​We all know about awnings and patio covers. We know that these shade structures provide energy savings and the ability to expand your lounge or dining areas. But, what about shade sails? What are these and how can you use them?

​​Shade sails are visually stunning, creative structures that you will see used on commercial buildings restaurants, or as standalone shade structures at parks, and other open areas. The material of a shade sail is made of specialty fabrics like polyester, vinyl, and acrylics. The textiles are shaped in the form of a sail – like on a boat – and that’s when the fun starts. 

​​The sails can be layered, crossed over, zig-zagged, and designed into a beautiful structure that is eye catching. (As you can see from the pictures, shade sails are versatile). Using poles and tension, shade sails can be created with various colors and patterns. So, if you’re putting one up on a playground, you can use a ladybug color theme, or even a customized pattern that kids will love. 

​Shade sails are also great for restaurants and businesses who want to add a level of class and flare that others don’t have. The sails can really set your business apart with the layered creativity of an architectural piece you create with these shade pieces.
 
Shade sails are also great for parking lots. You might see these covering parking spaces at various locations. In fact, shade sails are great for rooftop parking lots because they add an extra layer of architectural design to your building, not to mention value. 

​Now that you know a little more about shade sails, talk to your local professional about installing one today. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Summer is coming! The heat is near! So, how can you save on energy costs for your home or business? The answer is simple: use a shade structure like an awning, shade sail, drop screens, or patio covers.
 
So, how do awnings and the various types of shade structures actually help reduce your energy bills in the summer? Well it’s pretty straight forward: shade reduces heat and that means the load on your air conditioning unit is less. Your electric/energy bill won’t be as high because you’re using shade to help reduce solar heat gain on your home, office, restaurant, or other business.

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In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy states that window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and a whopping 77 percent on west-facing windows! That means your family, your customers, and your guests are staying cooler without the need to crank up the a/c.

​​An awning’s uses are versatile and the shade it provides, the beauty, and added value are just a few of the benefits of this shade structure. In fact, awnings can also save up to $200 a year on air condition costs for many homes, according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. Now imagine what an awning can do for a business like a restaurant or clothing store?

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​The shade an awning provide also helps protect the interior of your home or business as well. Remember, UV rays and sunlight can degrade fabric colors on couches and other materials. So, remember, when you’re thinking of an awning, just keep in mind that it’s not just an energy saver, but a great way to keep things protected from the harmful rays of the sun. 

​Now that you know a little more about energy saving awnings, talk to your local professional about installing one today. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​The concept of an awning is old. Since the days of the ancient Egyptians, the idea of this shade structure has changed, evolved, and developed into various types, forms, and sizes.
 
When awnings were first used, they were woven mats that shaded market stalls and dwellings. During the Roman Empire, large retractable awnings shaded amphitheaters and stadiums like the Coliseum. The construction and materials of early awnings were simple. Often, wood or cast-iron posts were used as the frame and canvas was the fabric used as the shade material. Over time, the construction and materials used in awnings developed and new fabrics like polyester and acrylics were used. 

​Awnings also became more versatile and we began to see operable awnings in the second half of the 19th century, according to an article by Chad Randl which was published by the National Park Service. Roller awnings became available and the use of patterned and striped fabrics became more common.
 
By the 20th century, awnings became more focused on improvements in operation as well as customizing configurations to accommodate store-fronts. In fact, during this period, folding-arm and lateral arm awnings were developed and this helped to advance the versatility of the product.

​Today, awnings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and textiles. They have come a long way from the days of woven mats and cast-iron posts. Aluminum, steel, plastics, and other materials are used for awning posts. Fabrics are now coated with various UV ray, mold and mildew resistant chemicals. Awnings are also motorized and can be customized.
 
So, what’s the future of the awning? Down the road, we will start to see the incorporation of technology into our shade structures. We will see the use of solar films – today we have solar panels – and awnings will also evolve with technological advances like new motorized systems, automated functions, and more. The fabrics used in awnings are also set to develop further with new coatings being developed.
 
The awning industry is always developing and seeing how far this shade structure has evolved since the days of the Coliseum, is amazing. 

​Now that you know a little more about awnings talk to your local professional about installing one today. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.