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Awnings & Energy Savings

6/26/2015

With rising energy costs and record heat, home and business owners are looking for ways to cool down and cut their air conditioning bills. An easy and decorative way to achieve energy savings is by installing an awning. In fact, awnings help reduce a home’s internal temperature and can potentially reduce the size of and mechanical wear on the home AC unit.

South and West facing windows get the most heat!

Awnings can reduce solar heat gain up to 65 % on south-facing windows and 77 % on west-facing windows according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In fact, fabric awnings and exterior shades can help reduce cooling costs by more than 50 %, according to a report by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

To view a summary of the report visit http://www.awninginfo.com/home_awning_save_energy.html.

Here’s a quick list of how awnings can help you save, according to the PAMA report.

Homeowners can save up to $200 annually.
Awnings can also expand your living space.
Awnings help protect family, guests, and pets from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Awnings also offer great curb appeal and can be customized. That means you can customize your awning and install a retractable awning which you can retract in the winter and roll out during the summer.

Exterior Drop Shades

Awnings Can Save You Money

If you do choose an awning remember to pick one that has an opaque and tightly woven fabric; a light-colored awning will reflect more sunlight, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

But, if you’re not interested in an awning you can also use exterior blinds and other window and door treatments to help reduce your energy costs. There are a variety of options you can choose from to help reduce solar heat gain including interior blinds, drapes, window shades, shutters, insulated panels and more.

For more information about awnings and other shade structures visit us at American Awning & Blind Co. and let us know how we can help you with you. Or contact us today at 800-654-5933. Or you can email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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Corradi Iridium and Impact Systems: Retractable Rooves for your Business

6/17/2015

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When it comes to awnings we tend to think about the traditional fixed or retractable awning that goes on a home/window. But did you know that awnings, which have been around since ancient Egyptian times, have truly evolved into versatile products that you can use to enhance your business?

The Corradi Iridium and Impact Systems are a great example of a versatile awning system. These retractable cover systems are custom designed to protect against the sun and rain. As we gear up for El Niño, we should keep in mind that rain or sun shouldn’t inhibit sales; especially for restaurants and hotels. Using outdoor space is a great way to boost sales, especially during off seasons when it’s too rainy or too sunny.

The Corradi system consists of an aluminum structure (with some models available in wood) and a folding canvas which is made from Corradi’s Eclissi fabric which is an opaque laminated PVC. This is a great way to utilize outdoor space even during inclement weather; it’s like having a retractable roof for your business! These retractable roofs can be used 365 days a year. They use a radio-controlled motor and have a tensile strength of 2000 lbs. Here’s a few more details about the system:

They are fixed to one or more walls
They have waterproof rectractable canvas
They can feature optional drop screens that can have mesh or clear vinyl for sunshade or that can be used to create an outdoor room, sealed off from the elements.

Remember, your outdoor space can be used to increase your sales and shouldn’t be neglected just because it’s rainy out. For restaurants, this means several more tables that can be used. For hotels, this means lounge space for guests as well as possibilities for expanding indoor dining options to the outdoors.
People like having a choice for indoor or outdoor anyways, so offering that is also another way to keep customers coming back again and again. So why limit yourself when you already have the space you’re paying rent on?

The nice thing about the Corradi system is that you can control the cover/roof. So if a rainy day suddenly becomes sunny, all you have to do is hit the switch on the radio-control and retract the roof. How’s that for versatility?

If you’re considering installing a Corradi system, visit us at www.americanawningabc.com or contact us at info@americanawningabc.com or you can call us at American Awning & Blind Co.’s toll free number: 1-800-654-5933.

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Awnings for your Business: Using Graphics to Attract Clients

6/17/2015

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Most of the time we think of awnings as a backyard, patio, or window addition for your home. But in reality, awnings are versatile and when used right, can be a great asset for your business.

You might be wondering, how can an awning possibly help attract new business and clients? It’s quite simple really. Here’s a quick rundown about awnings with graphics:

An awning or even a drop screen with your company’s logo or an eye catching graphic can attract people’s attention.
An ad placed on an awning or other covering is a great way to promote your business without paying a radio, television, or newspaper. Plus, your ad stays for however long you want it to.
Well placed and tasteful graphics on awnings, drop screens, or even banner signs you can hang on your business’ building not only attracts attention, but also gives your business style and flare that perhaps your competitors don’t have. It’s good to stand out when you’re on a busy street, etc…
Choose the right location for your graphic awning. Don’t put it on the back of your building! If you have a building near a freeway, consider using a banner sign instead of an awning.

So what kind of graphics can you put on an awning or other kind of blind/drop screen? Well, it’s up to your imagination. To start, consider the following:

Company logo or design
Product Graphic
Company’s Contact Info.
Anniversary Graphic like Celebrating 25 Years in Business

Once you’ve decided on what kind of graphic design you want the next step is to decide what kind of awning, drop screen, or banner sign you want. Remember, awnings come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Go to www.americaningawninigabc.com/awning-101.html to learn more about awnings.

After you’ve decided on the type, shape, and size of your awning, remember to use the right fabric and ink so that your design will last. Keep in mind not all awnings are made equally. Some fabrics last longer than others, some are made UV ray, moisture, and mildew resistant. If you buy an awning, remember, it’s an investment and using quality materials will help it stand the test of time. Check with your local awning shop to see what they have in stock.

Also, you can visit us at American Awning & Blind Co. to see how we can help you with your next project. Or contact us today at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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What Type of Awning is Best For You?

6/3/2015

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If you’re thinking about installing an awning then this article might be helpful for you. For starters, there’s more to an awning than just a structure with fabric; it can get complicated. But let’s break it down. Here are some key points for you to consider before you buy an awning:

Dimension you’re looking for; this matters for where your awning is going to be installed on your home.
Awnings have 3 dimensions:

Width
Drop
Projection

Width

Drop

Projection

Spear and Finial Awnings with Sides

Straight Awning with Sides

Style:

Awnings come in many different styles including but not limited to awnings with or without sides; awnings with a hard valance; spear or finial; convex or swoop; waterfall or concave; dome; arch; etc.

Patterns/Color and Fabric:

What kind of pattern or color do you want for your awning? Also, what kind of fabric are you looking for?
You want your awning to match the color scheme of your home so it’s important to find a company that has a variety of options for you.
Also, the type of fabric you use matters; if you live in a wet/rainy area you will want something that is mold and mildew resistant. If you live in the desert or in Southern California, you will want fabric that is tear and UV ray resistant.

Also, awnings come in different types and can be installed on several areas of your home:

Fixed: this type can’t be taken down and is a permanent part of your home. (Note, you can remove it if you want to but that means you’re permanently taking it down).
Window: this is an awning for homes in areas that are sunny; like the desert. Window awnings can help reduce solar heat gain and keep your room cool by blocking out sunlight.
Retractable: this awning is versatile and can be retracted when not in use. For example, you can retract the fabric portion of the awning back when it’s cloudy outside.
Patio or Backyard: awnings can be fixed or retractable when installed in the backyard or on the patio. These awnings extend the living area of your home and provide not only shade for your loved ones but protection for your home’s furniture. And remember, awnings can reduce your energy bill by helping to reduce air conditioning costs.

Fixed Window Awning

Retractable Patio Awning

Remember, an awning is a home improvement project and deciding on what kind of dimension, style, fabric, and area to put it requires research and help from a professional. Now that you have a little more information about awnings, visit us at American Awning & Blind Co. and let us know how we can help you with your next project. Or contact us today at 800-654-5933. Or you can email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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Awnings & Energy Savings

Corradi Iridium and Impact Systems: Retractable Rooves for your Business

Awnings for your Business: Using Graphics to Attract Clients

What Type of Awning is Best For You?

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