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As humans, we always find a way to make our environment more comfortable for us. We regulate our heating and cooling systems to produce the level of comfort we desire indoors. We get even more creative outdoors. We either make use of sun shades in summer or we wear warm clothes in winter.
However, what about our general and immediate outdoor spaces? Particularly building extensions like doorways and windows? How do we give these spaces rooflike shelter and protect ourselves and furniture from the sun’s bleaching effect? How do we make these spaces more conducive and comfortable for us? That is where awnings come to the rescue–especially a retractable awning. Retractable awning options are often chosen because they give room for more flexible control of our immediate surroundings. Awnings create a great outdoor relaxation and viewing area.
Retractable awning options are becoming more common in use by home and business owners across the states for protecting patio, desk, or outer space for personal and business use. Over the years, they have proven to be cost-effective in maintenance and durability. They have also proven to retain their qualities while serving their functions.
An awning is a rooflike extended sheet set above an outdoor space. It is used to provide shade or shelter from the effects of sun–and at times from a light rain shower. Some awnings are permanently fixed without being retractable, while some awnings are retractable.
Aside from being used primarily as a shade or drapes for shelter function, awnings are also used as signage by business owners.
There are different types of awnings, and they are:
Both awnings and canopies are used for providing shade in a particular section of outdoor space and they are used interchangeably by some people.
However, they are not similar. They differ in these areas:
Awnings have many benefits, but the major benefit of them–which is considered the most important–is how effective they can be in controlling the amount of sunlight that reflects on a particular place and the level of protection that they can provide against the elements of the weather.
Retractable awning options are foldable, stretched covers that are installed on buildings that provide shade for individuals underneath while protecting them from exposure to sunlight and rain showers. Retractable awning options are also referred to as foldable awnings.
Unlike other awnings, retracted awnings can be folded when not in use. As a result of that, they do not occupy unnecessary space as compared to fixed awnings.
There are two kinds of retractable awning options, although they may have other types. The two categories of retractable awning options are:
We have these two categories because of the evolving technology in manufacturing them to suit consumers’ demands.
This set of awnings are manually operated by hand by using a crankshaft. The shaft is used to retract or extend the awning with little effort. As such, there is no need for any electrical connection. This is considered less expensive than the motorized retractable awning and has certain benefits over it.
For instance, it will remain operational when there is a power outage. You will be able to retract and extend it even when there is no power supply. Likewise, the installation is less technical compared to the motorized kind.
The major distinguishing factor is the automation of the operations. With a single push of a button, you can choose to either shield yourself away from the sun or enjoy the warm embrace of the evening. However, homeowners have a preference for the motorized retractable awning because of the convenience and the appealing appearance. This appearance complements the house modern designs when compared to a manual retractable awning.
As a result of the categorization above, the other types of retractable awning options that are in use are stated below. These awnings are used based on the options available to you for home purpose or commercial purpose; options such as:
The different types of retractable awnings that you can use are:
Installing retractable awnings in your open and/or available space has a lot of benefits, but a few will be listed below.
Durability
Retractable awning options are considered to be more durable due to the fabric materials used as covering sheets and their components that are not constantly exposed to the weather elements. They are not susceptible to destruction and fading compared to the fixed awning.
Property protection
Retractable awning options are capable of protecting your furniture, carpets, and rugs from fading off their original color due to rain or snow.
Enhanced appearance appeal
Custom-made awnings have been proven to enhance the magnificence of architectural designs into serving the primary purpose of awnings. The different kinds of colors and styles of retractable awnings give an architectural complement to structural designs. The appealing appearance also attracts customers to your business.
Health protection
Aside from that, your property and health will be protected when you have awnings installed. It will also protect you from other predisposed skin and eye infection due to increased ultraviolet rays that are harmful to you and, especially, your children.
Reduced heat regulation cost
If you are always worried about the cost of heat regulation in your home or business outlet spaces, awnings are designed such that they reduce the rate of heat generation by 77% (seventy-seven percent). This also helps your air conditioner to run smoothly thereby cutting down your utility bill.
Zero commitment
You don’t have to be committed to having an awning. A retractable awning provides you with the capacity to have a temporary shed when you need it. The only thing it will demand of you is a pull or single button push provided that it is a manual retractable awning or a motorized retractable awning.
Knowing the best retractable awning is good for making purchasing decisions; however, that alone is not enough. There are other factors you must put into consideration when deciding the kind of retractable awning you want to use during installation.
Below are some of the factors you should consider when deciding on the type of retractable awning that is best for your needs.
Installation
The first and most important factor you must consider is the kind of building you want to install retractable awnings on, the purpose that the building serves, and the type of retractable awnings you want to install. The type of awning that fits the home environment might not be the best for a business’s surrounding.
Materials
This is the second most important factor you must consider when selecting the kind of retractable awning to use. This is because your awning will be exposed to harsh environmental conditions like sun rays, wind, and rain. As a result, your awning material must be extremely tough.
Examples of materials that are used in retractable awning are:
Canvas:
It is the most commonly used material in awning making. It is made of cotton, and can sometimes contain hemp. Its durability is better indoors compared to when used outdoors. This is because it is vulnerable to the weather elements which it constantly gets exposed to. Although it is very flexible, its disadvantage comes from its deterioration because it is prone to mildew and ultraviolet deterioration.
Acrylic:
This is rarely used in awning installation. Although you will find it being used in combination with canvas. That is, the canvas is coated with acrylic paint. This makes it resistant to ultraviolet rays and moisture. It also makes it tougher.
PVC:
This is a synthetic material and it is less in use because it easily breaks down. Also, its vulnerability to tears is high. It is flexible and water-resistant because it is a plastic material.
However, it can retain the water content when exposed to a long period of moisture.
Polyester:
When you observe awnings around you closely, you will realize that this is also commonly used in them. This is because it is very cheap for both manufacturers and consumers.
It is durable because it is water-resistant and ultraviolet resistant. It also retains little to no water.
Design
This is another factor you should consider when selecting the kind of retractable awning you want to install. Designs can be in the form of colors and/or how it can complement the building you want to attach it to.
Although you can be given the option of mixing different colors to enhance its elegance–often, you will be presented with either just one color or two colors.
Size
This factor relates to the one discussed above–you must be sure of where you want to place the awning for you to decide the size of the awning you want to use. For instance, the size of the awning you want to use to cover your window will not be the same size of awning you will use for a patio or larger space.
The ideal practice here is to measure the area you want to cover and get protected from the weather elements. This will help you to efficiently evaluate the space, this therefore makes size procurement and installation easier.
Durability
While you are considering every other factor, durability should be a big factor. Your retractable awning will constantly get exposed to weather elements such as ultraviolet rays and rain or mildew, for a prolonged time–so a durable material is essential.
Purchase Cost
With every product that you want to buy as a consumer, one important thing you will consider first is your budget.
The first thing to note is that the more expensive a retractable awning is, the higher the quality of the retractable awning. Although you may want to purchase the less expensive one, you should keep in mind that it will be more expensive in the long run because you will have to bear the cost of repairs at frequent intervals.
Operation Mechanism
The retracting mechanism of your retractable awning can either be automatic or manual. Your choice depends on what you prefer. However, bear in mind that while convenience comes with using automatic or motorized retractable awning, there are technical and repair issues that may arise.
While it is easier to operate motorized retractable awnings, please note that manual retractable awning requires little effort to operate also.
Warranty and/or Guaranty
You want to consider the warranty available for the awning you choose to purchase. You do not want to spend money on any product which you won’t be able to have quick access to the manufacturer should something go wrong with the product.
A good awning company will offer you a warranty for the product you are purchasing from them.
With every product you purchase, you will want to ensure that they are durable enough and look as though you purchased recently. The same thing applies to your retractable awning. You do not want it to look like it has been in use for a long time and to show its age.
Due to this, we at ESA Awnings consider it appropriate to share some retractable awning maintenance tips with you because we believe it is important you know how to maintain your retractable awning because we care about you.
Below are some maintenance tips for retractable awnings that you can make use of.
Regular cleaning
You have to implement regular cleaning on your awnings. This is because you do not want debris and dust to accumulate on it over time. These can cause your awning materials to wear out faster. You can either clean your awnings yourself or you can hire professional awning cleaners.
Check the moving parts regularly
The moving parts of your retractable awning are known as the mechanical parts. You must be sure there is nothing like friction in those parts to prevent rusting and/or breaking down of those parts. You should lubricate those parts at intervals when required. You should also replace any damaged, moving parts of your awning.
Retract your awning when not in use
You don’t want your awning to be extended all year round. Weather elements can cause damage to the awning if the awning is constantly exposed to them when not in use. Make sure to retract your awning when not in use.
Get rid of leaves and hanging tree branches
If you are a gardener and you have branches of tree or shrubs extending over your awning, the right thing to do for you is to ensure that you trim them regularly. Also, ensure to get rid of leaves because leaves secrete acidic content that may require more effort to remove as a stain. Likewise, branches of a tree that fall can cause the awning to tear, so make sure to stitch up any obvious tear
Tears may occur as a result of many conditions. Whatever the case is, ensure to repair any obvious tears because if you don’t, that will give space for further damage which may destroy your awning.
Allow your awning to dry appropriately and storage
This may be the tip you want to take most seriously out of all the tips. After cleaning your awning thoroughly and allowing it to dry very well, you should make sure to store it appropriately. You should store it in a dry, well-ventilated room for optimal results. This will help you increase the durability of your retractable awning and reduce the awning repair costs.
We at ESA Awnings sell awnings based on the model, size, and accessories. The cost varies with the custom-request that comes with the kind of retractable awning your space will require. Request a free quote from us to see what it’ll cost you to get a retractable awning.
Aside from the benefits of having a retractable awning as stated above, you don’t have to engage in removing and reinstalling the awnings, like that of a fixed awning, due to the season. All you have to do is retract the awning and enjoy the sunlight as you want.
Your fabric can last for many years–ranging from ten to fifteen years. However, you must ensure that you are using acrylic fabric because it has been proven to be durable enough. You should adhere strictly to the care instruction that comes with your awning as that will guarantee that you enjoy the services of your retractable awning for as long as possible.
For you to adequately enjoy using your retractable awning, you should clean and maintain it adequately. For tips on how to do that, refer to our quick tips above.
If you are using a retractable for your personal use, you may not necessarily need planning permission. But if it is for commercial purposes, as in the case of shops and restaurants, you will need to obtain full planning permission. That is because your retractable awning will extend into the public space and can cause health and/or safety issues. More so, you will need to meet advertising regulations if your awning is branded.
Considering the regulations involved and the number of factors that needed to be weighed in selecting and installing the most suitable awning, trying to find a balance between your preferences and best practices can be quite overwhelming. However, with the help of the right professional Installers, this can be easily handled.
Various businesses and homeowners across Los Angeles choose ESA Awnings because we have mastered the best way to integrate the preferences of our clients with the best awning installation practices. As a qualified and experienced awning supplier and Installer, we consider all the factors required to evaluate and select the most appropriate awning for each customer’s need with the customer’s preferences in mind. This results in a spectacular awning that reflects the customer’s preferences. At ESA awnings, the satisfaction of our customers is our top priority.
Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or a contractor, we have the best team in place to provide you with the best solution for your shading needs. Aside from the benefit of fast delivery and the opportunity to choose your colors, we present you with a competitive price that you will not find elsewhere.
Our team of professionals is just a call away. Call this toll free line (888) 458-0606 to get your free estimate. We look forward to serving you!
