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Solar Heat Gain: What is it and How does it Affect your Home?

2/19/2016

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​We all know about UV rays and how hot the sun can make you and your home feel on a sweltering summer day. But, what is solar heat gain? Let’s take a closer look.
 
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar heat gain coefficient (aka Solar Heat Gain or SHGC) is:
 
“The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight – either transmitted directly and/or absorbed, and subsequently released as heat inside a home. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability. A product with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat during the winter. A product with a low SHGC rating is more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat gain from the sun. Your home’s climate, orientation, and external shading will determine the optimal SHGC for a particular window, door, or skylight.”

​Simply put, solar heat gain is the amount of energy your home receives from the sun through its windows and doors. How can you measure this solar heat gain? Well, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has a voluntary program that tests, certifies, and labels windows, doors, and skylights based on their energy performance ratings.
 
If you’re concerned about solar heat gain, remember, you have options. You can install windows, skylights, and shade structures to help protect your home from the sun. In fact, awnings, patio covers, and drop curtains are excellent shade structures you can install on your home or business to help lower solar heat gain.
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​In fact here are some statistics from the Department of Energy on how awnings can help reduce solar heat gain:
  • ​Awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows, 77% on west-facing windows. 
  • Awnings can be designed to shade one window or an entire side of the home.
  • Light colored awning fabrics reflect more sunlight.
  • Using retractable or adjustable awnings allows for versatility; you can roll up your awning in the winter and extend it in the summer.

​Ultimately, this translates into energy savings because if you reduce solar heat gain, you cut the costs associated with keeping your home or business cool.
 
For more information about awnings and other shade structures, contact us today. You can also visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. You can also call us if you have any questions at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 
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Patio Ideas: Fountains, Fireplaces, and Furniture…

2/11/2016

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​Let’s talk about patios…Let’s brain storm. Your patio is a versatile outdoor space you can turn into an oasis using just your imagination. Your patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins your house. We sometimes call these areas the terrace, veranda, sundeck, or even a courtyard. 
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​You can shade your patio with a cover or other type of structure. But that’s just the beginning. Depending on the type of flooring/paving your patio has, you can create a variety of themed and colored designs or settings. For example for wood decks you can create a farmhouse theme. Really, there’s no limit to what you can do.
You can also decorate your patio with furniture or install things like:
  • Swings
  • Hammocks
  • Benches
  • Hanging Plants
  • Lanterns
  • Fountains
  • Fireplaces (for patios that are designed to be fire safe; remember to consult your manufacturer/installer or a home decorator)
  • Drop Screens and Curtains
​Patios – which are not like your typical backyard where there’s grass and a combination of pavement and dirt – can be breathtaking areas of your home where guests can enjoy the view, take in the beautiful day and simply relax.
 
Patios near lakes can be used as sundecks and designed with a marine theme. Patios in the great outdoors or in places like the mountains can utilize firewood containers and outdoor fireplaces to add to the rustic ambience. After all, sitting out on your patio, sipping a hot mug of cocoa or coffee in the evening while a fire crackles next to you is a great way to end or start your day.
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​Remember, patios can also be shaded from above with a great looking cover that can accentuate your home and add value to it. Keep in mind you don’t have to install a clunky or typical looking patio cover. You can use drop screens and curtains to enclose your patio area and create an extra outdoor lounge area for your home that’s not in your backyard.
 
Also, patio covers can be designed to fit the theme of your home, whether it’s vintage, modern, or just something else, there’s a product out there for you.
 
 
For more information about patio covers and other shade structures, contact us today. You can also visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. You can also call us if you have any questions at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 
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Accent Your Vintage Home with an Awning

2/1/2016

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​With vintage homes, adding modern things might diminish the authentic feel of the house. However, there is one thing you can do to accentuate your vintage home; add an awning. Awnings have been around since, well, the ancient Egyptian and Roman times. How’s that for classic?
​Do you live in a beautiful vintage home? Is it made of bricks? Does it have a stunning veranda and that classic look? While you may not own something like the Larkin House in California, you might own something just as beautiful. But, one of the challenges vintage home-owners tend to face is how to accent their houses and still keep that authentic look.
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​If you’ve looked at old photographs and even classic films, you will see awnings were quite the fad in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, awnings are still a fad today! You see them shading customers and businesses and on homes.

​For vintage homes, using an awning can really bring out that classic look. Especially if you use the right colors and style. Remember, not all awnings come in the same shape or size… In fact if you visit http://www.americanawningabc.com/awning-101.html, you’ll get a crash course on what awnings are and how they differ in shape and size.

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If used right, an awning can really add a sense of class and style to your vintage home. Here are some things to consider when thinking about installing an awning on your vintage house: 
  • Style: Choose the right style for your vintage home. This requires that you know what era your home was built in and what the fashion and fads of that time were.
  • Color: Choose a color scheme that matches your vintage home. Don’t just put up a random color, this can really clash with your home’s look.​
  • Location: Remember, not all awnings have to go on the front porch or the backyard. Awning can go on windows or over doorways.
  • Materials: Awning frames and fabrics come in different types of materials. Depending on your home’s style, using an aluminum frame or other kind of fabric will make a difference in the way the awning will make your home look.
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​Remember, consulting with an interior/exterior/home décor designer will really help you in choosing the right location, color, and style. Awnings are a great addition to any vintage home as long as it’s done right. Remember, awnings not only add flare and character to your home, but they also provide shade and protection from the elements.
 
For more information about awnings and other shade structures, contact us today. You can also visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. You can also call us if you have any questions at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 
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