Can an retractable awning be painted?
July 29, 2009 by Bed Canopies and Outdoor Canopies Tips
Filed under About Awnings & Gazebos
Can you answer erin2475’s question about Canopies?:
I absolutely hate the color of our awning. It came with the house when we bought it and I thought it may be cheaper to paint it than replace it. It is a canvas type material. Has anyone tried this? What type of paint did you use? How did it look?
Retractable Canvas Awning
I absolutely hate the color of our awning. It came with the house when we bought it and I thought it may be cheaper to paint it than replace it. It is a canvas type material. Has anyone tried this? What type of paint did you use? How did it look?
Retractable Canvas Awning
Simultaneous Evolution: Retractable Awnings in Europe and the US
July 3, 2009 by Bed Canopies and Outdoor Canopies Tips
Filed under About Awnings & Gazebos
Awnings have been common for more than 2000 years; retractable awnings have been around for almost 150 years. While the history of using awnings stretches far back in Europe and retractable awnings are commonly used there today, they’re rare in the United States – despite the fact that retractable awnings were invented in the US. This uneven adoption has led to an exposure of design options in Europe – intricate frames, new types of retractable frames, bold colors, and luscious patterns – while America, treating awnings as a practical afterthought, has stayed more conservative.
A Quick History
Some form of awnings has been around for millennia, starting in Egypt and the Middle East and spreading across the Roman Empire. Most of those were fixed canopies of mats, skins, or fabric bolts hung over poles. In the mid-1800s, shop owners began using movable awnings, which simply bunched up the fabric when it was taken down. In the latter part of the century, they began rolling awnings on a tube, cleanly retracting them and keeping the fabric safe. With minor variation, this is the same basic design used today on lateral arm retractable awnings.
Retractable awnings were quick to catch on in Europe, from open air markets to apartments and homes. In fact, the classic lateral arm awning is called a California Style Awning in Europe – and a European Style Awning in the US. Now, the retractable awning market is decidedly driven by Europe. Millions of retractable awnings are sold there annually and are found on the majority of homes and businesses, even being considered in the architectural design process. The highest quality manufacturers, most innovative new designs, and emerging trends are coming from European companies.
By comparison, the awning market in America has been limited to mainly commercial buildings. Substantially fewer awnings are sold in the United States yearly – less than 50,000 – so the market, according to the Industrial Fabric Association International, is only about 2% saturated. There’s room for a change.
Different Reasons for Using Awnings
Various factors have come into play for why Europe has, for nearly a century, been consistently integrating retractable awnings into architectural plans. Many of the initial reasons were cultural; prevalent open air markets had contributed to a long history of fixed awning use, so it was a natural transition to easier to use and longer-lasting retractable awnings.
More practically, though, the widespread use of retractable awnings comes down to cooling and energy efficiency. Europe has very high energy costs and, because of many old homes and flats, most residences do not have air-conditioning systems installed. Therefore, European homeowners have had an imperative to find inexpensive, effective cooling and efficiency products – and one of the most effective methods for controlling interior heat is retractable awnings.
In addition to the practical reasons, Europe has had a long aesthetic tradition with awnings, so retractable awnings are a natural part of any home design, and that organically led into creative and adventurous designs, which made using awnings even more appealing.
The US, on the other hand, has had historically cheap and accessible energy, with widespread air conditioning and central air systems. Combined with suburb-motivated home designs, neither energy nor aesthetics has given a compelling reason to include retractable awnings on homes as a standard practice. Energy shortages and price increases in the 1970s, though, did begin bringing retractable awnings to the popular mind as a functional solution for energy efficiency.
Differences in Style
The different reasons for retractable awning use in Europe and the US have produced different emphases on style. Because awnings had a stylistic influence in European history which transitioned to efficiency uses, European awning fabrics and designs tend to be more dramatic and flamboyant. For example, European fabric lines average about 400 fabric designs, while American lines average 200. Color choices in Europe tend to be lighter and brighter.
American homeowners, approaching retractable awnings as a functional addition to a house, without the stylistic background, tend to be conservative, choosing fabrics in blacks and grays in sedate stripes and staying with more traditional frame styles.
That is starting to change, though. More and more American consumers are asking about vibrant colors or patterns – like florals and even paisleys – when they look at awning fabrics, and more exotic designs are starting to come over from Europe, at least for high-end use. As energy efficiency becomes more common, it could become more natural to look for stylish, as well as functional, solutions, which will broaden the retractable awning market even more.
What the Future Holds
As energy efficiency continues to be a growing issue for American homeowners, retractable awnings will be a new opportunity to explore. Based on the experiences and widespread effectiveness observed in Europe, there are exciting changes in store for American markets in the next few years: new architectural design integration with new construction, wildly expanding fabric choices and styles, new retractable awning designs, and natural energy efficiency.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
A Quick History
Some form of awnings has been around for millennia, starting in Egypt and the Middle East and spreading across the Roman Empire. Most of those were fixed canopies of mats, skins, or fabric bolts hung over poles. In the mid-1800s, shop owners began using movable awnings, which simply bunched up the fabric when it was taken down. In the latter part of the century, they began rolling awnings on a tube, cleanly retracting them and keeping the fabric safe. With minor variation, this is the same basic design used today on lateral arm retractable awnings.
Retractable awnings were quick to catch on in Europe, from open air markets to apartments and homes. In fact, the classic lateral arm awning is called a California Style Awning in Europe – and a European Style Awning in the US. Now, the retractable awning market is decidedly driven by Europe. Millions of retractable awnings are sold there annually and are found on the majority of homes and businesses, even being considered in the architectural design process. The highest quality manufacturers, most innovative new designs, and emerging trends are coming from European companies.
By comparison, the awning market in America has been limited to mainly commercial buildings. Substantially fewer awnings are sold in the United States yearly – less than 50,000 – so the market, according to the Industrial Fabric Association International, is only about 2% saturated. There’s room for a change.
Different Reasons for Using Awnings
Various factors have come into play for why Europe has, for nearly a century, been consistently integrating retractable awnings into architectural plans. Many of the initial reasons were cultural; prevalent open air markets had contributed to a long history of fixed awning use, so it was a natural transition to easier to use and longer-lasting retractable awnings.
More practically, though, the widespread use of retractable awnings comes down to cooling and energy efficiency. Europe has very high energy costs and, because of many old homes and flats, most residences do not have air-conditioning systems installed. Therefore, European homeowners have had an imperative to find inexpensive, effective cooling and efficiency products – and one of the most effective methods for controlling interior heat is retractable awnings.
In addition to the practical reasons, Europe has had a long aesthetic tradition with awnings, so retractable awnings are a natural part of any home design, and that organically led into creative and adventurous designs, which made using awnings even more appealing.
The US, on the other hand, has had historically cheap and accessible energy, with widespread air conditioning and central air systems. Combined with suburb-motivated home designs, neither energy nor aesthetics has given a compelling reason to include retractable awnings on homes as a standard practice. Energy shortages and price increases in the 1970s, though, did begin bringing retractable awnings to the popular mind as a functional solution for energy efficiency.
Differences in Style
The different reasons for retractable awning use in Europe and the US have produced different emphases on style. Because awnings had a stylistic influence in European history which transitioned to efficiency uses, European awning fabrics and designs tend to be more dramatic and flamboyant. For example, European fabric lines average about 400 fabric designs, while American lines average 200. Color choices in Europe tend to be lighter and brighter.
American homeowners, approaching retractable awnings as a functional addition to a house, without the stylistic background, tend to be conservative, choosing fabrics in blacks and grays in sedate stripes and staying with more traditional frame styles.
That is starting to change, though. More and more American consumers are asking about vibrant colors or patterns – like florals and even paisleys – when they look at awning fabrics, and more exotic designs are starting to come over from Europe, at least for high-end use. As energy efficiency becomes more common, it could become more natural to look for stylish, as well as functional, solutions, which will broaden the retractable awning market even more.
What the Future Holds
As energy efficiency continues to be a growing issue for American homeowners, retractable awnings will be a new opportunity to explore. Based on the experiences and widespread effectiveness observed in Europe, there are exciting changes in store for American markets in the next few years: new architectural design integration with new construction, wildly expanding fabric choices and styles, new retractable awning designs, and natural energy efficiency.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
Budget Retractable Awnings sells quality / long lasting window awnings and patio covers for a resonable price.http://www.budget-awnings.com
Creating an Outdoor Oasis Under Retractable Awnings
June 6, 2009 by Bed Canopies and Outdoor Canopies Tips
Filed under About Awnings & Gazebos
The last few years saw a surge in home interior design, and that transitioned gracefully into an interest in designing a backyard with the same thoughtfulness and attention to comfort. Outdoor designs enhance the earthiness and roughness of nature, with the comfort and detail of indoors. This blend is integral to creating a polished, usable environment: the influence of indoor design brings structure and unity to the outdoor space.
Structure defines the space through construction like fences, patios, or gazebos, or through vegetation, like borders or shrubs. Modern retractable awnings are an uncomplicated and inexpensive method to introduce definition to an outdoor space without the high cost of construction or the high maintenance of complicated landscaping.
Define the Space with Retractable Awnings
Design is based on cohesion between decorating elements. For outdoor spaces, cohesion is predicated on structure, an outline for the area. With retractable awnings, the natural flow between the interior space and the new exterior space depends on the size and location of the retractable awnings:
·       Outdoor access, such as sliding doors
·       Shade needs for interior rooms; retractable awnings block heat, UV rays, glare, and sunlight, which makes them an asset for overly bright rooms or rooms with UV-susceptible elements, like paintings and photographs.
·       Sun orientation; retractable awnings which shade west and south facing rooms can reduce indoor temperature gains by 77%, so they are ideal for passive energy efficiency in sunny rooms
·       Size. The width of retractable awnings can be custom-sized by the inch, so it is possible to scale the retractable awning perfectly to match the desired location.
Incorporate drop screens to provide a natural fluidity to the area. Drop screens are mounted vertically and are lowered down. In areas around pools or for existing gazebos, stairways, or decks, drop screens mark pathways and create an enclosed feeling. Drop screens also have functional benefits, such as rain, UV, glare, pollen, and bug protection for exposed sitting areas.
Basic Design Ideas
Outdoor design is tied to the senses, and the primary sense is visual. First, retractable awnings provide a visual structure to the unordered outdoors. Second, retractable awnings create a color patter; the fabric and colors in the retractable awning define the overarching palette for the rest of the space and diffuse the ambient light, creating a subtle pervasive color.
This makes selecting the retractable awning fabric vitally important. Decide the mood or the natural element to emphasize.
·       Bright greens for lush vegetation.
·       Subtle patterns in dark greens and browns or woodlands.
·       Light blues, turquoises, and golds for waters and beaches.
·       Bright oranges, reds, and yellows for tropical or desert colors.
Subtle retractable awning features, like different colored frames, tie into the overall theme and contrast with the retractable awning fabric for visual depth. Valances for traditional lateral arm (flat extension) retractable awnings can have a dozen different patterns. For smooth and fluid environments, like beach themes, look for valances with movement to them, like scallops, with sharp angles to echo the rigidity of woods. Other distinct styles can be used throughout the space, such as fluttery sheets of fabric called butterfly awnings or fan-shaped awnings which can fit in corners.
The rest of the backyard space fall into place according to the core elements defined in the retractable awnings. The key is to pay attention to the details:
·       Seating, particularly with coordinating colors, luxurious pillows and throw blankets. The style of furniture is important, depending on the size of the area delineated by the retractable awning and the functional flow of traffic.
·       Plants. Retractable awnings cool temperatures as much as 20 degrees and provide protection from the harshest light, so it is possible to fill in the outdoor area with potted plants or types of plants which are prone to drying and heat damage in full sunlight, including ferns, some kinds of palms, flowers, and fresh herbs.
·       Lighting. Solar lights, strings of lights, and side lamps all provide safe and mild outdoor lighting, which can make the outdoor space enjoyable even after twilight. The retractable awning itself can support very light objects, like Chinese paper lanterns or Christmas lights, but it’s generally a bad idea to hang things from the retractable awning since that impedes its ability to retract.
·       Heating and fans. Free standing fans or outdoor heaters carry the seasonal life of the outdoor space from early spring well into early winter. Other heating options, like chimeneas, should be placed slightly outside the retractable awning, to prevent damage to the fabric from the smoke.
Retractable awnings are an interesting alternative for interesting spaces. Retractable awnings make a huge visual impact and provide the core structure and definition for planning an outdoor living space, while being a relatively inexpensive do-it-yourself project. Retractable awnings turn any outdoor space into a canvas for expression.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
Structure defines the space through construction like fences, patios, or gazebos, or through vegetation, like borders or shrubs. Modern retractable awnings are an uncomplicated and inexpensive method to introduce definition to an outdoor space without the high cost of construction or the high maintenance of complicated landscaping.
Define the Space with Retractable Awnings
Design is based on cohesion between decorating elements. For outdoor spaces, cohesion is predicated on structure, an outline for the area. With retractable awnings, the natural flow between the interior space and the new exterior space depends on the size and location of the retractable awnings:
·       Outdoor access, such as sliding doors
·       Shade needs for interior rooms; retractable awnings block heat, UV rays, glare, and sunlight, which makes them an asset for overly bright rooms or rooms with UV-susceptible elements, like paintings and photographs.
·       Sun orientation; retractable awnings which shade west and south facing rooms can reduce indoor temperature gains by 77%, so they are ideal for passive energy efficiency in sunny rooms
·       Size. The width of retractable awnings can be custom-sized by the inch, so it is possible to scale the retractable awning perfectly to match the desired location.
Incorporate drop screens to provide a natural fluidity to the area. Drop screens are mounted vertically and are lowered down. In areas around pools or for existing gazebos, stairways, or decks, drop screens mark pathways and create an enclosed feeling. Drop screens also have functional benefits, such as rain, UV, glare, pollen, and bug protection for exposed sitting areas.
Basic Design Ideas
Outdoor design is tied to the senses, and the primary sense is visual. First, retractable awnings provide a visual structure to the unordered outdoors. Second, retractable awnings create a color patter; the fabric and colors in the retractable awning define the overarching palette for the rest of the space and diffuse the ambient light, creating a subtle pervasive color.
This makes selecting the retractable awning fabric vitally important. Decide the mood or the natural element to emphasize.
·       Bright greens for lush vegetation.
·       Subtle patterns in dark greens and browns or woodlands.
·       Light blues, turquoises, and golds for waters and beaches.
·       Bright oranges, reds, and yellows for tropical or desert colors.
Subtle retractable awning features, like different colored frames, tie into the overall theme and contrast with the retractable awning fabric for visual depth. Valances for traditional lateral arm (flat extension) retractable awnings can have a dozen different patterns. For smooth and fluid environments, like beach themes, look for valances with movement to them, like scallops, with sharp angles to echo the rigidity of woods. Other distinct styles can be used throughout the space, such as fluttery sheets of fabric called butterfly awnings or fan-shaped awnings which can fit in corners.
The rest of the backyard space fall into place according to the core elements defined in the retractable awnings. The key is to pay attention to the details:
·       Seating, particularly with coordinating colors, luxurious pillows and throw blankets. The style of furniture is important, depending on the size of the area delineated by the retractable awning and the functional flow of traffic.
·       Plants. Retractable awnings cool temperatures as much as 20 degrees and provide protection from the harshest light, so it is possible to fill in the outdoor area with potted plants or types of plants which are prone to drying and heat damage in full sunlight, including ferns, some kinds of palms, flowers, and fresh herbs.
·       Lighting. Solar lights, strings of lights, and side lamps all provide safe and mild outdoor lighting, which can make the outdoor space enjoyable even after twilight. The retractable awning itself can support very light objects, like Chinese paper lanterns or Christmas lights, but it’s generally a bad idea to hang things from the retractable awning since that impedes its ability to retract.
·       Heating and fans. Free standing fans or outdoor heaters carry the seasonal life of the outdoor space from early spring well into early winter. Other heating options, like chimeneas, should be placed slightly outside the retractable awning, to prevent damage to the fabric from the smoke.
Retractable awnings are an interesting alternative for interesting spaces. Retractable awnings make a huge visual impact and provide the core structure and definition for planning an outdoor living space, while being a relatively inexpensive do-it-yourself project. Retractable awnings turn any outdoor space into a canvas for expression.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
Retractable Awnings offers quality awnings and patio covers, which are both reliable and easy to use .http://www.retractableawnings.com
Improve Your Resale Value With Retractable Awnings
June 6, 2009 by Bed Canopies and Outdoor Canopies Tips
Filed under About Awnings & Gazebos
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Selling a home forces you to look at it afresh. It’s important to assess and to make changes that will make the home appealing, memorable, fresh – the kind of home that sticks in buyers’ minds. In a down market, the improvements to a house need to make the biggest impact with the least amount of money. A terrific solution is installing retractable awnings.
Realtors® identify a number of areas that formulate that first impression in a buyer’s mind:
· The appearance from the road
· Pretty landscaping and usable outdoor space, especially for outdoor entertaining
· “Green†features, especially money- and energy-saving features
All of these areas can be enhanced through stylish retractable awnings.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
It’s not a sexy term, but energy efficiency measures can return cold cash. Two studies, funded by the EPA and HUD, in the late 1990s showed that energy efficiency measures directly increase the resale value of a home $10-25 for every $1 saved on utility bills.
A study commissioned by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) reveals that awnings can lower indoor temperatures anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees, cutting air conditioning use by 25%. This varies by region, the direction of the windows, and local utility rates. “It’s not a guarantee,†said Michelle Sahlin, managing directory at PAMA, “but awnings [can give] 25-34% energy savings.â€
Assume that a retractable awning (in ideal conditions) saves $200 on your annual utility bills. With an average of $17.50 value per $1 of savings, that increases your home price $3500…….Simply from the utility savings.
Energy efficiency is one of the best areas to increase resale value because a) fuel costs are rising significantly and b) every region of the US is affected. To get the direct home price benefits of retractable awnings:
· Install awnings over windows facing the south, west and east to maximize heat reduction.
· Retract the awnings regularly in winter and cloudy days to allow natural heating.
· Compare last year’s utility bills with this year’s to set a baseline for savings.
Going for a Visual Affect
The outside appearance is one of the most compelling reasons to buy a house. Realtors® have a list of exterior areas that command attention: gardens, patios, doorways, driveways.
Front Doors and Driveways
Entrances are some of the most important areas to focus, since they make the first impression. Many houses in a neighborhood have the same layout and facade, and that sameness can make your house easy to overlook. An unexpected feature – like retractable awnings – makes a home standout from the rest through bright colors and eye-catching styles. “The different variety of shapes of retractable awnings, an awning over the door, can make your home stand out,†Sahlin advised. Additionally, retractable awnings work with almost any architectural style, from basic ranch to Spanish Revival.
Consider putting awnings over a front door, front windows, or over a side door near the driveway.
Patios and Outdoor Entertaining
Outdoor entertaining areas provide shady and pleasant places to sit. “You’re extending that living space,†said Sahlin. “That trend is very, very popular.†Sahlin mentioned that retractable awnings pique the interest of interior designers to harmonize both interior and exterior design features. “[Designers] are interested because their clients wanted to extend their design ideas outside,†she said.
Retractable awnings – which can be adjusted for better shading, unlike fixed awnings – define those outdoor spaces very simply, so they are a favorite option for many landscape designers. In fact, other popular home seller projects such as sunrooms are somewhat unpopular with home buyers. Sunrooms and decks return very little in home values, according to the National Association of Realtor®’s cost-value report.
Unfortunately, the financial benefits of curb appeal vary between neighborhoods. There are no solid numbers, and NAR does not include awnings in its cost-value report. According to Walter Moloney, information analyst with NAR, there’s still value, even if, as he admits, “it’s hard to determine the exact dollar value.†Moloney recommends using an appraiser to assess how much retractable awnings improve your home, based on the specific neighborhood.
Looking at Retractable Awnings
By working towards both energy efficiency and curb appeal, retractable awnings answer several common home problems with a single fix. Sahlin points out that the affordability of retractable awnings makes them a great idea: “Homeowners ask, ‘What can I do with a reasonable amount of money?’ Awnings work for someone who may be looking for multiple solutions.†Retractable awnings are even more cost-effective since they’re a do-it-yourself solution.
The keyword with retractable awnings is variety. There are dozens of frame styles, hundreds of different fabric options, and a wide range of sizes and projections.
· Location and style. You can select a retractable awning style specially suited to your install location. For example, dome style awnings are popular for windows and doorways; lateral arm styles are popular for patios. You can even mix different styles across your exterior, using colors and fabrics to tie styles together.
· Fabric color. The best kind of fabric is solution-dyed acrylic, which lasts more than a decade longer than traditional canvas awnings, without fading or mildewing. Solution-dyed acrylic also has a near-unlimited number of options, with more than 500 fabric styles, with dozens of kinds of stripes, patterns, and solid colors.
· Frame quality. For long-term benefits, aluminum frames are the most durable, as well as being lightweight for easy installation. Electrostatic powder-coating gives added protection. Look for Kevlar® brand straps in the arms, which , unlike steel cables, cannot rust.
· Motors, sensors, and other accessories. A variety of sensors (rain, wind, sun, motion), switches, and remote controls and can be combined with motors to make retractable awnings easier to use. These add-ons also extend the life of the retractable awning by reducing wear.
In a tight real estate market, the goal is to spend as little as possible for the greatest impact. Retractable awnings are one of the least expensive improvement projects you can tackle, yet can solve a number of problem areas with a stylish approach to your resale value.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
Selling a home forces you to look at it afresh. It’s important to assess and to make changes that will make the home appealing, memorable, fresh – the kind of home that sticks in buyers’ minds. In a down market, the improvements to a house need to make the biggest impact with the least amount of money. A terrific solution is installing retractable awnings.
Realtors® identify a number of areas that formulate that first impression in a buyer’s mind:
· The appearance from the road
· Pretty landscaping and usable outdoor space, especially for outdoor entertaining
· “Green†features, especially money- and energy-saving features
All of these areas can be enhanced through stylish retractable awnings.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
It’s not a sexy term, but energy efficiency measures can return cold cash. Two studies, funded by the EPA and HUD, in the late 1990s showed that energy efficiency measures directly increase the resale value of a home $10-25 for every $1 saved on utility bills.
A study commissioned by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) reveals that awnings can lower indoor temperatures anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees, cutting air conditioning use by 25%. This varies by region, the direction of the windows, and local utility rates. “It’s not a guarantee,†said Michelle Sahlin, managing directory at PAMA, “but awnings [can give] 25-34% energy savings.â€
Assume that a retractable awning (in ideal conditions) saves $200 on your annual utility bills. With an average of $17.50 value per $1 of savings, that increases your home price $3500…….Simply from the utility savings.
Energy efficiency is one of the best areas to increase resale value because a) fuel costs are rising significantly and b) every region of the US is affected. To get the direct home price benefits of retractable awnings:
· Install awnings over windows facing the south, west and east to maximize heat reduction.
· Retract the awnings regularly in winter and cloudy days to allow natural heating.
· Compare last year’s utility bills with this year’s to set a baseline for savings.
Going for a Visual Affect
The outside appearance is one of the most compelling reasons to buy a house. Realtors® have a list of exterior areas that command attention: gardens, patios, doorways, driveways.
Front Doors and Driveways
Entrances are some of the most important areas to focus, since they make the first impression. Many houses in a neighborhood have the same layout and facade, and that sameness can make your house easy to overlook. An unexpected feature – like retractable awnings – makes a home standout from the rest through bright colors and eye-catching styles. “The different variety of shapes of retractable awnings, an awning over the door, can make your home stand out,†Sahlin advised. Additionally, retractable awnings work with almost any architectural style, from basic ranch to Spanish Revival.
Consider putting awnings over a front door, front windows, or over a side door near the driveway.
Patios and Outdoor Entertaining
Outdoor entertaining areas provide shady and pleasant places to sit. “You’re extending that living space,†said Sahlin. “That trend is very, very popular.†Sahlin mentioned that retractable awnings pique the interest of interior designers to harmonize both interior and exterior design features. “[Designers] are interested because their clients wanted to extend their design ideas outside,†she said.
Retractable awnings – which can be adjusted for better shading, unlike fixed awnings – define those outdoor spaces very simply, so they are a favorite option for many landscape designers. In fact, other popular home seller projects such as sunrooms are somewhat unpopular with home buyers. Sunrooms and decks return very little in home values, according to the National Association of Realtor®’s cost-value report.
Unfortunately, the financial benefits of curb appeal vary between neighborhoods. There are no solid numbers, and NAR does not include awnings in its cost-value report. According to Walter Moloney, information analyst with NAR, there’s still value, even if, as he admits, “it’s hard to determine the exact dollar value.†Moloney recommends using an appraiser to assess how much retractable awnings improve your home, based on the specific neighborhood.
Looking at Retractable Awnings
By working towards both energy efficiency and curb appeal, retractable awnings answer several common home problems with a single fix. Sahlin points out that the affordability of retractable awnings makes them a great idea: “Homeowners ask, ‘What can I do with a reasonable amount of money?’ Awnings work for someone who may be looking for multiple solutions.†Retractable awnings are even more cost-effective since they’re a do-it-yourself solution.
The keyword with retractable awnings is variety. There are dozens of frame styles, hundreds of different fabric options, and a wide range of sizes and projections.
· Location and style. You can select a retractable awning style specially suited to your install location. For example, dome style awnings are popular for windows and doorways; lateral arm styles are popular for patios. You can even mix different styles across your exterior, using colors and fabrics to tie styles together.
· Fabric color. The best kind of fabric is solution-dyed acrylic, which lasts more than a decade longer than traditional canvas awnings, without fading or mildewing. Solution-dyed acrylic also has a near-unlimited number of options, with more than 500 fabric styles, with dozens of kinds of stripes, patterns, and solid colors.
· Frame quality. For long-term benefits, aluminum frames are the most durable, as well as being lightweight for easy installation. Electrostatic powder-coating gives added protection. Look for Kevlar® brand straps in the arms, which , unlike steel cables, cannot rust.
· Motors, sensors, and other accessories. A variety of sensors (rain, wind, sun, motion), switches, and remote controls and can be combined with motors to make retractable awnings easier to use. These add-ons also extend the life of the retractable awning by reducing wear.
In a tight real estate market, the goal is to spend as little as possible for the greatest impact. Retractable awnings are one of the least expensive improvement projects you can tackle, yet can solve a number of problem areas with a stylish approach to your resale value.
Thanks to Eric Scop for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:
Retractable Awnings offers quality awnings and patio covers, which are both reliable and easy to use .http://www.retractableawnings.com
Is a retractable awning or wood louvered “ceiling” less expensive for a deck?
May 31, 2009 by Bed Canopies and Outdoor Canopies Tips
Filed under About Awnings & Gazebos
Can you answer Tracy R’s question about Canopies?:
We have a 10′ x 20′ deck that faces west and gets HOT (Colorado). Would it be less expensive to get a retractable fabric awning or have someone build a wood lattice roof?
Portable Canopy Tent
We have a 10′ x 20′ deck that faces west and gets HOT (Colorado). Would it be less expensive to get a retractable fabric awning or have someone build a wood lattice roof?
Portable Canopy Tent
