This is the one of the most popular of all external awnings and is widely used on shops, restaurants and hotels and on domestic properties. Either retractable or non-retractable (see 'wet look blinds' below).

The quarter circle shape is formed by four or five legs, depending on the projection, from anodised aluminium extrusion and held together by metal or plastic components and rivets. The profile has a channel into which a PVC extrusion is inserted and to which the blind fabric is stapled and then covered by Hydem tape. The blinds can be housed under an aluminium or white PVC extruded top board and end cheeks if required.

Types and operation

Manual

Heavy-duty nylon cord fed through three pulleys and attached to the front of the blind. It is held in the closed position by winding a cord around a cleat.

Gear and electric operation

Can be fitted into a tube that winds up the nylon cord and is mounted under the top frame.

Components

Dutch profile

Anodised aluminium extrusion to make framework with a channel to take the PVC insert. Can also be powder coated.

Dutch blind corner

Small radius corner with two tongues to slip into extrusion to form leg and cross member - made from alloy or glass filed nylon.

Dutch hinge set

Made with a back hinge which is elongated with pre-drilled holes to fasten to the wall; this is then joined to intermediate hinges, finished off with a front hinge all joined together with hinge pins. All hinge pieces have a tongue for inserting into the extrusion and are made from alloy or glass filed nylon.

Dutch pulleys

Free hanging lazy pulleys to operate raising and lowering the blind via heavy duty nylon cord secured to a cleat.

Pulley plates

Stamped metal plate to fasten pulley to extrusion.

Corner brace bracket

Alloy component that fastens at an angle across the corner of the frame for reinforcement. Fitted normally on back and front frames only. Also made from alloy or glass filled nylon. The brackets will also square the framework and carry the pulleys and cords.

Dutch blind cleat

Made from alloy, steel or plastic for fastening cord to hold blind in retracted position.

Top board

Made from anodised aluminium sheet folded to shape or aluminium extrusion to give weather protection. Also available in brilliant white PVC complete with moulded cheeks.

Top fix/top board bracket

Anodised aluminium or steel bracket, formed to fasten upwards and backwards, carries frame under shop front etc.

Face fix bracket

Anodised aluminium bracket to face fix only.

Trimming tape (or Hydem tape)

A PVC tape which has a self-closing groove. The tape is stretched over the frame concealing the staples as required.

Studs or Dutch nails

Plastic, brass or enamelled steel for fastening stud tape.