Singapore is near the equator, so as all Singaporeans would know, the sun shines relentlessly every day of the year. There’s no winter, no autumn, and no spring, just summer all year round. This means we never have to worry about freezing cold, but it also means there’s no relief from the glaring sun, no matter which day of the year it is, unless it happens to rain on that particular day. One way to deal with this is by applying sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But even then, prolonged exposure is still harmful, accelerating skin aging and causing wrinkles and sagging. And while you can protect yourself to a certain degree, what about your furnishings? Over time, UV rays cause your sofa, flooring, and wood finishes to fade, and there’s no sunscreen that you can just spray over them. Even putting all these aside, sunlight adds to the sweltering heat, raising your indoor temperatures and increasing your cooling bills. Taking all these into account, an awning is a smart investment to prolong the longevity of your skin and your indoor furnishings while also helping you save on cooling bills. Not just any awning will do though. Specifically, you’ll want high-quality retractable awnings that can effectively keep UV rays out. It’s a common misconception that fabrics block all UV rays because your naked eye doesn’t see any rays passing through. However, in reality, lower-quality, untreated fabrics won’t offer much in the way of UV protection, and the rays will still pass through, reaching you and your furnishings. Now, you’re probably wondering why we recommend retractable awnings instead of fixed awnings, and that’s a pretty valid question. Here’s why. Why Opt For Retractable Awnings?
Adding an awning to your space makes it much more liveable and usable. A balcony that was previously too hot to use in the day, even during cooler days, becomes a cool retreat with the simple addition of an awning. And on those cold, rainy days that all Singaporeans love universally, you can sit outside on your patio or balcony and feel the cool, refreshing breeze. All these are only possible if your awning is installed properly though. The last thing you want is to be enjoying the cool breeze one moment, only to have your awning collapse on you the next. That's why it's important that you do your research and engage a reputable, certified awning contractor. Awning installation may not seem like a difficult task, but it still has its challenges. And it's not just about knowing how to overcome those complexities, but also using good materials and abiding by guidelines. To ensure your awning lasts for years to come, you need to do your due diligence and find a trustworthy, certified contractor that will install your awning securely, use top-notch materials, and adhere to regulations and best practices. Not sure how to go about doing that or what to look out for? Fret not. That's what this article is here for. Read on to learn how to find a solid awning installer you can count on! Why Are Certifications Important? Singapore's laws and regulations are famously strict, and their awning regulations are no exception. You’ll have to wrestle with not one, not two, but three different authorities and follow all their regulations just to get an awning installed. These are the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and the SCDF. Yes, you read that right. The Singapore Civil Defence Force has regulations in place governing awnings! And to comply with these regulations, the first step is to engage a certified contractor. This certification isn't just so that you know you're hiring someone who knows what they're doing — it’s literally a legal requirement for your awning installation to be considered licensed and legal. Non-compliance with these rules or unlicensed installations can lead to forced removal, voided insurance claims, and hefty fines, so you definitely don’t want to go down that route. Now, the fact is, just because a contractor is certified, doesn’t mean that he or she will definitely do a good job with the installation, or even adhere to regulations. However, at the very least, if anything goes wrong, the contractor is accountable. Being a registered and certified contractor, they are legally expected to maintain safety and quality standards, which means any lapses are legally their fault. In addition, engaging a certified contractor ensures your insurance claims will go through. Installations by unlicensed or uncertified individuals are usually not covered by insurance. All in all, certifications are necessary for your awning installation to be licensed and legal, and they legally bind your contractor to be responsible for the installation’s success and regulatory compliance. Certifications also ensure that you’re covered by insurance. What Certifications And Licenses To Look Out For
