SKYSHADE 12000SC - Semi Cassette Awning

The SkyShade 12000SC is a heavy-duty semi-cassette retractable awning, utilizing a steel torque bar system for maximum stability and installation flexibility.

Installation & Brackets

• Standard Fixings: Supplied with multiple face-fit brackets for external wall installation. The torque bar system allows brackets to be positioned flexibly along the width.
• Enhanced Fixings: Larger size brackets are available for installations requiring additional wall anchor points.
• Special Mounting: Optional ceiling brackets and bespoke brackets for non-standard substrates are available on request. Please contact us for details.

Operation & Motorisation

• Electric Operation: Somfy IO motor drive. Choose from left or right-hand motor placement (viewed from outside).
• Power Cable: Supplied with a 3m black power cable exiting from the back of the cassette as standard. Custom options available.
• Manual Operation: Available with a steel winding handle (1400mm length standard). Specify left or right-hand eye outlet when ordering.
• Safety Sensors: Multiple sun and wind sensor options available. We always recommend a motion sensor for electric awnings to automatically retract the unit in high winds.

Fabric Options

• Standard: Extensive choice of premium Dickson acrylic fabrics.
• Specialist Fabrics: Optional Dickson Jacquard, Solar Protection Max, and Spark FR (Fire Retardant) fabrics available on request.

Minimum Width Requirements

Due to the folding arm mechanism, a minimum awning cassette width is required for each projection size:

The SkyShade 12000SC is designed for professional installation. Due to its commercial-grade construction and size, specific handling requirements apply depending on the width ordered.

Delivery Configuration

• Up to 7000mm Wide: The awning is supplied as a single, fully assembled unit, factory-built and ready to fit.
• Over 7000mm Wide (Coupled Systems): For widths exceeding 7m, the awning is supplied as two separate units which must be coupled together on-site. Note: For these larger coupled systems, the fabric cover is supplied separately to facilitate easier handling and assembly during installation.

The Torque Bar Advantage

Unlike standard 'end-fix' awnings, the 12000SC is built on a robust 40mm steel torque bar (square bar). This system offers exceptional versatility for the installer:

• Flexible Bracket Positioning: Brackets do not need to be at the extreme ends. They can be positioned along the torque bar to align with the strongest sections of your wall substrate.
• Multiple Fixing Points: We supply multiple brackets as standard to spread the load. If you have concerns about wall strength (e.g., older brickwork), you can easily add extra brackets or wider spreader plates to further distribute the weight.

Fixing Recommendations

For the strongest possible bond to the substrate, we highly recommend using chemical resin fixings (chem-fix) rather than standard expanding bolts, especially given the significant wind loads this large awning can handle.

Commissioning the Awning

Once the brackets are secure and the awning is lifted into position:

1. Secure: Lock the torque bar into the wall brackets.
2. Pitch: Adjust the canopy pitch angle to your desired setting (up to 55°).
3. Motor Limits: For electric models, the motor end limits will need to be set to ensure the awning stops perfectly at full extension and retraction.

Important Safety Notes

• Lifting: A minimum of 2 persons is required to lift and install any awning. For units over 6m wide, additional manpower or mechanical lifting equipment is strongly recommended.
• Instructions: Full installation instructions are supplied with every unit. You can also download the digital PDF version from our Downloads section below.

Awnings Online guarantees that 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 repair or replacement of the defective materials or components. Repairs will be made with like or similar parts. The guarantee is limited to the original purchaser.

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 of the products.
• Normal wear and tear due to use of the awning.
• Damage caused by third parties or abnormal conditions such as fire, storm, wind and water damage.
• Batteries, fuses and/or bulbs.

The guarantee and the 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.

Scope of Warranty

Note: Somfy motors all carry a separate comprehensive 5-year manufacturer's guarantee.

How to Measure for Your SkyShade 12000SC

Because the SkyShade 12000SC uses a flexible torque bar system, measuring is simpler and more forgiving than with 'end-fix' awnings. You have greater freedom to position brackets where your wall is strongest.

1. Measuring the Width

The width you order is the overall width of the awning cassette, including the end covers. The awning will be manufactured to this exact dimension (to the millimetre).

• Bracket Flexibility: Unlike end-fix models, you do not need fixing points at the exact far edges of the width. The brackets can be moved inwards along the square bar to find solid brickwork, avoiding mortar joints or weak spots.
• Obstruction Check: Measure the total space available on your wall. Ensure the cassette will fit between any permanent obstacles like downpipes or soil stacks. (Note: If you have a downpipe in the middle of the wall, the torque bar system may allow you to bridge over it using pipe spacers—contact us for advice).

2. Measuring Mounting Height

We generally recommend a mounting height between 2.6m and 3.0m from the ground. This ensures adequate headroom when the awning is fully extended.

• Pitch & Headroom: To use the awning in light rain, we recommend a pitch angle of at least 14° to allow water runoff. At this angle, the front bar will be significantly lower than the wall mount.
• The 'Drop' Factor: As a rule of thumb, for every metre of projection, allow for approximately 250-300mm of drop. For example, a 3.6m projection mounted at 2.8m height will have a front edge height of roughly 1.8m-1.9m when pitched correctly for rain.

3. Measuring Projection

The projection is the distance the awning extends out from the wall. Measure from the wall to your desired shade limit.

• Clearance Check: Ensure there are no obstacles (trees, tall fences, or outbuildings) that would obstruct the front profile when fully extended.
• Minimum Widths: Remember that large projections require a minimum awning width to house the folding arms. (See the Specification tab for the Minimum Width matrix).

4. Essential Checklist

• Wall Structure: While the torque bar allows flexible bracket placement, you still need a sound structural surface (brick, concrete, or stone) for the main fixing points.
• Coupled Units: If ordering a width over 7000mm, remember this will come as two joined units. Ensure you have clear access to the installation site to bring in these long components.
• Power Supply: For electric models, plan where your power feed will come from. The cable usually exits from the rear of the cassette on the Left or Right hand side (as viewed from outside).

Why is the "Torque Bar" system better for my installation?

Most standard awnings are "end-fix," meaning the brackets must be installed at the far corners of the unit. The SkyShade 12000SC, however, is built around a heavy-duty 40mm steel square bar (the torque bar) that runs the entire length of the awning. This acts as a structural spine, allowing the installation brackets to be clamped anywhere along the bar. This is a huge advantage if you have weak brickwork, mortar joints, or downpipes exactly where a corner bracket would normally go. It lets you position the fixings exactly where your wall is strongest, spreading the load evenly for maximum safety.

How does the 12000SC achieve widths greater than 7 metres?

To reach massive widths of up to 12m, the SkyShade 12000SC uses a "coupled" system. This consists of two separate awning modules that are mechanically joined (coupled) side-by-side. The fabric cover is usually supplied in one continuous piece (depending on size) or as two synchronized covers to create a seamless shading area. This design ensures that even at extreme widths, the awning maintains its structural rigidity and wind resistance without sagging, making it perfect for covering large restaurant terraces or double-fronted shop windows.

Is the fabric completely protected in a semi-cassette awning?

Yes, the most important part is protected. The "semi-cassette" design of the 12000SC features an integrated aluminium hood and cover that fully encloses the fabric roll from above and the front when the awning is retracted. This protects the canvas from rain, dirt, and bird droppings, which are the main causes of fabric damage. While the folding arms remain visible underneath (unlike a full cassette), the fabric itself is kept pristine, ensuring your branding or colour stays vibrant for years.