Property has to be managed to keep value, and retractable awnings offer unexpected benefits in creating beauty and adding value to any home or commercial space:

• Adding beauty with instant comfort and elegance.

• Lowering peak energy use by lowering the heat added to a room by 77% and cutting down air conditioning use by almost 25%.

• Preserving furnishings by blocking sunlight and UV rays, protecting furniture and carpets from fading and sun-related wear.

• Extending outdoor spaces by providing cooling shade or protection from rain.

• Easy maintenance and use with state-of-the art materials that resist fading, motors and sensors to automatically retract awnings, and low maintenance.

There are several options in outdoor coverings. Fixed awnings or canopies have distinct disadvantages: fading in as little as two years, constant cleaning, time-consuming storage. The versatility of retractable awnings provides extra advantages to property owners:

• Longer lifetimes, since retracting the awning when not in use innately protects it from fading, tears, mildew, and wind damage

• Easy use with motors, remote controls, and sensors

• Adjustable projection and pitch, which means the awning’s extension and angle are flexible

• No construction costs because of simple installation

Retractable awnings have a simple design. The frame of the awning is anchored with brackets to a wall, roof, eaves, or fascia. When the awning is extended, the arms are held in place by high tension springs, so no stanchions or posts have to hold it up. In high quality awnings, the tension springs are extremely strong; retractable awnings can have a projection (the length that the awning extends) as far as 17 feet on elbows with a weight load of 2200 pounds. Retractable awnings don’t have to be extended fully, so the length can be adjusted flexibly.

Retractable awnings are easy to use, with a variety of options that tailor them to any building or environment:

• A small, powerful motor, sealed inside the roller tube, extends and retracts the awning automatically. All motors should be UL (American) and CE (European) certified for quality.

• An optional hood allows the awning to be tucked inside when retracted and protects it from exposure. Hoods are available in PVC or extruded aluminum, but the better choice is aluminum which is strong and weathers well.

• Awnings can be retracted by remote controls like a garage door or controlled through indoor or outdoor switches.

• Sun, rain, and wind sensors measure the current conditions, from brightness to wind speed, and retract and extend awnings based on user-defined levels. Rain sensors can even extend awnings so that outdoor areas remain usable on wet days or retract awnings with a shallow pitch.

• Adjustable pitch changes the angle that the awning shades. Awnings have a minimum pitch of 0 degrees (flat) to provide maximum sun protection; steeper pitches deflect precipitation.

• Custom sizes are available down to one-inch increments in width and length, so that it is possible to match the size of the awning precisely to the area.

Retractable awnings add value by retaining their appearance and durability – factors determined by the quality of materials in them:

• The frame has several options, including steel and aluminum. Aluminum is the best choice for long-term value: powder-coated for protection, rust- and shatterproof, and lightweight.

• The arm shoulders carry the weight of the awning and moisture from precipitation. The strongest arms are Kevlar, with can carry a load of over 2000 pounds, but smaller awning arms are made of cables. Never get an awning with arms of bare steel; this will rust and bleed, weakening and discoloring the awning.

• The fabric canopy ages faster than any other part, between mildew, fading, wind damage, and atmospheric chemicals like acid rain. Natural fibers like cotton fade and rot with exposure to moisture. Vinyl is a solid sheet of fabric, which dries slowly, mildews easily, cracks, and fades. The best kind of fabric is solution-dyed acrylic, with the pigments embedded in the fiber of the fabric, not on the surface. Acrylic fabrics don’t fade or stain; since acrylic is a woven fabric, it dries quickly without mildewing. Acrylic fabrics on retractable awnings can last 15 years with minimal care.

• Teflon threads resist UV, moisture, and chemicals so that the retractable awning seams attaching it to the frame stay secure. Polyester stitching frequently needs to be resewn because the thread is vulnerable to moisture, cleaning products, and sun.

Awnings provide practical benefits like savings on electrical bills and simple enjoyment by enhancing any home or building’s outward appearance. By combining economy with aesthetics, retractable awnings can be a smart way to enhance the value of a property for a variety of circumstances, from increasing energy efficiency and curb appeal to enhancing outdoor sitting areas and protecting them from the elements.



Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Gazebo Canvas

Gazebos were first built in limited places such as public parks, where occasionally bands would play during the summer. Decorations would be displayed during various festivities like Halloween and Christmas. The rich and famous would occasionally build a wooden gazebo in their garden or lawn for different activities held by the family.

The use of gazebos started to increase gradually, first by couples using them for wedding ceremonies and then by families using them to have a place to relax in their own garden and now many people who even integrate a spa in theirs to enjoy its benefits when they have the time and desire for it.

Finding The Right Gazebo Design For You

You will find that there are a myriad of gazebos designs to choose from and here are a few points you should consider: the space you have allotted for the gazebo, the type of activities you are looking to conduct in the gazebo and last but not least the material from which you intend to built a gazebo. If you are not sure how to measure your lawn or garden in order to fit the gazebo perfectly, contact a professional who will take all the necessary measurements to ensure that you choose the right gazebo design for the space.

Once you have picked the size of the gazebo, you need to determine what activities will take place in your gazebo. If it will be built for a special occasion and it is a temporary one, you can pick a vinyl gazebo as it is easy to construct and easy to dismantle when the ceremony and/or activities are over. The gazebo design has a lot to do with the activities that will be held there, for example, if it is meant for a wedding, then there are special types made for this specially to suit such an occasion or if it meant for a spa will need a stronger material and probably the larger version.

Not Sure, Get Advice!

If you simply cannot decide because the choices are too many, then seek professional help from any of the professionals who sell gazebos and who would be more then happy to help you decide by proving you with a number of gazebo designs and ideas that best fit your described desires.

Helpful Tips

You can find free gazebo designs online along with measurement details that will help you figure out if they are suitable for your backyard, garden or lawn. For temporary usage you can rent gazebos as well and you will get professionals to set it up and take it down once the festivities are over. Having your own gazebo however will get you in touch with nature more often as you will have a protected place where you can enjoy a meal, an afternoon with a book and/or any other activities that you may have in mind.



Thanks to Ann Marier for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Contemporary Canopy Bed

Retractable awnings are a great sun protection system: durable, low maintenance, energy efficient, and low cost. Using retractable awnings also offers specific benefits to business owners in two ways: capital improvements that maximize the appeal and functionality of a building and an improved customer experience that gives shoppers, visitors, and passers-by a more pleasant and enjoyable experience in front of a store or building.

Fixed and Retractable Awnings: What’s the Difference for Business?

Traditionally, fixed awnings have been the mainstays of commercial awnings, but retractable awnings are becoming an increasingly appealing option as awareness of retractable sun protection systems grows for an important reason:

Longevity.

Fixed awnings have a fabric lifetime of five years or less because of constant exposure to the sun, snow, rain, and wind, all of which can fade or tear the fabric. Retractable awnings have a huge advantage in being able to retract – the fabric can be protected in adverse weather conditions. Combined with options like a motor and sensors (for light, wind, rain, and motion), the awning can be closed automatically in conditions which would normally damage the fabric or frame. Retracting the awning when it’s not in use, like on shady or cold days, cuts down on sun damage to the fabric from UV exposure. With a retractable awning, the average lifetime for the fabric is 15 years – three times better than a fixed awning. Since retractable awning frames have warranties of up to 25 years and motors have warranties up to 5 years, motorized retractable awnings offer a really excellent cost investment.

Also, retractable awnings have financial benefits over fixed awnings that make them a tempting solution:

• Retractable awnings are overall less expensive than fixed awnings to install, and they don’t require a contractor.

• Retractable awnings are about a quarter to a third of the cost of permanent construction to cover and utilize the same square footage.

• Because many styles of retractable awning arms are spring-loaded, there are no support posts to install, to block the view from under the awning, or to act as a potential hazard for children and pets.

• They require virtually no maintenance, not even mandatory cleaning.

Capital Improvement Advantage

Retractable awnings have interesting ways of saving a business money:

• Direct energy cost savings. Sun protection systems cut heat buildup in a room as much as 77%, translating into a direct utility bill savings of up to 25%.

• “Dual use” as signage and promotion. Business names, logos, and telephone numbers can be printed on the awning, which saves money on constructing and designing separate signs.

• Extra square footage. Retractable awnings can be used in a variety of applications and have virtually unlimited uses from ticket booths and ATM kiosks to smoking areas and employee break areas. This provides comfortable exterior spaces without extra construction costs.

• Tax deductible capital improvement.

• Municipal incentives. Retractable awnings even fall under many municipal capital improvement programs: cities like Norfolk, Virginia; Austin, Texas; San Jose, Calif.; and Philadelphia, all have small business and downtown development programs which offer incentives on capital improvement projects – and all specifically mention awnings as desirable (and incentivized) options. A municipal program can pay anywhere from 25% to 50% of the cost of the retractable awning.

Bettering the Customer Experience

Retractable awnings can create a more pleasant outdoor experience. This has subtle but tangible effects on customers. The area around entrances is cooler and shaded, protected from rain, and generally more pleasant to be in. The primary function of a better customer experience is better foot traffic. The stylishness of the awning makes customers want to browse, and the glare, heat, and rain protection makes it more comfortable for them to do so.

The sun protection has a dual utility, though. The UV protection (since sun’s rays never reach the interior) preserves window displays and interior furnishings and prevents fading. Even the inside of the store is more appealing for customers, and the heavy investment in signs and merchandise is protected from passive sun damage.

Buying Smart

Retractable awnings offer potential to business owners to improve their public exposure affirmatively – in a way that is still cost-efficient and simple. Maximize that investment:

• Get commercial frames. The best-engineered frames are from Europe, and these are the commercial-grade awnings. Residential (medium quality) awnings and their components are made in the US, while budget awnings are generally from China and are of the lowest quality.

• Buy online. For one thing, buying online costs about 35% less than buying from a brick and mortar store. A good online company will provide 3D images of what the awning will look like on your building, fabric samples, and ample installation support, along with long warranties, so there’s no risk in the product quality.

• Look for engineering quality, meaning TÜV and Eurolab certifications. These mean the frame has been thoroughly tested.

• Get automatic accessories. According to industry studies, motorized retractable awnings are four times more likely to be used than manually operated awnings. Other features like sensors (for sun, wind, rain, and motion), pitch adjustment for rain runoff, and remote controls can also improve retractable awning use.



Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Portable Canopy Tent

Can you answer Geraldine H’s question about Canopies?:

Where can I find a reasonable do it yourself kit for a gazebo?
I would like a wood gazebo that I could build myself. A kit

Building A Carport

Metal carports are primarily used for the protection of cars against harsh elements. It serves like a portable garage.

Carports are portable devices that act like a garage. It is used to protect cars from harsh elements. During the summer season, cars are exposed to scorching and bleaching from the heat of the sun. During the winter season, they are easily damaged by ice and snow. Strong winds brought about by typhoons can also result to damages when cars are not properly covered.

Carports can also house other vehicles like a boat or truck. Others use it to store other important items also, like bulky inventories. There are wooden carports but metal is more common. Wooden carports are not durable especially when it gets wet often. Metals are more durable and sturdier.

Boating season is naturally dictated by the weather. When it gets too cold or when the typhoon period arrives, many boat owners begin to worry where to store their boats because storage facilities can be quite expensive. The logical solution to this problem is to use a metal carport. Boat owners who already have carports can easily transport their boats into their property which saves time and expense looking for other storage facilities.

When it comes to recreational vehicles, these are quite hefty investments. Certainly, constructing a metal carport where they can be kept away from extreme weather or even from vandals is worth the expense. When you put an RV in a metal carport, it means that you can load it without being bothered by the weather.

Metal and any kind of carport facility, for this matter, can be used in a lot of other ways. It can also be used as a storage area for other things that can no longer be accommodated inside the house. Some carports are big enough to be used as an entertainment area. A few chairs here and there, plus a table, and one can have a place where friends can play bridge, talk, eat or even have a band rehearsal. Just open the sides to let the fresh air in.

Metal carports generally cost less than wooden carports. The cost is not the only advantage of metal over wooden carports. The former is more durable, less prone to cracks, fires, rodent and termite attacks. An owner can still avail of the aesthetics of wooden materials by using Alumawood.

Alumawood is made of aluminum but looks and feels like wood. Metal carports can also be made out of steel or insulated polystyrene foam swathe in steel or in aluminum. Of all the materials mentioned, the cheapest by far is steel.

Galvanized steel normally possesses a zinc coating which prevents corrosive elements such as salt water and acid containing liquids from eating the carport frame. This is one of the most important considerations before deciding what material to use in building a carport. Another is the thickness of the metal. Naturally, the thicker the material the longer the carport will last.

Whatever the type of metal used, a carport can only be good when it is constructed in the most efficient way. Usually, a carport employing a single piece of construction to support the roof is the best. It adds strength to the whole structure and enhances the overall appearance of the carport.

These various kinds of metal carports, whether portable or fixed, differ in the number of people and time needed to build or assemble them. The smaller and less elaborate ones will naturally require less people and time. Fully walled carports will be more expensive to build as compared to half-walled or open metal carports.



Thanks to David H. Urmann for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Pop Up Shade Canopy