Traditional awnings were permanently installed and had straight edges, triangular frames, and green-and-white striped canvas coverings. However, because of the increasing demand for awnings, manufacturers and suppliers now offer more variety for these protective coverings. Today’s awnings now come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors. Fixed awnings are slowly being replaced by retractable and motorized awnings which are faster to install and easier to operate than fixed awnings.

Awning designs have evolved from rectangular coverings to dome, concave, convex, spear designs. The variety of awning designs allow home and building owners to choose the best type of awning that will fit their home’s overall look and architecture. Because of manufacturers’ ability to design specifically to a client’s needs, awnings can now be custom-made to have the exact shape, color, and size to suit your window or patio.

Types of awning designs

There are several types of awning designs. Traditional awnings are the simplest type of awning design and are made by stretching a piece of canvas fabric over two triangular frames. Triangular frames provide a 45-degree angle which is perfect to install on windows for blocking sunlight. These awnings also come in open and closed sides, depending on the client’s preference.

Concave awnings look like traditional awnings with a U-shaped surface. Concave awnings provide extra protection for windows because they are longer than the actual window frame. These awnings normally have closed sides, a solid color, and straight edges.

Dome awnings look like the tops of umbrellas. They have a rounded frame that supports a curved piece of acylic or nlyon. Dome awnings are mostly used in restaurants and buildings. They cover a larger part of windows which protect these structures more than traditional awnings. Some dome awnings are made taller for a more dramatic effect.

Quarter barrel awnings look like extended dome awnings. They are curved at the top and extend to accommodate longer diner windows. They are usually have scalloped edges and can be printed with the establishment’s name, providing instant advertisement.

Spear awnings look like traditional awnings with long, spiked rods on each corner. Spear awnings are very versatile and provide elegance to residential and commercial buildings. Spear awnings offer a European flair to windows and can be adjusted to the desired angle.

Retractable awnings can be manually cranked while others operate using a motor. When awnings have motors inside, they are called motorized awnings. Motorized awnings are easy to operate and eliminate the need for manual cranking of retractable awnings. The motor mechanism is activated by the simple flick of a switch or pressing of a button.

Motorized awnings are offered by most awning manufacturers and suppliers. These awnings are becoming a popular choice among home and building owners because they are easy to operate. However, once motorized awnings begin having problems with their motor, the entire awning can be damaged and deemed unusable. Unless your motorized awnings have manual cranking options, they cannot be used until the motor is repaired or replaced.

Choosing motorized awnings

Before you buy motorized awnings, determine where you will be using them. If you will be installing your awnings in patios for frequent outdoor parties, motorized awnings might be a good choice. With motorized awnings, you can choose to use your awnings on rainy days or keep them retracted on clear nights. However, if you only use your patio on clear days, then you probably do not need the versatility of motorized awnings.

The next consideration when buying motorized awnings is your budget. How much are you willing to spend for motorized awnings? Awnings with simple motors cost a few dollars more than non-motorized ones. However, motorized awnings with override capabilities can cost more than standard motorized awnings. The override option allows you to retract your awnings manually, in case the motor breaks down.

Benefits of motorized awnings

Motorized awnings are easy to operate. You can activate the motor by pressing a button or flicking a switch. This triggers the mechanism to retract your awnings or extend them to a certain length.

Motorized awnings are also easy to install. All you need to do is securely mount your motorized awning to any wall, window, or patio. You do not need to build posts or braces needed by fixed awnings. There is little or not construction needed to install these awnings because they are compact.

Maintenance

Motorized awnings require little or no maintenance at all. These awnings have coated and protected motors that prevent moisture and rust build-up. Motors are also enclosed within the awning’s metal casing, which prevents direct contact with dust and water. Because they are intended to be well-protected even before use, you can enjoy using your motorized awnings for as long as five years. In case you encounter problems with motorized awnings, you can always contact your awning supplier for a professional diagnosis of the problem.

RV (recreational vehicles) awnings are used to provide shade and add aesthetic quality to mobile homes. Because of the mobility of RVs, RV awnings are made to be compact and easy to install. RV awnings are hardly fixed. If fixed awnings were installed on RVs, it would be inconvenient to travel on the road. In addition, fixed awnings on RVs could be a road hazard and may cause accidents.

For this reason, RV awnings are mostly retractable. Owners can choose to install a motorized RV awning or a manual one. RV awnings are typically sold in kits which contain horizontal rafters, arms, shades, blinds, and braces. RV awnings are easily installed outside the windows and doors of mobile homes, and can be withdrawn when no longer needed.

Benefits of RV awnings

RV awnings can provide shade, protection, and aesthetics to any mobile home. RV awnings can provide shade for mobile homes. They can block out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and help maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. RV awnings can also be used to provide extra living space outdoors. RV awnings can provide shade for parties and get-togethers done outside mobile homes.

Because they are retractable, RV awnings can be withdrawn on a clear night and extended during sudden rain showers. RV awnings can also make mobile homes look more attractive. Bright-colored RV awnings can make mobile homes stand out while neutral-colored awnings can give a relaxed, outdoor feel.

Choosing RV awnings

There are several considerations when choosing RV awnings. Consider your mobile home type and model. RV awnings are compatible with most mobile homes, with some mobile home manufacturers venturing out into producing their own line of RV awnings.

Determine the size of your RV awning. Decide how long and wide you want it to extend. Take measurements of your RV windows, doors, or walls to determine the length and width of your awning. It is best to bring these measurements to your RV awning supplier to establish the correct dimensions of your awning.

Decide on how you want your RV awning to look like. RV awnings have evolved from the typical green and white striped look to solid colors and subtle shades. Most RV awning manufacturers can custom-dye fabrics to the specific shade you want. Determine how much you want to spend on your RV awning. Inexpensive RV awnings are normally manual retractable types but expensive ones are motorized.

Awnings are outdoor coverings for walls, windows, doors, patios, and Rvs (recreational vehicles). They provide protection, shade, and aesthetic quality to any type of structure. Awnings can be fixed or retractable. Fixed awnings are permanently installed coverings while retractable awnings can be extended only when needed. Retractable awnings can come equipped with motors. These motors automatically withdraw or extend awnings by a simple flick of a switch or by pressing a button.

Awnings provide protection against harmful environmental elements. Awnings prevent the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays from entering windows and damaging furniture. By blocking sunlight, awnings help maintain a comfortable room temperature indoors. Awnings also block rain from seeping into wooden walls and in effect, prevent walls from rotting and softening. In places where hailstorms are prevalent, awnings can block high-velocity hailstones that can strike glass windows and cause them to crack or shatter.

Most awnings are made of fabric like nylon, acrylic, and canvas, although some awnings make use of aluminum coverings. Awnings also provide architectural interest and aesthetic quality to most structures. The beauty of awnings is that it can come with a variety of colors and patterns of fabrics. Awning fabrics are stretched over a steel, wood, aluminum, or iron frame that acts as the awning’s skeleton. Most awning manufacturers and suppliers have produced their own line of patented fabrics that are dyed, coated, and treated with different enhancing solutions. These solutions make awning fabrics more durable, weather-resistant, tear-resistant, and waterproof.

Choosing awning fabrics

There are several considerations when choosing awning fabrics.  Determine what type of awning you need depending on where you will be using it. The location of awnings can dictate what type of fabric and protection you will need. Awnings can be installed in windows, doors, sidewalks, restaurants, walls, patios, and RVs. Larger awnings such as those for patios and RVs need to be thicker to stand up to strong winds, storms, and harsh sunlight. Window awnings can be made of lighter fabrics to let some amount of sunlight in.

Decide on what look you want your awnings to have. Aside from protection, awnings can also add aesthetic quality to homes and outdoor structures. Awnings have evolved from the typical green and white-striped look to more contemporary styles that fit any type of home or building. For a rustic look, choose darker-colored awnings in shades of moss, wood, and earth. For a contemporary feel, choose neutral colors like grey, white, or beige. If you want your awnings to stand out, choose bright colors like red, blue, or yellow.

For protective purposes, awnings should be made of thick fabrics that have been treated to withstand exposure to extreme temperatures and climates. Most awning fabrics are treated to resist water, wind, and sunlight. Awning fabrics should not tear or rip easily and should last a good five years or so.

Canvas is the most popular awning fabric because it is inexpensive and durable. By nature, canvas is made of weft thread-woven cotton. The unique weaving of canvas gives it a diagonal pattern similar to that of the weaving in blue jeans. There are two types of canvas: duck and plain. Duck canvas is woven more tightly than plain canvas and is usually heavier. The weight of canvas is graded in reversed number order. The heavier the canvas, the smaller the number (or grade) assigned to it.

Because of its abundance, canvas is the most common residential awning fabric. Canvas awnings are installed on windows, patios, and doors and come in straight or scalloped edges. Because canvas is made of natural cotton fiber, it can be dyed in different colors and shades. This fabric is also coated to make it water-repellent and tear-resistant, making canvas strong and inexpensive.

Choosing canvas awnings

There are several things to consider before choosing canvas awnings. Determine what you will be using your awnings for. Canvas awnings are best used for homes, patios, and windows because they provide the best balance of strength and inexpensiveness. Canvas is easily manufactured using the simplest materials and processes. Other awning materials like nylon and acrylic tend to cost more because they are harder to manufacture and treat.

Consider why you want canvas awnings to be installed in your home. More than just protective coverings, awnings can also provide aesthetic quality to any structure. Canvas awnings can block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, hail stones, and harsh winds from knocking your windows down or dampening your patios during a party. Because they are treatable, canvas awnings can be custom-colored to your desired shade to match your home decor.

Another consideration for choosing canvas awnings is budget. If you want a durable, attractive awning but are not willing to spend so much money, canvas awnings are the best choice for you. Canvas awnings are the most affordable customized awnings available. Because they are also easy to maintain, canvas awnings do not need to be professionally cleaned on a regular basis. The low maintenance of canvas awnings eliminates extra cleaning expenses and costly cleaning solutions.

Maintaining canvas awnings

Canvas awnings can be cleaned by a quick hose down every month. For best results, hose down your canvas awnings with clean, running water on a hot day. This will allow canvas awnings to dry quickly and prevent mildew build-up. You can also use a simple soap and water solution to scrub your canvas awnings. Mildly scrub your awnings with a slightly-abrasive sponge to remove dirt, dust, and dried leaves. Do not allow small holes or tears in your canvas awnings to get bigger so that you will not have to bring them to the supplier for repairs because that may add cost to you.

Awnings are beneficial structures. They prevent indoor furniture from damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. They prevent wooden walls from accumulating moisture and rotting from the inside out. They maintain a constant room temperature by blocking out sunlight. In times of unexpected rain showers, awnings provide shade for outdoor patio parties and prevent guests from getting wet. Awnings installed on the outside of RVs provide family members with additional living space, where they can place hammocks and outdoor furniture. When installed outside restaurants, diners, and stores, awnings can be painted with establishment’s trade names and serve as instant advertisement for passersby to see.

Cleaning and maintaining awnings is simple. This is because awnings are made of durable fabrics that do not tear, rip, or stain easily, as well as metal frames that are treated to resist rust and corrosion. In the case of retractable awnings, maintenance is slightly complex, especially if these awnings are equipped with a motor. Despite the metal encasement of motors, they are still prone to damage that comes with extended and long-term use.

Tips for cleaning awnings

Regardless of fabric, awnings need to be hosed down with clean, running water. This can be done once or twice a month, or depending on weather conditions. Hosing down awnings freshens up the surface and rids it of dried leaves, dirt, dust, and bird droppings. The best time to hose down awnings is on a sunny day. This way, awnings dry faster, preventing mildew build-up. As much as possible, allow awnings to air dry. You can towel them off slightly, but never use artificial drying equipment such as hair dryers. Hair dryers can emit too much heat that it can damage, singe, burn, or melt your awning fabrics.

For hard-to-remove dirt like animal droppings and dead leaves, use a mild soap and water solution. A mild detergent and tap water is the easiest awning cleaning solution to make at home. After sweeping away loose debris on your awnings, slightly rub the coverings with a soft or semi-abrasive pad or soft bristle brush dipped in the cleaning solution. Allow the solution to stand for a few minutes. Rinse your awnings thoroughly to remove any leftover detergent and let the awnings air dry.

For awnings that have been used for a long time, check if they need to be retreated. Awnings are coated with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) which makes the fabrics water repellent and durable. If you notice water seeping in your awnings, that is a sign that you need to bring them to your manufacturer and have them resealed. If you notice any holes or tears in your awnings, do not wait for them to grow bigger. Bring your awnings to your manufacturer right away for simple sewing or patching repairs.

When installed on sidewalks, they allow pedestrians to walk comfortably without feeling the sun on their backs. Awnings installed on recreational vehicles provide additional living space to family members who want to lounge in a hammock and enjoy the outdoors. Outside restaurant and shop windows, awnings give protection and free advertisement, by bearing the establishment’s name in print.

Aside from giving protection against the environmental elements, awnings provide aesthetic quality to residential and commercial structures. The design of awnings is no longer limited to straight-edges and stripes. The increasing demand for awnings has pushed its manufacturers to come up with new designs to cater to more clients. From the traditional look, awnings now come in dome, concave, convex, and speared designs that can make any structure look whimsical or elegant.

How to measure awnings

Once you have decided on the style of awning you want, you are now ready to specify its dimensions. If you will be hiring a contractor to build your awning, these professionals usually take the measurements themselves. They visit your home or building and have the necessary tools to measure your walls and windows. However, for do-it-yourself people who want to build their awnings themselves, there are simple ways to measure awnings.

The easiest way to do this is to measure the structure where you will be installing the awning. If you will be installing your awning on a window, measure the wall where the window is located. Afterwards, measure the entire length of the window, from one tip of the frame to the other. Do the same procedure when measuring the window’s height.

In order to keep the ordering simple and free of errors, please follow the guidelines step by step and fill the information into the appropriate boxes as you go along.

1. Measure the width of the wall where you like to place the awning. Keep in mind that the width of the fabric is 6 inches less then the total width of the awning (mechanics). Width of awning minus 1′6 inches gives you the maximum projection for your configuration.
2. When measuring the height of the awning location, keep in mind that you should have a minimum height of 6 feet at the lower part of the awning while fully extended. When considering the projection and height of installation, keep in mind that in order to use the awning in light rain you must have a slope of at least 15 degree. Minimum distance between mounting brackets and windows should be 8 inches. On ceiling mounts measure at least 8 inches from the outside edge of the building to the first edge of the bracket.
3. Choose from these 3 mounting brackets: a) bracket for mounting on timber framed walls or brick walls, b) bracket for ceiling mount, c) bracket for mounting to the side of rafters.
4. Choose between manual or motorized operation and on which side (looking at the awning from the outside) the motor switch or the crank handle should be.
5. Distance between floor and mounted awning minus 40 inches equals the length of the crank handle.
6. Choose between white, bronze and beige as the hardware color. Additional colors available for an additional 12% or minimum $100.00 per order.
7. Choose a color and pattern combination for the awning fabric. It should fit your house as well as your surroundings.
8. Retractable awnings are easily self-installed. Manufacturers will provide you with all the necessary hardware specific to your installation and a step by step manual, explaining in detail how to get the awning out of the box and mounted to your satisfaction.

Awnings are external coverings that protect the exterior walls of buildings. These coverings are installed outside windows, doors, patios, and Rvs (recreational vehicles) to shield structures from wind, rain, hail, or direct sunlight. Awnings are normally made of durable fabrics such as nylon, acrylic, and canvas that come in different colors and patterns for a customized look.

Retractable awnings are awnings that can be withdrawn or extended whenever needed. Lateral arm, tension shade, and side arm types are the variations of awnings. These awnings are slowly becoming popular among homeowners, restaurant operators, and building owners because of their versatility. They are used in virtually any type of outdoor space and can even decorate and accentuate any structure.

Retractable awnings are very advantageous. These awnings have posts and braces that are made of corrosion-resistant metals. Their fabrics are dyed and fade-resistant.  These awnings can retract into metal casings that are fully mounted on the outside of walls, doors, and windows. Unlike fixed awnings, retractable awnings look inconspicuous and do not obstruct the view of houses and buildings.

Most retractable awnings have a motor, which allows the awnings to withdraw into their metal casings. With these motors, retractable awning owners no longer need to crank and manually roll their awnings inside.

Types of retractable awnings

There are three main types of retractable awnings. These are the lateral arm, tension shade, and side arm. The lateral arm retractable awning is normally used on patios.  They block the sun’s rays allowing people to enjoy the outdoors without feeling the scorching heat. The side arm retractable awning is typically installed outside windows for shade purposes. Tension shade retractable awnings are installed in sunrooms to block off sunlight.

Retractable awnings are also useful in RVs. Because of the RV’s mobility, it is important that awnings can be easily stored whenever the owners need to go out on the road. Retractable awnings for RVs can be custom-fit to match your RVs exact dimensions and color.

Advantages of retractable awnings

There are several advantages of retractable awnings. Retractable awnings can reduce interior temperatures in homes and buildings by as much as 77%. This temperature deduction is attributed to the awning’s dyed fabrics. In effect, owners need not use air conditioning to cool their homes during the warm season which lowers electricity bills.
Retractable awnings also preserve the attractiveness of homes and other structures. Because they can be hidden from view, retractable awnings do not obstruct the beauty of a home’s architecture. In addition, retractable awnings protect a home’s furniture from fading by blocking off the sun’s harmful rays.

Fixed awnings have posts and braces which need to be secured to the exterior walls of a home. Retractable awnings do not. Because there is hardly no installation and construction needed, retractable awnings are inexpensive than fixed awnings.

Retractable awnings are also made of durable fabric that lasts longer than the untreated fabrics of fixed awnings. Retractable awnings do not fade or tear easily. They are more able to withstand storms, continuous exposure to sunlight, and strong winds than fixed awnings.

Awnings are types of architectural coverings that are found protruding outside of houses, RVs (recreational vehicles), patios, windows, and other similar structures. These projections are composed of a firm skeleton that is usually secured to a house, RV, patio, door or window. These awning skeletons support the awning’s covering, which is normally made of nylon, canvas, acrylic, or even aluminum. Awning coverings come in different colors and patterns that can match any type of home or building.

Awnings can be permanently fixed to a window or home while others can be installed separately. Retractable awnings can be pulled out when needed and slid back in its metal enclosure for storage. There are also motorized awnings which automatically slide in and out of its cases whenever needed.

Aside from giving a building aesthetic quality, awnings provide protection against environmental elements such as wind, rain, hail, snow, or sunlight. Awnings prevent sunlight from hitting houses and windows directly, therefore giving houses a cooler environment. They also prevent rain from directly hitting structures, and provide dry environments. Also, awnings can give buildings extra living space, by providing a makeshift roof for outdoor patios.

Awnings decorate houses and other architectural structures

Awnings make any house, window, or patio look elegant, rustic, or modern, depending on its make and materials used. Some use awnings to accentuate a small window, while others use awnings to make large windows look more compact. Dome awnings, a type used in restaurants, provide a delightful ambience that makes these restaurants appealing and inviting. Because of the availability of awning fabrics and colors, people can have their awnings custom-made to fit their building’s overall look and feel.

When installed over patios, awnings can provide extra entertaining space in your home. Awnings act as an extension of a house’s roof and allow guests to enjoy their patios despite different weather conditions. Instead of always having get-togethers and parties indoors, owners can now mingle out in their patios, despite the harsh sunlight or heavy rains.

Awnings protect houses and other architectural structures

The primary use of awnings is for protection. Exposed glass windows in houses allow sunlight to pass through freely. Furniture like wooden tables and paintings inside the house that are continuously exposed to direct sunlight can fade or become brittle. Awnings placed outside windows can block the sun’s harmful rays and protect your furniture.

When installed in areas where hurricanes and hailstorms are normal occurrences, awnings act as a shield for houses and glass windows. Awnings can prevent glass from shattering, by blocking hail or strong winds from banging against walls and windows. During heavy rains and storms, awnings installed on the exterior walls of a house can protect wood from soaking up moisture and rotting.

Patio awnings have evolved from the typical white and green-striped fabric covering. Because of the demand for patio awning choices, awning manufacturers offer patio awnings in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. These options provide owners with custom-fit awnings that match the exterior look of their patio and home.

Patio awnings are made of weatherproof fabrics like acrylic, nylon, and canvas. These fabrics are similar to nonporous plastic. These materials do not allow water to seep in and trickle down on guests, tables, and food. These patio awnings are also opaque and block sunlight from getting into the eyes of guests.

Choosing patio awnings

There are several considerations to think about before buying patio awnings. Consider how frequent you use your patio for entertainment activities. Do you use it seldom or every weekend? If you use patio awnings most of the time, you might want to get a retractable awning. This feature allows you to withdraw your awnings on clear nights to gaze up at the stars or pull them back out when it starts raining.

Before buying a patio awning, think about the location of your patio. If your patio is facing the afternoon sun, you might want to choose fabrics that are dark-colored as these block out more sunlight than light-colored ones. If your patio is located in a secluded area of your house, choose light-colored fabrics that make your patio look spacious and non-constricting.

Patio awnings are widely available in different colors and patterns. If your patio is made of dark woods that give it a rustic look, choose earth-toned patio awnings. If you want to make your patio the centerpiece of your house, a brightly-colored patio awning in red or yellow can achieve that effect. For a neutral look, choose patio awnings that are cream-colored or white.

Make sure to measure your patio before you buy your patio awning. Most patio awning manufacturers offer several lengths and widths that can adjust to any type of patio. However, if you want a custom-fit patio awning, bring your measurements to your supplier and have a patio awning custom-made.

Maintenance

Patio awnings are easy to maintain. To maintain the rich color of awning fabrics, a quick hose down with running water can remove dust and dirt that have accumulated on the awning’s surface. In case of motorized awnings that have broken down, you can contact your awning supplier and determine the problem. Motorized patio awnings have replacement motors that can be purchased at a fair price.

Buying awnings is a simple procedure, once you know what questions to ask. Before setting out to buy yourself these structures, ask yourself where you will be using your awnings. Will you be using your awnings for decorative or protective purposes? Another question to consider is what type of awnings you want to have: do you want a fixed awning or a retractable one? You should also consider the type of fabric to use, as well as any specific color or pattern you want. After you have determined these details, choose an awning builder or manufacturer that is nearest you. These professionals can help determine other details like the dimensions of your awning, the type of installation, as well as the cost.

Use

Determine why you want to install an awning in the first place. Awnings can be used to decorate a home or accentuate a window or door. However, awnings are primarily used to protect exterior structures that are prone to direct exposure to environmental elements such as rain, sunlight, hail, and wind. Knowing how you will be using your awnings is the first step in buying them.

Location

The next step in buying awnings is to know where you will be using them. Awnings are normally used on the exterior walls of houses. In addition, awnings can also be used in windows, patios, or sidewalks. Knowing where you will be installing your awnings will help you determine the materials to be used, as well as the awning’s dimensions.

Materials

The coverings of awnings are normally made of fabric. Materials such as canvas, nylon, acrylic, or canvas are typically used because these are durable and last longer when continually exposed to sunlight, rain, and strong winds. These fabrics are also available in a variety of colors and patterns. These choices can help you match your awnings with a particular color scheme in your home or building.

Dimensions

Awnings can be custom-made to fit any type of wall, window, door, or patio. They come in different lengths and widths. The best way to determine how long and wide your awnings should be is to measure the structure you will be fitting the awnings in. Bring these measurements to your manufacturer to help you find the best fit.

Awning manufacturers

There are a lot of awning manufacturers and suppliers all over the world. Architects, landscape artists, and professional builders usually have their own set of awning supplier contacts. A quick visit to any of these professionals can help you locate a supplier nearest you.

Budget

Know how much you want to spend for your awnings. Knowing this amount can help you streamline your choices which will help you buy your awnings quicker and easier.

There are two types of awnings: fixed and retractable. Traditional awnings were permanently installed on the exteriors of homes and buildings. These awnings always extruded from the structure and could not be taken down. However, technological advancements have produced the retractable awning. Retractable awnings can be pulled out whenever it needs to be used and can quickly be rolled up and stored in metal casings.

However, fixed and retractable awnings have their own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed awnings might provide more protection, but might be less attractive because of their bulky structures. Retractable awnings can be versatile but can be more costly once their motor or internal retracting mechanism gets broken.

Fixed Awnings

Fixed awnings are permanent second coverings. These are installed and usually extrude from your window, patio, or door, and cannot be folded up and stored. Depending on their skeleton, awnings can look bulky and obtrusive because of their slanting posts and braces. When installed on glass windows, awnings can provide optimum protection and prevent wind and rain from destroying these structures. However, fixed awnings can make rooms dark because they block out sunlight extremely well.

Fixed awnings are also made of limited materials. These awnings are mostly made of steel braces and posts that can corrode and rust easily. Fixed awnings are also made of canvas or vinyl fabric that is prone to mildew build-up and fading.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are more flexible than fixed awnings. Because of their ability to be extended or withdrawn, retractable awnings can protect your structures only when they are needed. Retractable awnings can be pulled out during hailstorms and strong winds that can strike glass windows and cause them to shatter. During sunny days when you want the sunlight to stream through your windows, retractable awnings can be withdrawn manually or automatically.

Retractable awnings are available in more fabrics and colors. These awnings are made of coated and dyed fabrics that do not fade or tear easily. Because they are dyed, retractable awnings offer more choices for owners who want a specific color or shade to match their home.

Fixed vs. retractable awnings

Fixed awnings provide constant protection than retractable awnings. Because they are permanent structures, fixed awnings do not need to be retracted by hand cranks or motors when it suddenly rains.

Retractable awnings can be more attractive than fixed awnings. When withdrawn, retractable awnings only show their horizontal valance. These awnings do not block the view of your homes by having the protruding posts and braces of fixed awnings. Retractable awnings also come in more colors and patterns that give owners more options.

Afterglo Awnings has been providing awnings to residential and commercial establishments in Houston, Texas for over 20 years. Their office is located at 22206 Highway 105 West Montgomery, Texas. For more information on their product line, call them at +409 597 5978 or fax them at +409 597 5968. For interested clients in Montgomery, Afterglo Awnings can be reached at 936 597 5978.

American Structures & Design, Inc.

American Structures & Design, Inc. specializes in patio and window awnings. Their other products include aluminum and glass railings; glass and aluminum patio covers; and roller shutters. They are located at 20133 SouthEast, 353rd Street, Auburn, Washington. They also sell their products on wholesale. For more information, call them at +253 833 4343 or fax them at +253 833 4545.

Atlanta Custom Canvas, Inc.

Atlanta Custom Canvas designs, sells, and installs canopies, tents, patio covers, tarpaulins, and customized awnings for commercial, residential, and industrial use. They cater their products to interested clients in the Roswell, Georgia, Duluth, Atlanta, Woodstock, Powder Springs, and Durwoody areas. Call them at 770 300 0576 or email them at info@atlantacustomcanvas.com

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Canevas Metropolitain has been in the awning manufacturing business for over 40 years. This family-owned business specializes in commercial and residential awnings. They are located at 579 Le Breton, Longueuil, Québec and can be called toll free at 1 800 567 8343. For fax inquiries, send them through (450) 646 4679.

Advanced Fabrics

Advanced Fabrics is located at 94 New Maryland Highway, New Maryland, N.B. and specializes in metal and fabric awnings used for residential and commercial applications. They also sell retractable awnings for recreational vehicles. For inquiries, call them at 506 459 5858. To request for quotations, email them at advfab@nbnet.nb.ca.

Jans Awnings

Jans Awnings & Rollershutters sells window awnings, fixed awnings, and retractable awnings. They have been providing quality products and exceptional customer service in the Ottawa region for over 15 years. Call them at (613) 832 2345 or email your inquiries to henryj@jansawnings.com.

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Radiant Blinds has provided quality awnings for commercial and residential use in London and other countries for over a century. Their office is at 101 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey. For more information on their products and services, call them at 020 8390 8755 or email them at info@radiantblinds.co.uk.

Tarpaulin Supply & Repair

Located at 51 Tyburn Road, Heartlands, Birmingham, West Midlands, Tarpaulin Supply & Repair has been the leader in supplying and repairing PVC and tarpaulin materials for over 40 years. Their tarpaulins are used in awnings, side curtains, and lorry sheets. For more information, contact them at 0121 327 2110, fax them at 0121 327 0429, or email them at howardmpilot@btclick.com.

Caribbean Blinds U.K. Ltd

With their office in Addison Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk, Caribbean Blinds U.K. specializes in patio awnings, window awnings, and various awning accessories. They also offer a downloadable brochure containing their product line, as well as list of their products’ distributors near your area. For more information, call them at +44 (0) 1787 882582 or email atsales@caribbean-blinds.com

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Indigo specializes in residential and commercial awnings, as well as blinds and shutters. They are located at 13 Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria and can be contacted at 01539 723089. For inquiries, email them at enquiries@indigo-store.co.uk.

Indigo Shading Solutions

Indigo Shading Solutions specializes in parasols and awnings for home and commercial use. They are located at Unit 4, New Way Business Center, Oakdale Valley, Wallasey, Wirral and can be contacted at 0151 630 1262.

Carolina Blind & Curtain, Co.
Located at 27 Penraevon Industrial Estate, Meanwood Road, Penraevon Industrial Estate, Leeds, Carolina Blind & Curtain, Co. offers personalized interior design consultation to clients in the York, Bradford, and Harrogate areas. They have been selling quality awnings and blinds for over 15 years. Contact them at 0113 393 0800.

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Gordon Designing Decor

Gordon Designing Decor is family business located along Leonard Street, Victoria Park, Perth, Western Australia. They specialize in retractable window awnings and blinds of all styles and colors. For more information, contact them at +61 08 9470 2240, or email at sales@gordondesigningdecor.com.

All Seasons Vinyl and Canvas

All Seasons Vinyl and Canvas is located at 20 Traders Way, Currumbin and have been in the awning business since 1987. They specialize in canvas and vinyl awnings used in residential and commercial establishments, as well as in recreational vehicles. Their other products include PVC blinds, marquees, and promotional tents. For more information, email them at info@allseasonsvinyl.com.au.

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