Benefits of Patio Awnings

Labels: Patio awnings
Labels: Patio awnings
Historically, awnings were covered with canvas that was either solid in color or painted with stripes. During the second half of the twentieth century canvas fell out of favor and was superceded by vinyl and other synthetic textiles. For various reasons - particularly its reflectivity and texture-vinyl is generally an unsuitable material for awnings on historic buildings. Many historic review commissions note the inappropriateness of vinyl in their guidelines and call for the use of canvas, canvas blends, or acrylics that resemble canvas.
Weather-resistant acrylic fabrics such as solution-dyed acrylic and acrylic-coated polyester-cotton approximate the historic look of canvas coverings, yet afford a new level of durability, color-fastness, and ease of use. Quality poly-cotton coverings may be more appropriate in some cases because, like traditional awnings, the colors and stripes are painted directly on the upper surface, while the underside remains a pearl gray color.
Retractable awnings are an ideal way to block sun and rain on a patio or deck without permanently altering a structure or erecting obstructive support poles. Unlike a permanent patio or deck cover, retractable awnings mount directly to the house and expand over the attached patio or deck when needed, but can be retracted into their housing mechanism when not in use. Retractable awnings can be custom made to fit the length and width of nearly any patio or deck. The awning itself is typically made of a durable fabric with color and pattern choices limited only to the manufacturer's selections. There are numerous manufacturers and retailers of retractable awnings, and most large retailers of deck and patio furniture sell them and can provide installation services.
Decks are one of the favorite family hangouts during spring, summer and fall months. Enjoying the open air and barbeques is often creates pleasant and lasting memories. Decks can be spots for entertaining or just to unwind after a long day of work. We all take precautions to weatherproof the wood on our decks and we want them to last for many years. Deck awnings are an excellent way to maintain the life of your deck and provide much-needed shade during the hottest times of the year.
Deck awnings, like other types of awnings, can be an effective means of blocking solar heat from the deck’s surface. This can provide a cool place to sit, relax and entertain friends and family. Deck awnings come in a multitude of styles, colors and materials. The huge selection offered by most awning companies is sure to provide more than enough choices for the selective homeowner.
Deck awnings can come in manual model automatic models. Manual deck awnings require the user to crank a lever to either extend or retract the awning cover. Automatic deck awnings are equipped with electronic devices that will automatically retract or extend the cover. Automatic deck awnings also come with a manual override feature, so that the homeowner can continue to use the awning if there is a power outage or if the motor stops working. Awnings are versatile since you can extend them all the way or only partially, depending on your preference.
The two most popular types of deck awnings are aluminum and canvas. Aluminum awnings are the most popular type for a few reasons. One of the reasons is that they are the best at reflecting light away from the deck’s surface. This proves to be an excellent way to maintain a consistently cool temperature during hot weather. Canvas deck awnings are, however, more visually appealing to some homeowners. They are usually offered in a bigger selection of colors and styles, as compared to aluminum deck awnings. Although aluminum awnings will last virtually forever, many people prefer the beauty of canvas awnings – despite the fact that they will need to be replaced every ten years or so.