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Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Area

9/23/2015

Your backyard is more than just a storage area for your barbecue and random knickknacks too big to fit in your house; it’s an outdoor area you can convert into a livable, fun, and beautiful part of your home.

Retractable Skylight Awnings

So, how can you turn your backyard into something like this?

For starters, you will want to contact your local awning professional to help you decide what’s best for your backyard both technically and aesthetically. Remember, your backyard is a versatile space whether you have a pool or not, it’s an area you can convert into a lounge space or outdoor dining area for your family.

So how do you make an outdoor living area? Well, to begin with, it involves installing a shade structure to provide protection/cover from the elements. That shade structure basically provides you a wall-less area that you can put chairs, couches, and tables under.

You can dress up that area by installing accents (like in the above picture) like adding steps or rails. You can even have lights installed into the awning. It’s all a matter of what you like. In fact, here are some things you should consider or keep in mind when it comes to converting your backyard into an outdoor living area.

Retractable Arm Awning

Slide on Wire Awnings

What kind of shade structure do you want? There are a variety you can choose from including: Shade Sails, Fixed or Retractable Awnings, Slide on Wire Awnings, Skylight Awnings, or Pergola
How big do you want your outdoor living area to be?
How much do you want to spend?
What colors and fabrics do you want to use? This makes a lot of difference in terms of the look, feel, and longevity of your outdoor living area’s shade structure.
What do you want to use the area for? If you’re looking for a simple lounge area instead of a fancier outdoor dining area, then your awning professional will have different suggestions for you.

And remember, when you do any kind of home improvement project like converting your backyard into an outdoor oasis, the value of your home will likely increase. So now that you know a little bit more about converting your backyard into an outdoor living area, contact us today to see how we can help you. Visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com for more information. 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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The Difference Between Fixed and Retractable Awnings

9/21/2015

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Awnings come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose what type of awning you need. In fact, there are several types but for the purposes of this article we’re going to focus on Fixed and Retractable.

When it comes to these two types of awnings, it’s important that you do your due diligence and figure out what you would like for your home. So here's a quick breakdown of the two:

Fixed awnings are attached to your home using a frame, screws, and other materials to bolt the awning to the building or structure and the awning cannot be taken down unless you do so permanently.
Retractable Awnings are also attached to your home or building. However, these awnings can be retracted when not in use. The method of retraction comes in a variety of styles including motorized, hand crank, or other ways of retracting and expanding your shade structure.
Fixed Awnings are permanent installations that you might see on offices or entry ways. Often times you will see these awnings with graphic designs or company logos.
Retractable Awnings are often used for homes and backyards and tend not to have designs.

Fixed Awnings

Retractable Awning

These two types of awnings use specialty fabrics and frames that not only accentuate your home or business but provides protection from the elements for guests and loved ones. Remember, choosing between fixed or retractable awnings is just one part of the process when it comes to adding a shade structure to your home or office. Keep in mind, you have to think about a number of things when it comes to installing an awning. Here’s a quick list of things to consider:

Retractable Skylight Awnings

Color
Fabric
Size
Type (Fixed, Retractable, etc…)
Cost
Location

Now that you know a little more about the difference between Fixed and Retractable Awnings, check out our Awnings 101 page at http://www.americanawningabc.com/awning-101.html.

For more information about commercial awnings, canopies, and other shade structures, visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Also if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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Canopies: What You Need to Know

9/10/2015

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Patio Canopy

Retractable Skylight Canopy

Do you know that an awning and a canopy are completely different products? In fact, there a number of things that vary between the two specialty-fabric outdoor living pieces. Here’s a quick rundown:

Canopies are freestanding.
Awnings are typically attached to windows or a building.
Canopies are made to cover an outside lounging area or seating area that’s not connected to a home or building.
Awnings shade homes and help reduce energy costs by protecting it from the sun’s heat.
Canopies can be taken down and are basically portable shade structures. Generally, these structures are not used to shade your home’s interior but rather an area that is detached from the home or building.
Awnings are typically fixed structures that can’t be taken down.

Now that you know the difference between these two great outdoor living pieces, let’s talk about how you can utilize one for your home. If you’re looking to improve your home’s ability to stay cool and provide protection from the sun during your backyard activities, then an awning might be for you.

But, if you’re thinking about putting up a stylish outdoor living piece that’s not attached to your home or building, then a canopy might be a good option. Canopies use specialty fabrics, like awnings do, to provide shade using a stand-alone frame. It’s like creating an outdoor room without the walls. They are great for backyards and even lounge areas for restaurants, hotels, and businesses.

Entrance Canopy

Porch Awning

However, do keep in mind that canopies are often mixed up with and or confused with awnings. Sometimes, the two words are used interchangeably. If you do run into that, then just remember to be clear about what you’re looking for and communicate that with your installer.

For more information about commercial awnings, canopies, and other shade structures, visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Also if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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Printing on Awnings: What You Need to Know

9/7/2015

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When it comes to awnings, we sometimes forget that these shade structures can be an excellent, multi-use part of your business. Awnings offer the ability to not only extend your space but also gives you the opportunity to advertise your company’s logo.

In fact, awnings give your business more than just sunshade; they can give it an appealing exterior décor and an easy way to advertise your business to foot and vehicle traffic. That being said, if you choose to print on your awning here are some things you should consider before you make that purchase:

What type of fabric do you want to print on? This can make a difference in the way your logo or graphic looks. You can choose from vinyl, polyester, acrylic, etc… Remember, you also want fabric that’s going to withstand the elements and still look good. Choose your fabric carefully.
How do you want to print? You can use silkscreen, stencils, inkjet, and even printing plates.
What kind of print quality do you need? Do you need ink that’s UV curable? The kind of ink and way you print makes a difference in how long the logo will last.
Finally, and probably most importantly, choose your design/ad well. Don’t just throw up any old logo or sign, think about your market and try to cater to it. If your company is in a business district, avoid using colors and designs that are not professional. Etc…

Printing on an awning for your business requires research and thought. Don’t make the mistake of rushing your project and then regretting it later. Use quality fabric, choose your design carefully, and make sure you use the right printing technique.

For more information about commercial awnings and other shade structures, visit us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Also if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800-654-5933. Or email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

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Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Area

The Difference Between Fixed and Retractable Awnings

Canopies: What You Need to Know

Printing on Awnings: What You Need to Know

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