SKYSHADE 12000FC Full Cassette Awning

Manufacturing & Build Quality

• Manufacturer: Manufactured in the UK for Awnings Online by Base Awnings (Zenith Platform).
• System Type: Heavy-duty Full Cassette Retractable Folding Arm Awning.
• Construction: Built on a reinforced square back bar system using high-grade aluminium components.
• Closure Technology: Utilises the BAT patented Tipping System, ensuring the front profile closes perfectly tight against the cassette every time, even at maximum pitch inclinations.

Dimensions & Capabilities

• Maximum Width: 12000mm (12m).
• Maximum Projection: 4350mm (4.35m).
• Minimum Width: 3000mm.
• Custom Sizing: All awnings are purpose-made. Please specify the exact overall cassette width required when ordering.
• Pitch Adjustment: The fabric canopy angle is fully adjustable up to 55 degrees.

Installation Hardware

• Standard Fixings: Supplied with variable-position wall brackets for face fitting. These can be moved along the back bar to align with the strongest fixing points on your wall.
• Optional Fixings:
  • Larger/wider spreader brackets (for spreading load on weaker walls).
  • Ceiling installation brackets (available on request).
  • Bespoke brackets for non-standard substrates (price on application).

Aesthetics & Finishes

• Standard Hardware Colours:
  • White (RAL 9010)
  • Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016)
  • Black (RAL 9005)
• Custom Colours: Any other RAL colour is available upon request.
  Surcharge: £80 + VAT per linear metre of width (Minimum powder coating charge of £320 + VAT applies).
• Fabric:
  • Standard: Extensive choice of Dickson Solar acrylic fabrics.
  • Premium Options: Dickson Jacquard, Orchestra Max (Self-cleaning), or Spark FR (Fire Retardant) available on request.

Operation & Motorisation

• Motorisation (Electric):
  • Handing: Choose Left or Right-hand motor position (viewed from outside).
  • Power Cable: 3m black cable supplied as standard, exiting from the rear of the cassette on the motor side.
  • Safety Options: Optional Emergency Manual Override motor available (allows manual winding during power cuts).
  • Automation: Compatible with Somfy Wind, Sun, and Rain sensors. (Note: We strongly recommend a wind/motion sensor for all electric awnings to prevent storm damage).
• Manual Operation:
  • Operated via a steel winding handle (1400mm standard length).
  • Choose Left or Right-hand eye outlet position.

Minimum Width Requirements

Due to the physical length of the folding arms, the awning must meet a minimum width for each projection size to close correctly:

Delivery Configuration

The SkyShade 12000 FC is designed for large-scale applications, and its supply format varies by width:

• Widths up to 7000mm (7m): Supplied as a single, fully factory-assembled unit, ready to lift straight onto the wall brackets.
• Widths over 7000mm: Supplied as a Coupled System. This comprises two separate awning modules that must be joined together on-site. For these larger units, the fabric cover is supplied separately and is fitted during the assembly process.

Comprehensive assembly instructions are provided with every order to guide you through the coupling procedure.

Torque Bar Installation Benefits

The SkyShade 12000 FC utilises a heavy-duty Torque Bar system (Square Back Bar), offering significant advantages over standard end-fix awnings:

• Variable Bracket Positioning: You are not restricted to fixing brackets at the extreme ends of the awning. The brackets clamp onto the back bar and can be slid horizontally to align with the strongest parts of your wall (such as brick pillars, studs, or steelwork).
• Load Spreading: If you are installing on older brickwork or a surface of questionable strength, you can order additional wall brackets (or wider spreader brackets) to distribute the weight across more fixing points.

Fixing Recommendations

• Chemical Fixings: For a secure, stress-free bond to the substrate, we strongly recommend using chemical resin fixings (chem-fix) rather than mechanical expansion bolts. This is the industry standard for heavy commercial awnings.
• Manpower: Due to the weight and size of this system, a minimum of 2 people are required for installation. For awnings exceeding 6m in width, additional lifting assistance is essential.

Commissioning

Once the brackets are installed, the awning body is lifted into position and locked in place. Final setup involves:

1. Pitch Adjustment: Setting the angle of the canopy to your preference (adjustable up to 55 degrees).
2. Motor Limits: If the awning is electric, the motor stop points (limits) must be set using the controls provided.

Installation manuals are included with the product and are also available for digital download in the Relevant Downloads section above.

Awnings Online guarantees that our awnings are free from material and assembly defects, provided that such products were correctly installed in a domestic or commercial situation. The obligation of Awnings Online is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective materials or components. Repairs will be made with like or similar parts. This guarantee is limited to the original purchaser.

What is Covered?

General Exclusions

Please bear in mind that the following are excluded under the guarantee (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Damage due to improper and/or incidental use of the products.
• Incorrect installation of the products.
• Inadequate maintenance or neglect.
• Normal wear and tear due to use.
• Damage caused by third parties or abnormal conditions (fire, storm, wind, and water damage).
• Consumables such as batteries, fuses, and/or bulbs.
• Modifications: The guarantee and CE Declaration of Conformity will be null and void if changes are made to the awning that have not been carried out by the manufacturer.

Automatic Controls Disclaimer

No claims can be made at any time for damage caused due to control failure when on automatic operation (e.g., timer switches, sun/wind sensors, or vibration sensors). Automatic controls are tools to increase ease of use and safety but are not infallible. If you leave the control of your products to automatic mode without supervision, it is entirely at your own risk.

Fabric Characteristics

The fabrics in our standard range are woven from solution-dyed acrylic. While every care is taken, minor imperfections may be visible after installation. These are inherent characteristics of acrylic fabrics and do not affect the performance or lifespan of the cover. Your installer cannot be held responsible for these natural occurrences.

• Veining: Subsequent to handling during sewing and assembly, acrylic fabrics treated with fluoride resins may present "veining" (white lines), which are visible against sunlight due to optical refraction.
• Folds/Wrinkles: When rolling the cover, folds may be produced in the centre or along the stitching lines.
• Waving/Waffling: Due to the double thickness of fabric at the seams and hems, the roll diameter is slightly larger in these areas. This tension can create a wave or herringbone pattern in the fabric, which is normal.

How to Measure for the SkyShade 12000 FC

Measuring for the SkyShade 12000 FC is straightforward, but it is important to verify the physical dimensions to ensure a smooth installation. The size you order is the Overall Width of the aluminium cassette, including end caps.

1. Ordering Width (Total Cassette Width)

The width you select is the total physical width of the white/anthracite housing.

• Fabric Width: Please note that the actual fabric cover will be approximately 180-200mm narrower than the total cassette width. This gap is necessary to accommodate the internal winding mechanism and arm joints inside the cassette.

2. The Torque Bar Advantage: Flexible Measuring

Unlike standard "end-fix" awnings where you need solid brickwork at the exact outer edges, the SkyShade 12000 FC is built on a Torque Bar system. This makes measuring much more forgiving:

• Bracket Freedom: The wall brackets are not fixed to the corners of the awning. They clamp onto the back bar and can be moved horizontally.
• Avoiding Obstructions: If your total width measurement lands a bracket on a downpipe, vent, or weak mortar joint, you simply slide the bracket along the bar to the nearest solid fixing point.
• Load Spreading: If you are unsure about the strength of your wall, you can order extra brackets and space them out to spread the weight more evenly across the façade.

3. Ordering Projection

The projection is the distance the awning extends out from the wall when fully open.
Please note: The projection is measured from the back of the wall bracket to the front edge of the lead rail. It is not the length of the fabric sheet itself.

4. Mounting Height & Headroom

To ensure comfortable use, you must check your vertical wall space:

• Cassette Height: The cassette unit is approx 240mm high (check technical diagrams for exact profile dimensions). Ensure you have clear wall space above any doors, lights, or window frames.
• Pitch Allowance: All retractable awnings require a pitch (downward angle) for rain runoff. We recommend installing the awning at a height of 2.8m to 3.0m from the ground. This ensures that when the awning is extended and angled down, you still have at least 2.1m of headroom at the front edge.

Full technical diagrams showing profile dimensions and bracket footprints are available in the Relevant Downloads tab.