Awnings, Aluminum and Fabric

Welcome to Awningplus.com. Our site is dedicated to gathering and disseminating information about awnings that can be used for home or commercial purposes. Awningplus.com is purely informational and does not promote or endorse any particular product or method.

Our site is designed to inform consumers about awnings and retractable awnings.

Because awnings can lower temperatures, they save owners money on energy bills and are becoming increasingly popular in America as environmental concerns grow. At the 2008 Democratic National Convention presidential nominee Barak Obama called for an increased emphasis on alternative energy so that the United States can have energy independence from the Middle East within 10 years. This may cause an increase in the use of aluminum and fabric retractable awnings. The Professional Awnings Manufacturers Association writes that awnings have been shown to reduce heat buildup by nearly 80%, cut air conditioning use by 25% and significantly lower energy bills.

Awnings are secondary coverings that attach to exterior walls. They can be used above a patio or a window. They can also be attached to an RV to provide shade when you park your vehicle.

Commercial buildings often decorate or paint aluminum or fabric awnings with their business name and logo for branding purposes. These awnings are often seen in front of hotels or restaurants. They protect pedestrians and customers from the sun and act as a cover from precipitation such as sleet or rain.

19th century awnings were difficult to operate, but today's retractable awnings are much easier to use. They also have been shown to effectively control temperatures. Tests have shown that the area beneath awning canopies can be as much as 20° cooler than the temperature in nearby unprotected areas.

Aluminum awnings and canvas awnings can be installed by experienced do-it-yourselfers. Still, you need to make sure that you follow directions carefully. If you are using aluminum awnings make sure the post brackets are carefully bolted into the concrete. After that attach the other side of the awning to your home, RV, or carport.

Fabric awnings will require occasional maintenance. When you wash the awning use up-and-down strokes. Apply consistent pressure to ensure that the awning is carefully and evenly cleaned. Work from the top down to reduce the chance of needing to clean spots that you've already covered.

Also, don't forget to clean the underside of your awning. Apply cleaners and let them stand for at least 10 minutes. The underside usually does not need to be scrubbed, but you should spray it off with a hose.

When you shop for awnings or retractable awnings, speak with the salesperson about factors that will help you maximize energy efficiency. You will want to discuss the projection of the awning. Projection refers to how far the awning extends and how much shade it will provide inside your RV, home, or commercial business and directly beneath the awning outside. Also, you should discuss with your salesperson the best way to hang your awnings in order to maximize blockage of sunlight and reduce heat. Finally, buying accessories such as sun sensors and motors will make you more likely to use the awning because they minimize the amount of work required to extend the awning on a hot day.

 

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