retractable awnings Archives - Page 4 of 4

Patio awnings are a good long-term investment and improvement to the value of your home if installed correctly. If you want to add an awning to your outdoor patio, you’ll need the most up-to-date expertise. Here are some questions to ask yourself and your retailer below.

Should you choose a stationary or retractable awning?

A stationary awning is less expensive than a retractable awning. They are also lighter in weight than the equipment needed for a retractable model. A retractable awning is most often used in the backyard, and it can be modified to fit your budget and desired characteristics if you have the funds. We highly recommend investing in a retractable awning if you have the financial means.

How will your awning be mounted?

Since most retractable awnings weigh around 150 to 400 pounds, you should consider how the manufacturer will mount the hardware. Make sure your contractor is using shaft lag screws that are at least ¾” wide after all exterior materials have been removed and compressed, such as vinyl siding or polystyrene board. The aim of your awning installation is to pass halfway through the building before compressing anything else, such as aluminum siding or fiberglass, when performing any type of exterior work.

What kinds of fabric do you want?

Awning coverings are available in a range of colors and patterns. The material you choose for your awning not only has an impact on the appearance of your outside space, but it also has an influence on how long it will endure exposure to the elements. In general, look for a canopy made of high-quality acrylics and yarn-like materials.

Is the original quote an estimate or fixed price?

Some homeowners find they are unpleasantly surprised by additional costs and additions when the job is completed. Original quotes typically cover the anticipated labor time, but over-time may result in higher overall costs. Make certain to negotiate with your subcontractor so that the quote covers any potential extra hours. If at all possible, try to get a fixed price for the work.

Awning FX is all about optimizing your outdoor living space and making it more comfortable. Contact us today and find out how we can make your home more enjoyable with our different retractable awning options.

If your home or business is in an area that gets a lot of snowfall in the winter months, you might be worried about how your awning is going to hold up. In areas that experience large buildups of snow over the winter, there is potential for a weak awning to give way and collapse under the weight of all that snow. Minimize the danger by purchasing the right type of awning with these useful tips:

Frame engineering

When considering which awning to buy, don’t just focus on the fabric. You should pay attention to the frame too. The structure is what the awning snow load will primarily depend on. Manufacturers will also be able to give you an estimate on snow load, which you can compare to the type of snowfall you receive in your area.

Pitch matters

Flat awnings are going to have significantly more snow buildup than an awning that has a smaller angle when it comes to the pitch. On the other hand, a high-pitch awning will basically let the snow slide right off to the ground.

Fabric choice

When it comes to leaking awning, your safety depends on the choice of fabric. Woven fabrics tend to absorb water and snow and often let it leak through. However other fabrics are designed to be waterproof. When fabrics absorb water from the snow instead of repelling it, they become compromised.

Awning FX is all about optimizing your outdoor living space and making it more comfortable. Contact us today and find out how we can make your home more enjoyable with our different retractable awning options.

Retractable awnings are a great addition to your home or commercial property, and can help you transform your outdoor space. If you’re considering getting a retractable awning installed on your property, you should know what type is the best option for you. Here are some of the major awning styles you’ll find on the market:

Lateral arm awnings

These types of retractable awnings are a great option for those who want a shade structure but don’t want to compromise on their building’s aesthetic. The lateral arm mounts to the wall and folds into the structure when you retract it, creating a shade structure that integrates with the architecture.

Slide-on-wire

Slide-on-wire structures are designed with a strong cable system where shade panels can either be extended or retracted in either direction. These retractable awnings are great when you want some shade on sunny days but still want an unobstructed view of the sky on other days.

Slide-on-track

These awning structures are similar to slide-on-wire canopies, in that canvas panels slide open and closed, and fold into pleats when retracted. These structures however use a track usually made of aluminum to provide shelter from sun and rain.

Tension shades

These types of shades are usually used over skylights, porches, and open-air patios. Tension shades offer shade from overhead sun thanks to their fully tensioned membrane fabric panels.

Awning FX has been servicing the New York and New Jersey area for over two decades. We’re your go-to awning company! Contact us today and our experienced team can help you with all of your awning needs.

Awnings are a great addition to your home to boost the value of your home and protect yourself — and your home — from excess sunlight. When choosing your awning, it’s important to select a material that offers both durability and style. Here’s what you should keep in mind when selecting an awning material.

Shade factors

One of the main functions of your awning is to provide shade to your windows and exterior spaces. When you’re choosing a canvas awning material, you’ll want to pick out a product that has a high shade factor. A higher shade factor means more sunlight will be blocked out.

Weather resistance

By choosing the right fabric for your awning, you can be sure that your awning can withstand wind, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. Another benefit of a weather resistant awning material is that it’s usually protected from mold and mildew.

Colors and patterns

Along with providing your home some shade, your awning should also mirror your home’s style. Awning fabric comes in a wide variety of hues and patterns, so you can create a look that matches your exterior design scheme.

Awning FX has been servicing the New York and New Jersey area for over two decades. We’re your go-to awning company! Contact us today and our experienced team can help you with all of your awning needs.

There are a few important differences between manual and motorized retractable awnings, even though both will provide shade and protection from rain. So if you’re looking to install a retractable awning, you should know all of the information available to you before you make a purchase. Read on to figure out which you should get.

Manual retractable awnings

As the name suggests, manual retractable awnings come with a detachable hand crank in order to either extend or retract the awning. This crank will hook into place and can be rotated left or right to turn the roller mechanism and move the fabric awning.

Don’t require electricity
Less expensive to operate
Less expensive to purchase
Installation can be slightly less expensive
No wiring or electrical hazards

Motorized retractable awnings

When it comes to a motorized retractable awning, these models use an electric motor instead of a manual crank. If you want to open or close the awning, it’s as easy as pressing a button on a remote control or flipping a switch. The gear on the motor will spin, turn the roller mechanism, and extend or retract the awning.

Requires electricity to operate
Optional backup manual override in case of power loss
Can be programmed and automated
No crank hanging down
Easier for seniors and the physically disabled to operate

Awning FX is all about optimizing your outdoor living space and making it more comfortable. Contact us today and find out how we can make your home more enjoyable with our different retractable awning options.

A fixed or retractable awning can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal and market value. But if you want to give your awning even more appeal, decorating it can be a great way to do it! Here are three ways you can give your awning a quick makeover.

Add some lighting

Creativity is your only limit when it comes to lighting your awning. You can choose from lanterns, string lights, or opt for both to create a cozy outdoor atmosphere. With some lights to brighten things up, you can enjoy your outdoor space for longer too.

Add some plants

When you add some pots and hanging planters, you can create an outdoor space even more beautiful than it was to start. Flowers will give the area a colorful pop, but make sure you get plants that are shade-tolerant since your awning’s job is to block the sunlight.

Add a porch swing

Installing a swing is another great way to decorate your awning and outdoor space. A porch swing with a heavy-duty suspension chain can be easily attached to the beams of your awning. A swing can be the perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Awning FX has been servicing the New York and New Jersey area for over two decades. We’re your go-to awning company! Contact us today and our experienced team can help you with all of your awning needs.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking to spruce up your backyard, choosing the right awning for your home is important. With so many options to choose from, it might be difficult to decide on which style awning works best. Here are some useful tips to help you pick a stationary or retractable awning:

Stationary awnings

Since these types of awnings stand on their own and need to stay standing in harsh weather, they are generally sturdy and come well constructed. Stationary awnings are usually made with steel frames and can also be customized to fit your unique tastes. Stationary awnings are a great option if you want to create a shady area by the pool or cover an outdoor dining area.

However, stationary awnings that stay out in all weather conditions also come with a price. Constant exposure to rain or snow can cause the awning frame to rust and weaken. The awning fabric can also fade over time from the overhead sun. Likewise, a custom built stationary awning may be a little more expensive than the alternatives.

Retractable awnings

Unlike stationary awnings, retractable awnings use a roller system to pull the awning back into a folded position. This design is especially useful during storms because when rolled up, the awning won’t be damaged from wind and rain. These types of awnings also have a lower initial cost, are easy to install, and work great at protecting decks from the elements.

Overall, retractable awnings are the more expensive option so it’s important to invest in the right one. Having to replace the electric sensor on a motorized awning can also add to the expense. When it comes to upkeep, water can pool and collect in some areas on fabric awnings, and can lead to unhealthy growth of mold and mildew.

Before you make any decisions to buy an awning, you should speak with one of the professionals at Awning FX today! We can help you figure out your options and show you what works best for your home. Contact us today and learn more!

While awnings can be retractable or fixed, both kinds need proper care and maintenance to stay in good working order. A regular cleaning can help protect your investment and keep your awning looking fresh over the years. Here are some of the best ways to care for your awning:

General cleaning

Some fabric awnings are small enough to fit inside a washing machine, but unfortunately most won’t. Before you begin washing the fabric, sweep off any leaves or other debris and check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use dish soap in lukewarm water with a bristle brush, or a power washer on a very low setting. Also make sure to let it dry completely before retracting it again.

Paint

If you managed to get paint on your fabric awning, don’t worry. For oil-based paints, let it dry as much as possible and then use an oil or grease remover on the material. Then wash it with dish soap and rinse clean. For water-based paints, scrub with liquid soap, rise, and let dry.

Stains

Tannins and oils in leaves and other debris from overhead trees can stain your fabric awning. While it may be difficult to remove, treat the stain with a stain remover and let it sit. Then scrub and thoroughly wash it clean. You might have to do this more than once for particularly dark stains. If that doesn’t work, you might want to try a solution of ammonia and water or bleach and water.

Not all awning fabrics are cleaned with the same soap or techniques, and some materials should be coated with water-resistant and mildew-resistant solutions. It’s best to hire a professional to come take care of and clean your awning at least once a year.

Awning FX has been servicing the New York and New Jersey area for over two decades. Contact us today and our experienced team can help you with all of your awning needs.

4 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing an Awning

Should you choose a stationary or retractable awning?

How will your awning be mounted?

What kinds of fabric do you want?

Is the original quote an estimate or fixed price?

Will Excess Snow Collapse My Awning?

Frame engineering

Pitch matters

Fabric choice

4 Types of Retractable Awnings for Your Home or Business

Lateral arm awnings

Slide-on-wire

Slide-on-track

Tension shades

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Awning

Shade factors

Weather resistance

Colors and patterns

Manual vs. Motorized Retractable Awnings: Which Should You Get?

Manual retractable awnings

Motorized retractable awnings

3 Ways to Give Your Awnings a Makeover

Add some lighting

Add some plants

Add a porch swing

Stationary vs. Retractable Awnings: Which Is Better?

Stationary awnings

Retractable awnings

How to Clean Your Fabric Awning

General cleaning

Paint

Stains

Products

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