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i would buy steel as they are stronger, and 1000com awning is quite a size,

mike

at a guess i have the same size awning, id say about 50-60kg including steel poles

mike

I have had a porch and full awning with alloy poles and found them to be perfectly satisfactory and of course a lot lighter.

David

Quote: Originally posted by mrshorsy on 21/4/2010

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Is weigh the only advantage of alloy poles as I was looking at stell cos it seemed to be a bit cheaper.

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As far as I can work out, I think there are a number of companies which offer 'quick errect' systems with alloy poles.  Someone might be able to expand on this further.  We have only ever used steel and fibre.  I like the good quality fibre poles like those supplied with Isabella, Eurovent and Bradcot awnings - there may be other makes too.  I found the fibre poles supplied with our Dorema awning, not as good - we had one that 'cracked' and the bottom section of the down poles were a bit thinner and always looked a bit bendy.  I'm sure there are those who have never had any problems with them though.

Steel= strong, cheap, dont beak easily, resists fatigue

Aluminium= more expensive, lighter, dont break, but do bend easier than steel, aluminium also fatigues, so if flexed (not bent) at the same point it will snap (reason aluminium scaff isnt used any more)

carbon fiber= most expensive, lightweight, flexible (to a point) doesnt fatigue, or break easily.

the manufacturers seem to reccomend steel or carbon if going to be used in high winds.

depending on how old you old awning was, mine was approx the same weight, the older (ally fram) had a heavier canvas, albeit the same guage the newer is a lighter canvas, but steel frame.

Not had any problems with aluminium poles, definitely lighter.

We had a steel one bend on a sun canopy due to excess pooling of water on it overnight! Easily replaced though!

Hi

I would never ever again buy an awning with Aluuminium poles particularly the bradcot easy poles if you search on the net you will see why. I have had them bend on two occasions and are expensive to replace, to the extent that I am considering cutting my lossses and getting a different type of awning . I do not know whether other awning manufacturers are the same.

Ian