Pergola Awning | Retractable Patio Awnings

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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.

If you love the outdoors but are also among the many that are becoming increasingly concerned about the exposure to direct sunlight, then a retractable patio awning may be the perfect solution for you. A retractable patio awning is an awning covering that is attached to the side of a building which has the ability to open to provide shade, and retract to allow sunlight into the patio area. They are ideal if you like to have guests over for entertaining on the patio, or if you would like to sit outside and behold nature’s beauty without the worry of getting excess ultraviolet exposure from the sun.

These retractable awnings are of very sturdy construction and are highly durable. Retractable patio awnings are generally made of flexible materials such as acrylic cloth or canvas which vary in density. These covering s are affixed to wood, vinyl or metal components which allow the awning to be retractable. Some models of retractable awnings are motorized while others are manually cranked in and out as the occasion calls for its use.

Retractable awnings are especially good for use on patios. Retractable patio awnings can add a nice decorative touch to enhance the beauty of patio gardens. These devices are of course as functional as they are beautiful. Retractable patio awnings allow gatherings outside to be more enjoyable by allowing your guests to stay out of the direct sunlight, thereby being more comfortable.

Retractable patio awnings do more than just shade your guests from solar over exposure. They also can be used during light bouts of rain, which in itself can save your patio gathering. The retractable awnings also act as a form of protection for your home by blocking the sun and preventing harmful ultraviolet rays which otherwise could be fading your carpets, rugs and furniture.

Retractable patio awnings can also save you money by reducing the inside temperature of your home during the summer months. This will allow you to use the air conditioning lees, which translates into more money in your pocket.

By placing a retractable patio awning over your patio, you can in effect add another room to your home for your enjoyment. Awnings provide protection from both sun and rain, without hampering the surrounding view.

Retractable patio awnings are very affordable, and add value to your home. You can also find retractable patio awning kits which you can install yourself if you are a do-it-yourself type of individual.

Retractable patio awnings are quite versatile and come in a wide array of decorative colors and designs. No matter what style your home may be, you are certain to find materials which will match perfectly, and enhance the beauty of your home.