Across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire, homeowners and businesses are making better use of their outdoor space — from garden patios and modern extensions to shopfronts and hospitality terraces.

At Heyford Installations, we supply and install a range of made-to-measure external shading solutions, carefully selected to suit local property styles, changing weather conditions and how people actually use their spaces throughout the year.

This guide explains the main types of external shading we offer and where each works best.

Patio Awnings – Flexible Shade for Local Homes & Gardens

Patio awnings remain one of the most popular choices for homes across Oxfordshire villages, Berkshire towns and Northamptonshire suburbs. Installed above patio doors or seating areas, they provide shade exactly when you need it — without blocking natural light indoors.

Ideal for:

South- or west-facing gardens

Patios, terraces and balconies

Family homes and modern extensions

Key benefits:

Fully retractable when not in use

Manual or motorised operation

Wide choice of durable outdoor fabrics

Made to measure for your property

Patio awnings are particularly effective for managing summer glare and heat, while still allowing you to enjoy the changeable British weather.

Pergola Systems – Structured Outdoor Living for Larger Spaces

Pergola systems are increasingly popular across larger gardens and commercial outdoor areas in the region. Supported by posts, they create a defined outdoor structure that feels like an extension of the building itself.

Best suited for:

Large patios and landscaped gardens

Restaurants, pubs and cafés

Hospitality venues with outdoor seating

Pergolas can be specified with retractable roofs, louvred systems, integrated lighting and heating, allowing spaces to be used comfortably from early spring through to autumn — even in more exposed locations.

External Roller Systems – Discreet Solar Control for Glazed Homes With more homes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire featuring bi-fold doors, roof glazing and large windows, external roller systems have become an effective solution for controlling heat before it enters the building.

Key advantages:

Reduces solar heat gain in summer

Controls glare without blocking views

Helps protect furnishings from UV exposure

Clean, modern appearance

External roller blinds are ideal for home offices, living spaces and contemporary extensions, where internal blinds alone aren’t always enough.

Canopies & Dutch Awnings – Permanent Cover with Character

or properties that require constant protection, fixed canopies remain a reliable and visually strong option.

Dutch awnings, in particular, are well suited to:

Independent shops and cafés

High street premises and market towns

Doorways and pedestrian entrances

They provide permanent shelter from sun and rain, while also offering opportunities for signage, branding and traditional character, especially on period or heritage-style buildings.

Made-to-Measure External Shading for Local Conditions

No two properties are the same — especially across a region that includes historic cottages, modern developments, town centres and rural locations.

That’s why every external shading system we install is made to measure, ensuring:

Correct fixing for the building structure

Appropriate projection and coverage

Reliable operation in local weather conditions

A finish that complements the property

From initial advice to final installation, our focus is on solutions that perform well long term, not just in peak summer.

Local Expertise You Can Rely On

As a local installer serving Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire, we understand:

Local property styles and planning considerations

How sun exposure changes throughout the year

The importance of correct specification and installation

If you’re considering patio awnings, pergolas, external roller systems or canopies, now is a great time to explore your options and plan ahead for the warmer months.

Contact Heyford Installations to discuss a made-to-measure external shading solution for your home or business.