For warranty claims, please contact Awnings Online with your order details.

How to Measure for the Markilux 1700 Awning

The Markilux 1700 is a versatile open awning built on a robust round torsion bar. This design allows for flexible bracket positioning, making it easier to measure for than many "end-fix" cassette models.

1. Ordering Width & The Torsion Bar Advantage

Ordering Width: This is the total overall width of the awning frame, from one end of the round tube to the other.

• Flexible Brackets: Unlike end-fix cassette awnings, the brackets on the 1700 can slide along the round back bar. This means you do not need a fixing point exactly at the far ends. You can move the brackets inwards (within allowed zones) to find solid brickwork and avoid mortar joints.
• Fabric Width: The fabric cover is always narrower than the overall width (approx. 140mm less) to accommodate the arm mechanisms. Bear this in mind if you are trying to cover a specific window width.

2. Projection: Standard vs. Stretch

The 1700 is available in two formats to suit different patio shapes.

• Standard 1700: Choose this when your width is greater than your projection (e.g., 5000mm wide x 3000mm projection). Maximum projection is 4000mm.
• 1700 Stretch: Select this version if you have a narrow space but need deep shade (e.g., 2500mm wide x 4000mm projection). The unique crossover arms allow the projection to be greater than the width.
• Note: When pitched for rain run-off, the horizontal ground coverage is slightly less than the arm length.

3. Mounting Height and Pitch

For proper operation and rain protection, correct mounting height is essential.

• Minimum Pitch: To ensure rainwater runs off effectively and doesn't pool on the fabric, Markilux recommends a minimum pitch of 14 degrees.
• Headroom Rule: Aim for at least 2000mm – 2100mm clearance under the front profile when the awning is fully extended.
• Height Calculation: For a typical 3000mm projection at 14° pitch, you generally need to mount the awning at approx 2750mm – 2850mm from the ground.
• Low Mounting Heights: If you install lower than this, you may need to reduce the pitch (making the awning sun-shade only) or accept that the front profile will be lower than 2m.

4. Dealing with Obstacles

The 1700 is excellent for difficult walls due to its movable brackets.

• Downpipes: You can often position the brackets to one side of a pipe. If a pipe runs directly over the arm shoulder (where support is vital), use Stand-Off Brackets to space the entire awning forward off the wall.
• Roof Rafters: If you don't have enough wall height (e.g., above bi-fold doors), the torsion bar system allows for secure mounting onto roof rafters using specialist brackets.
• Spreader Plates: If fixing into single-skin brickwork or a weak substrate, spreader plates can be used to distribute the load safely across multiple courses of brick.

5. Practical Measuring Tips

• Test the Shadow: Use a long pole or tape measure to simulate the front profile position. Hold it at approx 2m high and 3m out (or your chosen projection) to see exactly where the shade will fall at different times of day.
• Orientation: If you face West, low evening sun can shine under the canopy. Consider a larger projection or the 1700 Stretch to maximise coverage.

Need Advice? If you have a complex wall, odd spacing, or are unsure about bracket positions, send us a photo and your dimensions. We can usually specify the right bracket solution to make the Markilux 1700 work safely for your home.