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3 Little-Known Benefits Of Awnings Over Home Windows

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 01:40:00 GMT

You should consider having an awning installed over an outdoor patio if you want to protect your family from the sun's heat and harsh UV rays when they are enjoying time outdoors. To further protect your family and home, you should consider having awnings placed over your home windows as well.

Window awnings provide many benefits that many homeowners simply do not realize. Read on to learn three little-known benefits of installing awnings over your home windows.

1. Lower Home Cooling Bills

Since average high temperatures in Alabama can skyrocket into the 90s during the summer, you are likely always looking for ways to reduce your home cooling costs. If you do not have awnings over your home windows, then you likely do not realize just how much these awnings can lower your home cooling bills.

When the sun heats your home during the summer, radiation passes through your home windows, which causes an effect called solar heat gain. And it takes an average of 20 percent of the energy an air conditioner uses during the summer is to combat the indoor warming effect of this solar heat gain.

According to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, installing awnings over windows of a home can reduce home cooling bills by about $200 annually by reducing the amount of solar heat gain an air conditioner must work to counteract.

While this solar heat gain does help heat your home naturally in the winter, when you choose retractable awnings, you can simply remove the awnings in the winter to allow the sun to heat your home naturally during the cold season.

2. Protect Family From UV Rays When Indoors

While glass in the average window blocks most of the sun's UVB rays, about half of the sun's UVA rays still pass through the glass. Even if your family takes steps to not sit directly in front of home windows to protect themselves from the sun's UV rays, realize that these rays project about six feet into the home through the window.

Both UVB and UVA rays can contribute to the formation of skin cancer and premature skin aging, but UVA rays are considered the most hazardous because they travel deeper into the skin than UVB rays. This fact makes it important to take steps to protect your family from the sun's UV rays when they are indoors as well as outdoors.

Reducing the amount of UV radiation that enters your home windows by installing window awnings over them is one way to help protect your family from the sun's UV rays when indoors.

3. Prevent Carpet and Furniture Fading

If you have noticed that your carpet or furniture tends to fade over time, you may have just accepted this as a natural part of furniture wear and aging. However, about 90 percent of carpet and furniture fading is actually caused by the sun's rays that penetrate through the windows in your home.

The effects of solar heat cause about 25 percent of furniture fading, while furniture exposure to the sun's UV rays contribute to an additional 40 percent of the furniture fading process. The final 25 percent of the sun's effect on furniture fading is simply due to the sunlight that penetrates through your windows.

You can easily slow down how quickly the carpets and furnishings fade in your home by having awnings placed over your home windows. You can then look forward to replacing or reupholstering your furniture less often if furniture or carpet fading has been a problem in your home.

While installing a fixed or retractable awning over an outdoor living space is a great way to protect your family from the sun's harsh UV rays and heat when they are spending time outdoors, be sure to consider placing awnings over your home windows to reap these benefits and more. Reach out to Evans Awning Company to discuss your residential awning options.

3 Mistakes People Make With Retractable Awnings

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 01:45:01 GMT

Awnings can shelter you and your family members from rain and harsh sun, making your outdoor areas easy to use any time of the year. Unfortunately, even the nicest awning can become a problem if you don't install or care for it properly. Here are three mistakes people tend to make with retractable awnings, and how to prevent problems in the long run.

Not Getting A Permit

Applying for city permits can be a hassle, which is why a lot of people simply decide to try their luck, install their awning, and hope for the best. Unfortunately, if you choose to install a permanent or retractable awning without getting a permit first, you might be required to take it down or pay a fine later.

While you might be able to get away with simple home upgrades on the inside of your house without anyone asking questions, working on your home's exterior is another story. Because awnings can block people's views or pose property damage threats if you don't install them correctly, city building inspectors might cite you if they notice an awning going up in your yard without a permit.

To prevent problems, always apply for a building permit before you have the awning installers start work. If you are a member of a homeowners association, it is also a good idea to check with the program coordinators to see if they are allowed.

Ignoring The Weather

Unfortunately, even the right permits and a great installation won't completely protect your awning from the elements. Although awnings are designed to be waterproof and endure things like wind and rain, paying attention to the weather is important if you want to extend the life of your awning.

Although many people rely on their awning to provide outdoor shelter during things like rainstorms, awnings should always be retracted before things like wind or snow storms. However, keep in mind that awnings should never be put away wet or dirty. Also, awnings should be retracted anytime the wind is projected to exceed 20 miles per hour .

If you know that a storm is coming and you won't need to use your awning, clean your cover, let it dry, and roll it up for safekeeping during the storm. After the storm, always check your awning for damage to prevent things like rust accumulation and structural problems.

Replacing The Entire Unit Too Soon

After you find the perfect awning and master routine maintenance, you might find yourself struggling with another problem — debating whether or not your system has reached the end of its usable life. Over time, the fabric can fade, and the crank devices can become harder to turn, which can leave you wondering if it is time to throw in the towel and replace your entire system.

Although retractable awnings do have a lifespan, most people don't realize that you can actually replace the fabric instead of buying a whole new system. In fact, many manufacturers offer upgraded fabrics that work on common retractable awning varieties, making it easy to upgrade the outside of your home with a covering that looks brand new.

To save some money and enjoy the system you have come to know and love, talk with an awning specialist if your unit has started to show its age. When choosing an awning cover, remember that even a replica of your existing awning cover will look darker at first since the sun hasn't bleached it.

Are you thinking about adding a retractable awning onto your home? Contact the professionals at Evans Awning Company for great advice on finding the perfect design for your space. In addition to offering shade sails and retractable versions, this locally renowned awning shop can also help with commercial awnings to boost your businesses curb appeal.

4 Cleaning And Care Tips For Fabric Awnings

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 01:50:29 GMT

A well-designed and stylish canvas awning is an excellent tool for attracting new customers. Poorly maintained awnings do the opposite, as they cast a negative spotlight on the exterior of a business. An awning is an important business investment, and it's essential for business owners to treat this addition as such.

To treat your awning with the care it needs, you need to know how to keep an awning in great condition, particularly when it comes to cleaning and care.

1. Don't Rely on Rain as a Cleaning Agent

A heavy downpour seems like an effortless way to remove built-up debris, but relying on rain as a cleaning agent will shorten the lifespan of canvas awnings. As raindrops travel to the ground, they come in contact with a variety of different elements naturally found in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen.

As rain settles on the canvas, so do all of the various elements collected from the atmosphere. Prolonged exposure to certain substances will cause color fading, which will make the awning look worn prematurely. During periods of frequent rainfall, regular cleaning becomes increasingly important in order to avoid damage.

2. Always Use a Standard Water Hose

A pressure washer should not be used to clean a canvas awning. The canvas material can withstand the perils of a typical windy day or even a heavy downpour, but these extremes don't compare to the intentional and direct force that pressure washers deliver. The power of the water as it hits the awning will cause rips and holes in the material.

This excess force also damages awning frames, which could result in structural damage. A standard water hose is sufficient and safe, as it works well without causing any damage.

3. Practice the Correct Cleaning Method

Practicing the correct cleaning method is an essential part of maintaining your canvas awnings. Begin this process by gently brushing a broom over the canvas to remove any dust, dirt, or other buildups. Follow this step by saturating the canvas with your standard water hose. Using a soft bristle brush, or broom, work the cleaning agent into the canvas.

Don't rely on conventional outdoor chemical cleaners. A laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid is best. Give the agent some time to work by allowing it to rest on the canvas surface for a few moments, but don't let it dry. Substances that dry into the canvas will alter the vibrancy of its color, so it's best to avoid cleaning on scorching days.

Thoroughly rinse the solution away and allow the awning to dry on its own.

4. React Fast to Mold or Mildew Growth

Don't allow mold or mildew to remain on your canvas awning for an extended period. In terms of problems, at the lowest level, both these growths look unsightly and will deter potential customers, but they also cause color fading and damage to the fibers of the canvas.

A buildup of these growths is an indication that you're not cleaning your awnings as frequently as you need to, as mold and mildew aren't drawn to the canvas but rather the dust, dirt, and other debris that settle on top of it.

The longer this debris rest on the surface, the more likely these growths are to develop, especially during periods of high moisture. Clean your awnings at least once a month to keep them safe.

At Evans Awning Company, we care just as much about pairing our customers with high-quality awnings as we do helping them maintain their awnings. If you have any concerns or questions about maintaining your canvas awnings , don't hesitate to reach out for assistance and don't forget to keep us in mind for any of your future installation needs.

5 Ways Your Business Benefits From Installing Awnings

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 01:53:46 GMT

Your business can reap the benefits of installing a commercial awning, regardless of the industry you're in. Awnings come in a wide variety of styles and do more than increase the visual appeal of your business. If you're considering installing an awning, check out some of the top benefits.

1. Boosts Visual Appeal

Awnings possess the capacity to boost the first impression people have about your business. A good awning helps set your business apart from neighboring businesses and appeals to your target clients and customers.

Commercial awnings are custom made to match your brand's aesthetic, tying together color schemes that work together to give your business a polished look. Having an awning also makes your business easier to spot and more visible from farther away, a major benefit if you're in a saturated business district.

2. Improves Comfort

If your business has an outdoor area or patio for customers, installing an awning creates comfortable shade that your customers will appreciate.

When you enjoy summer temperatures averaging at 90 degrees, installing awnings in your outdoor space ensures that your guests will remain shaded and comfortable during their time at your establishment. The longer a guest stays at your business, the more revenue you earn.

3. Lowers Energy Costs

Awnings aren't limited to entrances and patios. When awnings are installed above windows they not only boost the appearance of your business, they also help reduce energy costs.

During the hot Decatur summers, the heat from the sun penetrates through windows and increases the temperature inside your business. In turn, your cooling system must work harder to lower the temperatures to a comfortable level.

Awnings installed over windows block the sun’s rays and significantly reduce the heat generated from UV rays. In fact, a study conducted by the Professorial Awning Manufacturers Association found that installing awnings as window treatments reduces cooling costs by more than 50 percent during the summer months.

This means your business may be able to slice cooling costs in half, which adds up to major savings.

4. Increases Revenue

Installing a commercial awning can boost revenue for your business in a number of ways. It can help you expand your seating capacity or sales area without the need for costly remodeling. This can save significant cost and increase the amount of customers you're able to cater to or the amount of sales floor space for inventory.

It can also help you attract new customers. A well-designed awning made of high-quality materials gives you a strong presence that can help catch the eye of potential customers. The amount of walk-in traffic may increase due to the boost in visual appeal.

Another way awnings increase revenue is through clever and strategic design. You can use your awning to advertise your services or tease products.

5. Protects Furnishings

Awnings go a long way in protecting your indoor furnishings from the sun's UV rays. Furnishings, especially those made of materials such as leather and wood, take a beating when under constant exposure to sunlight. The barrage of heat from the UV rays causes furniture to deteriorate and degrade, lowering the overall quality.

What's more, heat damage is irreversible, so you'll need to replace your furniture sooner due to the shorter lifespan. Thus, awnings provide much needed UV protection and help keep your furniture looking new.

As you can see, installing a commercial awning can offers numerous benefits for your business. Whether you have a single location or a multiple store franchise, Evans Awning Company is confident we can meet and exceed your awning needs. Contacts our Decatur or Huntsville locations to discuss design and installation.