When it comes to your business, office or home, shade is important to remember. Using an awning, patio cover, or things like curtains to help block out the sun is a great way to stay cool in the hot summer months. But, did you know you can use drop screens indoors to help keep your products, people, or home safe from the sun’s UV rays?

​Drop screens aren’t curtains but still provide the same kind of shading concept. Drop screens can be installed in your home, office, or business and provide shade while still allowing the sun to filter through for natural day-light ambiance. 

​Drop screens are designed to also add a level of aesthetic to your business.

• Aesthetic: The colors, fabric, and mode of deployment can be incorporated into your theme.
• Marketing/Advertising: Drop screens can even include logos and other markings that can help get your business noticed. One side can shade and the other can advertise.
• Shade & Product Protection: Drop screens also serve to protect your products from the sun’s powerful UV rays which can fade colors. The shade can also keep your business, home or office cooler and help reduce those pesky summer electric bills. 

​Using drop screens as an alternative to install a larger awning is a great way to still get shade for your business or home. Sometimes buildings aren’t designed or allowed to have an awning installation and that’s why knowing your options is important. Remember, drop screens roll down, can be motorized, or manually cranked, and offer you a shade, sun protection, and a way to make your business or home look cooler. 

​For more information about drop screens and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do 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’re full swing into summer and the vacations, activities, and outdoor fun are all underway. For the days and weekends you and your family are home, sometimes keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge. That’s where the trusty backyard can come in handy.
 
Whether it’s day or night, you can use your backyard as a sort of “playground” where you can set up activities that will keep your kids happy, cool, and having fun. Check out some of our tips on the things you can do with your kids this summer while at home.

​The above are just a few of the many creative things you can do with your kids at home and in the safety and comfort of your own backyard. If you have an awnings, this is a great anchor that you can use to center your backyard activities around and also keep the kids cool and protected from the sun’s powerful UV rays.
 
For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do 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. 

​The bottom line for any business is generating revenue and profit at the end of the day. Streamlining your business by utilizing all of its space is one way to achieve higher sales, especially for restaurants. How can this be done? The answer is simple, create an outdoor dining experience.
 
Most restaurants have a patio in the front or back area of their building. That space is perfect for outdoor dining. Even for small restaurants, putting out one or two tables is a great way to generate more seats that create more sales. So how do you create that outdoor dining area? Here’s a quick list:

​Restaurant awnings are perfect for the summer, winter, or spring. In fact, restaurants who have outdoor dining options attract more attention from foot traffic. This is because people passing by can see the food your restaurant serves; it’s like free advertising. Which also brings us to the fact that restaurant awnings are also great canvases for your logo or restaurant name.
 
Awnings for your restaurant also help generate that extra revenue you might be looking for. How so? Well, when you install that awning, it attracts attention, creates outdoor space for your diners, which in turn creates revenue. 

​The Math of Revenue Generating Space

• For example, if you install a covered, shaded area by using an awning and put out 4 tables with 4 chairs a piece, you’ve just created 16 more revenue generating seats.
• If you fill those seats at least twice a day, that’s 32 more sales you wouldn’t have had before. Let’s say those 32 seats average sales of $15 each spot, then you’ve just added $480 a day to your sales. 
• In one week, you could potentially add $3,360 to your ledger if you multiply the $480 a day you create with just 4 tables and 4 chairs. You’ve just paid for the cost of your awning which will last years. 

​As you can see, creating outdoor dining space is a great way to generate revenue and attract more customers. It’s a win-win situation and getting started is as easy as calling your local awning shop.
 
For more information about commercial awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do 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. 

​​Décor for your home is always a challenge to think about; from colors to furniture, to other decorations, the options you have are so numerous, it’s like looking at the stars. So, here’s a quick little article on some ideas for décor for your backyard.

​If you have an awning installed, this is a great focal point for your backyard’s overall theme. How so? Well, consider this:

• Color: The color of your awning can help you dictate the color scheme of your backyard décor. If your awning is a light green, you can choose darker green outdoor furniture for your lounge area. You can also install water fountains that have a slight green hue to match the awning. In fact, using the awning’s color – which should also go with the color palette of your home – is a great way to tie the theme of your house together in your backyard.
• Shape: Not all awnings are square or rectangular. Some can be dome shaped and designed for specific tastes and styles. This means if you have an awning with a shape like a rectangle, you can match the theme of your backyard with other objects that are square or rectangular. For example, you could put in a dining area with a rectangular table. Or, you could put in some rectangular shaped flower boxes along the edge of the shaded area to enclose it. The options are limitless.
• Style: If the style of your awning includes patterns and scalloped valances, you can also play with this and include similar themed décor. For example, your chairs and benches can have a similar pattern as your awning. Or, you can create a patterned play area for the kids like putting out a mat that has stripes or dots; this can be a clean play area so your kids don’t get those hard to get out grass stains. 

​Backyard summer décor can also include a multitude of games like croquet, badminton, tetherball, catch, and more. You could create a themed box where you can store these games. Also, including things like a construction table for art projects and even building a tree house is a great way to accentuate your home’s overall décor. You can also accentuate the awning by hanging lighting – always check with your installer to see if this okay with your particular awning – or you can also hang plants and wind chimes.
 
Backyard décor doesn’t have to be limited to just furniture; you can incorporate pretty much anything that comes to your mind. Having an awning as a focal point and a theme setting piece is a great way to start your backyard’s transformation into a fun, inviting place for your family and friends. 

​For more information about awnings and your backyard, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do 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. 

​​Summer is around the corner and the sun is already shining and the birds are chirping. This means it’s time to break out the backyard furniture, the bbq, and your sunglasses. If you have an awning in your backyard, you’re ready for some family fun and activities at home. 

​Awnings provide a shaded area in your backyard where you can set up furniture, fountains, and other lounging items like tables and chairs. Here is a list of things you can do for summer activities that aren’t just barbequing:

• Croquet: Set up a croquet in your backyard and have a game or two with the kids.
  
• Obstacle Course: You can set up a mini-obstacle course and run through it with your family or even just your dog.
  
• Slip and Slide: You can set up a slip and slide and a portable pool. Your kids will love this activity.

​​As you can see, there are multiple things you can do in the summer as an activity with your family in your own backyard. If you have an awning installed, this is a great way to make your backyard inviting and fun. You can also install a freestanding shade structure to create another lounge space that you can enjoy. 

​For more information about awnings and your backyard, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do 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. 

​The sun is blazing hot and it’s time to think about shading your business or your home with not just an awning, but with drop screens as well. So, what is a drop shade and how can you use it to augment your business?
 
Drop screens are flat pieces of specialty fabric designed to keep out the harmful rays of the sun and sometimes, if you’re using a mesh drop screen, allow some natural lighting in. Drop screens can be manually cranked/rolled or automatically retracted or unfurled down windows or on the sides of an awning. 

​
​In fact, drop shades used in combination with an awning are excellent for restaurants and other businesses. For restaurants, using a clear vinyl drop screen is great because it’s like having a window without the glass. The awning and drop screens create an enclosed area outdoors on the patio or in your backyard. Thus, you’re basically extending your business’ footprint. 

​
​Customers want to dine outside and providing a cool, shaded patio is an attractive option that many clientele will opt for in the summer months. For clothing shops and other businesses, using drop screens on your windows in the interior is an excellent way to provide shade and natural lighting while protecting your products from the harmful uv rays of the sun which can discolor fabric and furniture. 

​The drop screen and awning combination also provides an aesthetic appeal that you can use to attract customers. For example, you can emblazon your awning with your logo and you can also use logos on the bottom of the drop screens and create a permanent ad. In fact, the drop screen and awning combo is a great way to accentuate your business and make it stand out from the competition.
 
For more about what we do and about drop screens and awnings, 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. 

​Spring is here and the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is still wonky… But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start thinking about the summer and preparing your awning for the hot months ahead. 

​If you’re awning has been in storage, it’s time to air it out. Unfurl the fabric, brush it down with a soft towel and remove any cobwebs, or debris that may have built up over the winter. Also, if you’re frame has been standing out all winter, inspect it and make sure there’s no damage from the wind and rain. If you have extra UV ray coatings you want to spray on the textile, go for it. But make sure you let it dry completely before flipping it over and spraying the other side. 

​For awnings that have been standing year-round, here are some tips to help keep your awning strong and ready for summer:

• Inspect: Check your awning for any rips, tears, or frame damage like rust and bending. Check the crevices for any mold or mildew growth. Also, look at the awning to see if the fabric is sinking and losing its tensile strength. Make sure the color is also not fading. If any of these things are happening, contact your awning installer and have the issues repaired right away.
• Clean: Using mild soap and a soft bristle brush or soft towel, wipe your awning down and remove any debris or other unsightly build up of gunk from the winter.
• Protect: You can spray on extra coatings of UV ray, sun, and water protection. (Although, always check with your awning installer to see if this is okay with your particular awning and what spray you can use). The extra layer of protection can help reduce color fading, UV ray penetration, and water damage. (Think of that morning dew).
• Replace the Fabric if Necessary: If the fabric is looking faded, droopy, or is torn, replace it. Remember, you don’t have to always replace the frame. Replacing the fabric is cost effective and allows you to update the look and feel of your home or business. 

​Now that you know what you can do to prepare your awning for the summer, remember to enjoy it! Also, keep in mind to always check with your awning installer or manufacturer on what types of sprays or cleaners you can use on your shade structure; not all awnings are created equally…
 
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. 

​So, you’re ready to purchase a beautiful awning. In fact, you’re new awning is set for installation soon. But, did you know there are things you should do before your awning is permanently installed?

​​Awnings are large and can be attached to your house or building. This means that you need to prepare the area of the install. Remember, awnings are large structures and when being installed, any obstacles and debris should be cleared away. Here’s a quick list of things you should do before installing an awning on either your home or business:

​·      Clean: Be sure that the area where the awning is supposed be is clean. For example, make sure there’s no growth of mold (this can happen) and there are no bee’s nest near the location. (That can happen too). Also, be sure the area doesn’t have random holes or stucco that’s been worn down. This will help ensure your awning installation will be sturdy and strong.
·      Rendering: For businesses and homes, this is a great way to help prepare your building for an awning installation. Have your installer provide a rendering of what the awning will look like so you can have a better idea of what you need to do to prep for the install or make any changes.
·      Permits: This is important for both businesses and homes. Preparing for awning installation means you MUST have your permits all in place. Without these, you can face fines and fees from your HOA, the city, or your landlord. 

​The above simple steps can assist in speeding up the installation time, once the team is there, and also help to ensure your awning is installed properly. Also, remember to ask your awning installer what steps you should take to assist in the process.
 
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. 

​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.