SKYSHADE 5500FC - Full Cassette Awning

Manufacturing & Build Quality

• Manufacturer: Manufactured in the UK for Awnings Online by Base Awnings Ltd.
• Component Origin: Utilises premium components from world-leading brands: BAT (Italy) for hardware, Somfy (France) for motors, and Dickson (France) for fabrics.
• System Type: Compact Full Cassette Retractable Folding Arm Awning.
• Construction: High-quality extruded aluminium framework with a fully enclosed cassette profile for maximum fabric protection.

Dimensions & Capabilities

• Maximum Width: 6000mm (6m).
• Maximum Projection:
  • 3100mm (Available on widths up to 5500mm only).
  • 2600mm (Available on widths up to 6000mm).
• Custom Sizing: Purpose-made to your exact required cassette width.
• Pitch Adjustment: Highly versatile adjustment from 0° (flat) to approx. 75° via an innovative pass-through screw system.

Installation Hardware

• Fixing Method: 2-bracket "End-Fix" system (brackets must be located at the far ends of the cassette).
• Standard Fixings: Face fixing brackets supplied as standard for external wall mounting.
• Optional Fixings:
  • Ceiling fixing brackets.
  • Spreader plates (for spreading load on weaker walls).
  • Special non-standard brackets (Price on Application).

Aesthetics & Finishes

• Standard Hardware Colours:
  • White (RAL 9010)
  • Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016)
  • Black (RAL 9005)
• Custom Colours: Other RAL colours available on request (Price on Application).
• Fabric:
  • Standard: Extensive range of Dickson Orchestra acrylic fabrics.
  • Premium Options: Dickson Jacquard, Solar Protection Max (Self-cleaning), or Spark FR (Fire Retardant) available on request.

Operation & Motorisation

• Motorisation (Electric):
  • Motor: Somfy IO motor supplied as standard.
  • Handing: Choose Left or Right-hand motor position (viewed from outside).
  • Power Cable: 3m black cable exits from the rear of the cassette on the chosen side.
  • Safety Options: Optional Emergency Manual Override motor available.
  • Automation: Compatible with Somfy Wind, Sun, and Motion sensors. (Motion sensor recommended for wind safety).
• Manual Operation:
  • Gearbox operation via a 1400mm steel winding handle.
  • Choose Left or Right-hand eye outlet position.

Minimum Width Requirements

Due to the geometry of the folding arms, the awning must meet a minimum width for each projection size to ensure the arms can fold neatly into the cassette:

Warranty

• Warranty Package: Comprehensive UK-backed warranty.
• Motor: 5-Year Somfy Motor Guarantee.
• Fabric: 10-Year Dickson Fabric Warranty (covering rot and fade).

The SkyShade 5500 FC is designed for simplicity, featuring a straightforward "2-bracket" end-fix system that makes it one of the easiest full cassette awnings to install. The unit is supplied fully factory-assembled and ready to lift directly onto the wall brackets.

• Installation Level: Intermediate DIY / Professional.
• Recommended Team: 2 People (Minimum).

Step 1: Pre-Installation Check

• Wall Suitability: Ensure your wall is sound and capable of supporting the dynamic weight of the awning. The 2-bracket system concentrates the load at the extreme ends, so a solid fixing at these points is essential.
• Obstructions & Height: Check for obstacles such as outdoor lights, downpipes, or outward-opening doors. Ensure you mount the brackets high enough (approx 2.8m - 3.0m recommended) to allow for the pitch (slope) of the awning while maintaining comfortable headroom when extended.
• Spreader Plates: If you have doubts about the wall strength (e.g., older brickwork, soft block, or pebble dash), we strongly recommend ordering spreader plates to increase the fixing surface area.

Step 2: Fixing the Brackets

1. Measure the total width of your awning cassette.
2. Mark the position of the two wall brackets at the exact width corresponding to the ends of the cassette.
3. Drill and secure the brackets using high-strength masonry fixings.

Professional Tip: We strongly advise using chemical resin fixings (chem-fix) rather than standard mechanical expansion bolts. Resin provides a stress-free, waterproof bond to the masonry that is far superior for holding the dynamic loads generated by an awning.

Step 3: Lifting & Securing

1. With two people, lift the awning cassette onto the installed wall brackets.
2. Secure the cassette to the brackets using the supplied locking bolts or grub screws.
3. Use a spirit level to ensure the awning is perfectly horizontal before fully tightening all fixings.

Step 4: Commissioning & Adjustments

• Pitch Setting: Extend the awning slightly and adjust the angle (pitch) of the arms to your desired slope (anywhere between 0° and 75°) using the integral adjustment bolts. Ensure both arms are perfectly aligned.
• Motor Limits (Electric Models): For motorised units, the Somfy motor limits are typically pre-set at the factory. However, they may need fine-tuning on-site to ensure the cassette closes perfectly tight. Please refer to the specific Somfy user guide provided.

Tools Required

• Hammer Drill & Masonry Bits
• Spirit Level (Long)
• Stepladders (x2)
• Metric Spanner / Socket Set
• Allen Keys (Standard metric set)
• Chemical Resin Kit & Studs (Highly Recommended)

Safety Note: Awnings are heavy items containing powerful tensioned springs. If you are uncertain about any part of the installation process—particularly the structural integrity of the wall fixing—we strongly recommend consulting a professional builder or installer. Full written instructions are provided with every order and are available for download in the Relevant Downloads tab.

Manufacturer's Warranty

The SkyShade 5500 FC is backed by a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment. Awnings Online guarantees that the product is free from material and assembly defects, provided it has been correctly installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. Our obligation is limited to the repair or supply of replacement parts for defective components.

Warranty Periods

• 5-Year Warranty: Covers the Awning Framework and Mechanical Components (arms, castings, brackets).
• 5-Year Warranty: Covers the Somfy Electric Motor (subject to correct wiring and installation).
• 10-Year Warranty: Covers the Dickson Fabric Canopy against rot, mildew, and abnormal colour fading.

Scope of Warranty Cover

The warranty operates on a sliding scale based on the age of the product. Please note that as a "Supply Only" product, the warranty does not cover the cost of removing the awning, re-installing it, or consequential losses.

*Fabric warranty extends up to 10 years on a diminishing value basis.

Important Exclusions

Please be aware that the following are not covered under this guarantee:

• Weather Damage: Damage caused by wind, storms, snow, or water pooling. Ideally, the awning should be retracted in adverse weather.
• Installation Errors: Faults arising from incorrect fixing, poor wall strength, or improper adjustment of the pitch/limits.
• Automatic Controls: We cannot accept claims for damage caused by the failure of automatic sensors (sun/wind/rain) to retract the awning. These sensors are aids to operation, not safety devices, and the awning should not be left unattended on automatic mode.
• Consumables: Batteries for remote controls, fuses, and light bulbs.
• Modifications: Any alterations made to the awning that are not authorised by the manufacturer will void the warranty and CE/UKCA conformity.

Fabric Characteristics

Acrylic awning fabrics are technical textiles, and certain visual irregularities are inherent to the manufacturing process. These are not defects and do not affect the performance or life of the cover:

• Veining/Marbling: Visible lines that may appear against the light, caused by folding during handling (often looks like a "cobweb" effect).
• Waffling/Waves: Slight rippling near seams or hems, caused by the double thickness of fabric layers winding onto the roller.
• Fold Lines: Creases that may be visible in the centre of the fabric from the folding process.

These characteristics are industry standards as defined by Dickson Constant and are not valid grounds for fabric replacement.

How to Measure for Your SkyShade 5500 FC

Measuring for the SkyShade 5500 FC is easier than for many other awnings because of its smart "end-fix" design. Whether you are fitting it yourself or hiring a builder, following these simple steps will ensure you order the perfect size for your space.

1. Measuring the Width

This is the total outside width of the awning cassette (the metal box).

• The "2-Bracket" Advantage: Unlike other awnings that need multiple brackets spaced along the wall, the 5500 FC only needs 2 brackets—one at each end.
• What to Measure: Simply decide where you want the awning to start and finish on your wall. This total distance is your "Ordering Width."
• Check the Fixing Points: Ensure that at both ends of your measured width, you have a solid surface (brick/stone) to drill into. Avoid measuring to a point where the bracket would hit a downpipe or a weak mortar joint.

2. Measuring the Projection

The "Projection" is the distance the awning extends out from the wall when fully open.

• Standard Sizes: Projections come in 500mm increments (e.g., 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm).
• The "Walk-Under" Rule: Remember that the awning slopes down! If you order a 3000mm projection, the front edge will be significantly lower than the wall mounting height.
  Tip: To ensure you can walk under the front edge, we recommend mounting the awning at least 2.8m high if you want a 3m projection with a good rain-safe pitch.
• Minimum Widths: Be aware that for longer projections, the awning must have a certain minimum width to hold the folding arms. (See the "Technical Specification" tab for the table).

3. Obstacles & Special Brackets

Standard brackets are designed for a flat, vertical face-fix. However, real-world walls often have obstacles. Look out for:

• Downpipes & Vents: If a pipe runs exactly where your end bracket needs to go, you can order Pipe Brackets (stand-off brackets) to space the awning off the wall and bridge the gap.
• Low Soffits / Overhangs: If you don't have enough wall height, you can use Ceiling Brackets to fix the awning upwards into a concrete balcony or soffit.
• Bifold Doors: Ensure you mount the awning high enough so that when it pitches down, the fabric doesn't hit the top of your doors when they open outwards.
• Top Fix / Roof Brackets: If you have a bungalow or low roof, special brackets are available to mount the awning securely onto the roof trusses or above the gutter line.

Need Advice? If your installation looks tricky or you have obstacles to work around, take a photo of your wall and email it to us. Our technical team can recommend the exact bracket solution you need.

I have a downpipe or obstruction exactly where the end-bracket needs to go. Do you have a solution?

Yes. While the SkyShade 5500 FC is an "end-fix" system (meaning the main support brackets must be at the far ends of the cassette), we offer three standard bracket arrangements to overcome common site issues like downpipes or uneven brickwork.

If standard brackets won't work, we can design and fabricate bespoke support brackets to almost any shape or size. Whether you need to bridge a gap, stand the awning off the wall to clear a pipe, or create a custom ceiling mount, just email us a photo of your wall, and our technical team can specify the perfect fixing solution for you.
 

Can I add lighting to the SkyShade 5500 FC to use my patio at night?

Absolutely. You can specify this model with integrated LED strip lighting built directly into the folding arms. This provides a warm, ambient light that extends the usability of your outdoor space well into the evening.

The LEDs are fully integrated with the awning's motor system, meaning you can control both the awning movement and the lights (including dimming) from the same Somfy multi-channel remote control—no separate switches or messy wiring required.
 

Does the full cassette design protect the fabric completely?

Yes, the 5500 FC is a true "full cassette" awning. When you retract the awning, the front profile closes tightly against the main housing, creating a completely enclosed aluminium shell.

This seals the fabric, folding arms, and mechanism inside, protecting them from rain, snow, dirt, and nesting birds. This protection significantly extends the lifespan of your fabric and keeps the mechanism clean, making it an ideal choice for the UK climate.