​Awnings are beautiful, useful, and excellent additions to any business, home, or storefront. But, making sure your awning is in good shape requires a little effort which will end up saving you costly repairs or replacements.
 
Checking your awning monthly is a great way to ensure your shade structure is standing up to the wear and tear of the outdoors. You might be thinking, but wait, awnings are meant to be outside, so why should I care? While it’s true that awnings are designed to withstand the harsh elements of our earth’s weather, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of it like you would any other piece of furniture or equipment. Awnings do last, but they can get damaged or torn from random acts of wind, rain, or other flying debris. 

​So, how do you inspect/check your awning? Here’s a quick list of things you can do to ensure your awning will last:

• Look at the fabric and make sure that there are no tears, rips, or holes. If you leave a small hole or tear, this can lead to larger problems with the fabric like gaping holes or the textile completely separating from the frame.
• Check the frame. Always inspect the frame to see if it’s rusted, bent, or damaged. If your frame is broken and you don’t know it, this can lead to accidents where the whole awning can come down.
• Inspect the motorized portion of your retractable awnings if that’s the type you have. Make sure the parts are in working order, run smoothly, and don’t rip or tear your fabric while its retracting.
• Corners and the small, dark places of your awnings tend to have hidden debris, and yes, spiders as well. These little spots on your awning should always be checked, cleared or cleaned of critters, dirt, and whatever else might have found its way there. (Remember, use a flashlight).
• Observe the color and condition of the fabric and make sure it’s not fading or thinning by also touching the textile. If it is, you can have it replaced.

​Now that you know how to inspect and check your awning. Remember, you can always call your local awning shop for advice and see if they can help you with any of your replacement needs or concerns.
 
For more about what we do feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Construction is costly, time consuming, and stressful. So, when it comes to doing it right, always remember to check and see what permits you need to build your project. Otherwise, you might have to redo the job and spend that much more time, money, and effort.
 
So, what do you need to do and how do you do find out what you need in terms of permits for you project? Here’s a quick check list:

​Remember, permits are part of the first steps of developing your project. Without those, you’re stuck in the mud. So, always check the above list to see if you’ve covered all your bases. Keep in mind, you also have to follow building codes and guidelines. Thus, using a licensed and insured contractor who can help you through the process – like we do here at American Awning & Blind Co. – is a great way to avoid the permit headache.
 
For more about what we do feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When it comes to awnings, not all are created equally or for the same purpose…Sounds odd right? Well, some awnings are designed for commercial use, while others are made for residential applications. When it comes to heavy-duty awnings for restaurants and the hospitality industry, the Stobag Stroboscope product is one of the best available.
 
Stobag awnings for restaurants and the hospitality industry are designed with the businessman in mind. In fact, these awnings are made to cover larger areas like an outdoor dining area, terrace, or patio. The JUMBO Stobag awning uses six specially engineered telescopic arms to provide support and tension in the fabric and frame of the structure. Thus, the awning looks tight, clean, and stable. 

​The Stroboscope Stobag Awning can be used in various restaurant and hospitality applications including but not exactly limited to:

•  Terrace
• Outdoor Dining Area
• Lounge Area at a Hotel
• Covered Bar Area
• Covered Pool Area

​The Stobag awning, like the Stroboscope, are also designed to handle more wind and rain than other retractable awnings. The Stroboscope’s sturdy construction means you don’t have to worry about the storm that’s coming. Stobag offers various types of awnings for both large and small outdoor areas for dining or hospitality use. The color and fabric options are numerous with Stobag. The product is known for its beautifully designed pieces and durability. 

​The Stroboscope awning uses gas piston driven telescope arms and conventional lateral arms for retraction and extension. In fact, the Stobag Stroboscope is an excellent option for restaurants or other businesses looking to get the most out of their awning. These awnings are known to last and come with warranties and are aesthetically pleasing to look at. In fact, at American Awning and Blind Co., we are a distributor and installer of this excellent product. We know that you will get a “bang for your buck” and a long-lasting awning. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or awning project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Liability, everyone worries about it and everyone business person and homeowner think about law suits and other claims. So, when it comes to licenses and insurance, it’s always best to make sure the contractor you hire has them.
 
There are many reasons why you’d want to check to make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. First, as mentioned above, the liability falls on you if someone gets hurt during construction. Here are several more reasons why you should do your due diligence:
 
·      Injuries: If you’re contractor isn’t insured or licensed and someone is injured on the job, they can sue you and you would be liable.  
·      Training: Contractors who don’t have licenses or insurance probably didn’t receive the proper or enough training necessary to comply with state laws regarding construction work.
·      Disputes: If you have a problem with your contractor and they aren’t licensed or insured, they aren’t held accountable by the state. In fact, it’s like hiring your friend to do construction, they don’t have the insurance or training to back up their work.
·      Knowledge: Licensed contractors tend to know the permits and code requirements necessary for your project. This is important because you may have to redo the work if it’s not up to code.
·      Warranty: If you used an unlicensed contractor, this can affect warranty claims. This is because the state contractor’s board likely won’t assist in helping you make a claim against an unlicensed contractor. So, you might have to go to court and that can be a long, drawn out process that could still result in nothing.
 
So, how do you know if you your contractor is licensed and insured? Well, that’s the easy part. All you have to do is visit the Contractors State License Board web site and click find my licensed contractor; if they aren’t listed, they aren’t clear to work for you. If they are listed, or if you have their license number – always check that number to see if it’s up to date – then the contractor can work for you.
 
Now that you know a little more about why it’s important to use a licensed and insured contractor, let us know if we can help you with your next shade structure project. Our license number is #999050. For more information about awnings or who we are, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Drop curtains with vinyl windows are great additions to any awning or other shade structure, especially for a restaurant or lounge area. But what are the pros and cons of using vinyl in your drop curtains?
 
First, using vinyl windows in combination with a drop curtains allows you to create an environment outdoors for dining or lounging. The curtains protect patrons from inclement weather and the vinyl windows allow them to see outside and still enjoy the light of the day or the beauty of the night. 

​Pros of Vinyl

• Vinyl is a flexible material and can be cut to your desired size and length. Unlike glass or other harder materials like fiberglass, vinyl can be manipulated easily to fit your structural needs. Also, this means you can roll up your drop curtains with your vinyl windows when you don’t need them anymore for the season.
• Vinyl is also cost effective; the material is cheaper than regular glass windows.
• Vinyl is also easy to maintain. You can wash off dirt and apply polish to keep it crystal clear. Mold and mildew can also be rinsed away and won’t grow as easily as it might on traditionally wood-framed glass windows.
• Vinyl also offers UV ray protection.
• Vinyl also offers clarity like a regular window.
• Vinyl offers protection from inclement weather.
• Vinyl can also be treated to help prevent glare. 

​Cons of Vinyl

• Vinyl can get scratched – like glass – and thus buffing might be necessary at times. But, remember, using a high quality vinyl window material can prevent this from happening.
• Vinyl can get hazy. Poor quality vinyl can become hazy and optically tarnished.
• Vinyl needs to be inspected often. Vinyl, like any kind of specialty fabric, should be looked at often for any tears or other damage. 

​Clear vinyl windows combined with drop curtains are great for restaurants and hotels as well as certain areas in a backyard or even for a patio or porch. The vinyl windows offer flexibility, style, and versatility in a way that glass windows just can’t. Using vinyl windows with drop curtains are often seen for outdoor dining applications. You might also see these drop curtain-vinyl window combinations used in water-front homes and buildings. This is because the specialty fabric the curtains and windows are made from are designed to withstand the rigors of the environment. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next drop curtain and vinyl window project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Curtains for your business or backyard come in various types, colors, and systems. Curtains for weather protection come in two main types: Drop Curtain or Slide Track/Traverse Curtain. The two use the same types of specialty fabric but are operationally different.

​​Weather protection curtains are typically made from fabrics that include acrylics, polyvinyl, canvas, and other types of special textiles. The deployment of the curtains can either be “dropped” or slid/traversed; let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two.

​Drop Curtain

• The curtains in a drop system are literally lowered down to cover the desired area.
  
• The curtains are made to be either flat or combined with vinyl windows.
  
• The curtains create a solid wall once they are “dropped” down and can be combined with other drop curtains to create a “room” outdoors.
  
• Drop curtains can be attached to awnings and other shade structures.
  
• The curtains can be rolled up and put out of site.

​Slide or Traverse Curtain

• Much like the curtains you see in your home, slide or traverse curtains are gathered up to the sides and drawn open or closed by using a track or pole as a guide.
  
• The curtains slide along the track or traverse along a pole using rings or other hardware that is attached to the cloth of the curtain.
  
• The outdoor drop curtains can be designed with folds and other patterns, much like the curtains you see in your home can be.
  
• Slide or traverse curtains end up being pulled to the sides, and thus, can be seen when not in use. 

​The above is just a short, basic list of the differences between drop and slide/traverse curtains. For more information bout these two products, contact your local awning shop or let us know how we can help you by visiting us at www.americanawningabc.com.
 
For more about what we do feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​We all know what an awning or patio cover is and the basic functions of these residential or commercial installations. But what are freestanding shade structures? How are they useful and what are they for?
 
Freestanding shade structures come in various shapes, types, materials, and sizes. The structures are used in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The structures are used on playgrounds, as shading options near pools (like cabanas but larger), hotel lounge areas, and as outdoor work areas. 

​The structures provide industrial and commercial businesses the ability to expand the footprint of building or work space without purchasing more land. Freestanding shade structures are also used in backyards as lounge areas where families can sit and read books, dine, or simply relax.
 
Frames of the structures vary and come in wood, aluminum, metal, plastics, and other specialty options. The fabrics and design of the shade can also vary and include:

​Finally, freestanding shade structures are great additions to any home, business, or industrial space. The structures add value to your business and can attract clientele and expand your footprint without the added cost of leasing or buying more space.  
 
For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential freestanding shade structure project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Winter is here, the rain is pouring, and the awnings are covering your family, guests, or if you own a business, your patrons. Contrary to what you might be thinking, awnings are great for the rainy season. 

​Awnings are typically used to provide shade and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but did you know that they are great for inclement weather like rain? How might this be? Well for starters, awnings are designed to be sturdy and not let moisture build up, or for that matter, let water fall through. In fact, awnings are kind of like big umbrellas, only for a large outdoor area.

​

​When it rains, you can utilize your awning to sit outside in your backyard or allow for outdoor dining for customers who want to enjoy the coolness of the weather. In fact, you can sip a hot cup of tea or cocoa under your awning and watch the droplets fall; what a way to spend an otherwise gloomy day. 

​Awnings provide protection from the rain because of the materials the structures are made from. The fabric is specialty designed to withstand wind and water. Thus, if it rains, you can feel confident that your guests or family will stay dry from above.
 
If you have an awning and utilize clear vinyl windows or use drapes/curtains, you can also enclose the area and provide a fully covered lounge or dining area during the rain. Thus, you don’t have to give up your backyard or outdoor lounge areas when it rains, you can still enjoy them without the hassle of getting wet. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential awning project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When it comes to finding the right contractor for your commercial or residential shade structure project, you want to be sure you’re getting a reliable, experienced company. So, what do you need to look for when it comes to finding the right awning installer for your needs? 

​Before you hire an awning contractor, remember, do your due diligence. After all, an awning project is like buying a new piece of furniture, it will be part of your home or business for years.

• First, it’s always prudent to check and see if your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. That means you’re protected, and they’re protected in case of injuries or accidents on the job.
• Second, you want to make sure they listen to your needs and vision for your project. This may seem trivial on first thought, but, it’s one of the most important things to consider. A contractor who argues with you or tries to change your vision isn’t the right fit for you.

​​The above list of five things are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to finding the right awning installer. Keep in mind, doing your homework on the people you’re going to work with, have in your backyard or at your business, and invest in, is just being prepared and smart and will give you peace of mind. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential awning project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Most of us have enjoyed an outdoor dining experience at a restaurant we love. During the winter, sitting outside is still an option, especially when there are enclosures that keep you warm and protected from inclement weather. 

​So, what our outdoor dining enclosures and how do they work? For starters, outdoor dining enclosures come in different types and construction. Some are made from vinyl, others are made from acrylics, while others are made from polyvinyl materials. Enclosures also come in different styles:

• Curtains: Just like what you would see indoors, outdoor curtains for dining areas are designed to close and keep out wind, rain, and sun while guests enjoy their meals. Curtains can vary in size and color and the enclosures add an elegant touch.

​Outdoor dining enclosures are designed to provide guests protection from the weather and UV rays. The enclosures act like an extended arm of your restaurant allowing for more tables and seats, and thus, revenue generating space. The enclosures also help attract attention to your business. The enclosures can include graphic artwork and emblems that represent your business and capture the attention foot traffic. Thus, investing in an outdoor dining enclosure can help you increase your restaurant’s sales by expanding your business’ footprint and advertising ability. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your outdoor dining enclosure, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.