1) Sun Damage

Heat from the sun can also cause a lot of wear on awnings. Besides obvious issues with fading, extreme heat can damage materials such as fabric, plastic and wood. Fasteners used to attach these awnings to a structure can also be degraded over time, eventually causing the awnings to become loose and fall off of the building.

To avoid problems like this, check the structure of your awnings for obvious signs of damage. Loose awnings should be cause to call a contractor to repair or replace the awning immediately.

2) Rainwater and Snow Buildup

Over time, fabric awnings can stretch, allowing them to collect pools of water. Permanent wood or plastic composite awnings can also allow snow and water to collect, adding a lot more weight to these pieces of your building’s structure. If the water or snow is not removed, the added weight can put a lot of added strain on the awning, eventually causing it to collapse. In extreme cases, this not only damages the awning, but it can also cause a partial collapse of the building the awning was attached to.

In smaller amounts, rainwater can cause wood and fabric to degrade. This leads to these materials rotting, forcing the building owner to pay to have them replaced.

To avoid this issue, visually inspect your building’s awnings and remove snow buildup as soon as possible. If you see signs of rainwater collecting in large amounts, call a contractor to have the awnings repaired or replaced before the damage becomes worse.

By paying attention to these two signs, you can avoid big problems (and maintenance bills) down the road.

One area that should be given attention in the Fall no matter where you live are your gutters and awnings. Awnings in particular should be looked after and prepped for the fall and winter months because they can sustain a great deal of damage if they are left to fend for themselves. Keep in mind that properly installed awnings should already have a ten-degree slope to allow for water run-off, but you still need to ensure water can freely run down your awnings without obstruction.

Caring For Retractable Awnings
If you have a retractable awning, you’ll want to think about prepping it for storage. Remove any debris that may have collected and give it a good cleaning. From there, be sure it is completely dry before storing and be sure that all mechanical and moving parts are well-protected.

If your awning isn’t the retractable type, you’ll still want to ensure that it is free of debris and kept clean. The influx of fall leaves and moisture can weigh your awning down and subject it to damage. Leaves allowed to sit and rot can cause mold, and debris can cause water to pool on your awning and cause damage.

Maintenance Throughout The Season
Depending on the material of your awning, the environment and the weather, you may need to periodically inspect your awning for leaves and other debris, moisture and wear and tear. If you don’t have trees in your yard then you’ll have considerably less work to do.

The beginning of fall is also a good time to evaluate your awning motor. Maintenance needs to be done regularly to make sure it is in good working order. Motor sensors will need to be periodically replaced and things should be clean and dry. If your awning or motor has been damaged beyond repair, it’s time to look into a replacement for the spring and summer months.

Awning Care Saves You Money
Ideally, you have a high-quality, properly installed awning to begin with, one that uses appropriate materials and allows for water run-off. If you take these simple steps when the seasons change you will be rewarded with an awning that continues to perform for many years, and looks good doing it.

While a well-lit, sunny room can be cheerful and soothing, harsh sunlight pouring through your windows all summer long can make rooms hot and uncomfortable, causing your air conditioning unit to work overtime. This costs money and wastes energy. Window awnings help control this light, dramatically cutting the level of heat coming into your home or business.

Keep Guests Comfortable
Whether for a residence or business, guest comfort is a priority. For large windows, the ability to control light at any time of day is important. Glaring sun streaming through the window isn’t pleasant. It can make people want to leave your establishment, or make their stay uncomfortable. Window awnings alleviate this problem.

There are two types of window awnings: fixed and retractable. Fixed awnings stay put, but retractable awnings can be controlled so you only use them when you need them. When you need more light, you simply retract them. These awnings provide protection from heat and light, and increase overall comfort levels.

UV Protection
You may not think much about this, but your furnishings, artwork and flooring are all subject to UV damage. Over time, exposure causes fading, drying and cracking. Awnings help protect against the harmful, damaging rays of the sun. This is yet one more example of how awnings can help you save money.

Upgrade Your Curb Appeal
Window awnings today are far more stylish and versatile than in the past. While you may be envisioning your grandparent’s window awnings, today’s styles offer more variety, better materials and styles to complement any architecture. Whether modern or classic, canvas, wood or fiberglass, there is an awning style or material that is just right for your building. In many cases, awnings are a huge improvement. They can add interest and style to an otherwise drab building front. The right style can create a charming or dramatic look, depending on your tastes and preferences.

With the many benefits that come from awnings, there’s no reason not to take advantage! Get your own custom awning today.

Placing large awnings along the roofline of a home or business can create a large shaded area that is protected from the sun and rain. Most of these awnings just take a few minutes to install, and the shaded space they create can be used to entertain guests or create additional shopping or dining space for customers. In fact, many businesses have saved a lot of money by installing awnings on a back patio or porch instead of investing in an physical extension. Homeowners have also discovered that they can save a lot of money by using awnings to create an attractive outdoor space for their guests rather than permanently altering their home with a new screen or sun room.

In fact, awnings can be a great way to try out a new remodeling idea without making a big upfront investment. Of course, many people discover that once they have their awnings installed, they’re so happy with how they can use their space that they don’t need to put money into a big construction project.

The shaded areas that awnings create can also help to reduce your energy bills. By reducing the amount of heat that can stream in through the windows and doors of your business, it is possible to reduce your cooling costs. Because awnings block a lot of the heat that comes from the sun, the amount of heat that enters your home or business is greatly reduced. In some cases, installing awnings can help a home or business owner save hundreds of dollars a month.

Awnings can be a great way to save a lot of money on remodeling and energy bills. For a relatively small investment, they can provide savings for decades.

First, check to see that you’re staying within in the bounds of any zoning restrictions. There’s no use designing a beautiful awning that your city planning office won’t even give you a permit for. Make sure you check in with them to see what is allowed in your neighborhood, as well as with the leasing office if you’re in a building owned by someone else.

As far as design, the clearer the better. Choose something that stands out from the other storefronts and distractions in your area. Make sure your design shares the essence of your business, but in a clear and concise way. Keep it short and simple so they can quickly have an idea of what you have to offer, and quickly decide that you’re the right choice. If your sign is too hard too read or takes too long to read, they’ll probably already be moving on to the next option.

Finally, choose something that matches the tone of the neighborhood you are in. If it’s a modern location where everything is trendy then choose a design that fits that style. You want to stand out for your excellence and charm, not stick out like a sore thumb. You’ll be glad you chose your custom designed awning to draw the customers in; It’ll be like the icing on the cake of all the hard work you’ve put into your business.

Besides that, there is the fact that sitting in the hot sun isn’t always comfortable. You could be a patron at a restaurant trying to enjoy a meal and some good conversation, or in your own home trying to read your favorite book, but the intense heat or glare could quickly ruin that otherwise perfect situation. Finding the right awning for your home or business might actually make a huge difference in comfort. It could also save you money each month on energy bills from trying to keep the temperature of your building at a comfortable level.

Now it’s simply a matter of finding the perfect awning for your home or business. You’ll want to find out what is going to provide the desired protection and be appealing to the eye. Convertible awnings are great for both ground floor and upper floor windows, while pivot arm awnings can be operated from inside or outside the building. If you live in an area with higher wind speeds, the best choice may be a heavy gear awning, and spring operated awnings are best for areas with limited space.

Awnings can also come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Find simple squares and rectangles for the classic look, or mix it up with convex shapes and modern designs. It all depends on the look and feel you’re going for.

If you’re looking for an stylish and practical way to keep your home or business cool, awnings might be the best place to start.

Use a mild detergent

Strong detergents and cleansers can damage and prematurely fade outdoor fabrics. Look for a mild fabric cleanser such as Woolite, or make your own by diluting regular laundry detergent with an equal amount of water. You may also want to look for cleansers that are formulated for outdoor upholstery. Be sure to spot test the detergent on the fabric in a place where no one will notice before you start cleaning.

Remove loose dirt

Using a damp cloth, remove any loose dirt and debris from your awnings and outdoor furniture. To do this, place the items in a sunny spot with the fabric fully stretched out (no folds or wrinkles). Wipe down the fabric to remove all dirt and/or moisture.

Scrub the remaining dirt

Over the winter, some of the dirt can become stuck on your outdoor fabrics, or worse, mildew might have formed and left dark, wet spots on your fabric. Fortunately, most outdoor fabrics are mildew resistant, so this is rarely an issue. Nonetheless, it is important to scrub off any dirt that is stuck to the fabric.

The easiest way to do this is to soak a cloth in a mild detergent, then scrub the affected areas. After the spots are removed, rinse the area thoroughly, then allow the fabric to fully dry in a sunny place.

With these tips, you are bound to have an sparkly clean, inviting patio that’s ready for the spring!

1. Clean your awnings regularly. Removing dirt and debris is the best way to make sure they don’t get stained or mildewed. Using a hose is often the easiest way, but it might be a good idea to add some mild soap to remove particularly baked on dirt. Of course, do a spot test first to see if the soap is right for your awnings (typically vinyl coated awnings are fine with most soaps). Clean the back or “under” side of your awnings with a broom to remove wet leaves and other debris. Make sure the awnings dry thoroughly.

2. Trim back bushes, vines, and trees. Plants that drop leaves or sap can harm your awning fabric. Organic substances tend to be slightly acidic, which can destroy fabric over time. By trimming back the trees, you’ll ensure that the leaves don’t land on your awnings.

3. Don’t drag your awnings on the ground. When you take down your awnings for the season or to clean them, do not drag the fabric across bought surfaces such as sidewalks or driveways. This will wear down the fabric, eventually causing it to tear.

4. Watch out for sprays. Sunscreen, bug spray, and other chemicals can all damage the fabric of your awnings.

5. Most importantly, be aware of water. Storing your awnings when they’re wet can cause them to mildew and mold. Allowing water to pool on the awnings can cause the fabric to stretch and weaken, eventually causing it to leak.

With proper care, your awning should last for years. Keep them away from obvious sources of dirt and debris, and make sure that they are clean and dry before storing them for the season.

The start of the Industrial Revolution meant that many people were able to spend more time decorating their homes. In America, many first-generation homeowners were excited to decorate their homes, and by the 1880’s there were many commercially available awnings and patterns to make awnings. It was during this time that many Victorian-style homes began to use striped awnings to provide some relief from the summer during the late spring and summer.

By the turn of the century and up to the start of the Great Depression, awnings became more practical. In fact, many shopkeepers began to use retractable awnings and canopies to create shade on sunny days in order to keep their customers cool and shopping longer. These canopies were able to be quickly taken down in the event of a storm, helping them to last longer. By the 1940’s, these fabric shades were replaced with aluminum awnings that did not have to be taken down.

As air conditioning became more readily available, many homes stopped using awnings. However, a renewed interest in environmentalism, the desire to save money on energy costs, and the desire to open windows so that air can be exchanged with the outside, have created a renewed demand for awnings. Today’s styles incorporate more modern materials that hold up well in many different weather conditions. Retractable awnings are also motorized, allowing homeowners to quickly retract them without running outside during a storm.

After several renovations and name changes, The Avalon is better than ever with beautiful interiors, chic rooms, and huge lounging areas for the guests to enjoy. (Shameless Plug: We made all the awnings for them)

So if you’re planning your next trip or need some time off from your busy schedule, The Avalon invites and welcomes you!