​Vinyl windows are great for homes and businesses like restaurants and hotels. If you have these great products, you know that they last, provide flexibility and durability, and are great ways to create things like enclosed outdoor dining areas. However, how do you maintain your vinyl windows? Are there special things to consider? The answer is yes.

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your vinyl windows, remember to always consult your installer first to see what you should or shouldn’t do. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide on how to clean and maintain your vinyl windows:
 

• Equipment/Tools: Mild dishwashing soap. Warm or cold water. Mix the water and soap for a cleaning solution; don’t use too much soap. The soap and water solution should be thin/clear and not have too much soap as this can leave a film on the window.  Soft, nonabrasive towel or cloth. A vinegar and water solution of 30/70, respectively; this solution is to be used for difficult stains and on mildew. A soft bristled brush.
  
• Applying the Solution: First, it might be prudent to wipe your windows down first with clean water. Then, wet your nonabrasive cloth or soft bristle brush with either the vinegar or water/soap solution. Wipe your windows down using light pressure. Use soft brush for stubborn stains. 

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​When you’re cleaning your clean vinyl windows, DON’T USE BLEACH OR OTHER HARSH CHEMICALS. Finally, if you need more help or advice, it’s always good to consult a professional. (Call your installer or manufacturer and they can help or direct you to someone who can). 

​Now that you know a little more about how to clean and maintain your vinyl windows, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When it comes to design and architecture, awnings are great way to spruce up your building or home. Using awning finials and spears are a great way dress up your awning and accent that Spanish style house or add flare to a project.

​So, what are finials and spears? To understand what finials are, we first have to look at and understand what awning spears are. Traditional awnings have sides, a top, and a frame. A spear awning is a shade structure that does not have sides and instead utilize spears that are made from wrought iron or other materials to anchor the awning to the building. Spear awning technically don’t have sides made of fabric and are more decorative than a standard awning. 

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​Spear awnings are great for windows and doorways and offer a level of aesthetic that makes your home or business stand out.
 
Finials are attractive elements also known as a hip-knob. Finials mark the top of a spear and can be designed with various shapes and sizes. Finials can be pointy, round, or customized. These ornamental top-pieces can also come in different colors; though palette choices can be a little narrow than what you can choose for your fabric. 

​Spear awnings and finials can be used on any building or home and are often seen with Spanish-style architecture. Using unique finials is a great way to attract attention from foot traffic or just raise the appeal of your home or building.
 
Remember, awnings and shade structures come in various types, shapes, sizes, and colors and the spear awning is one of many. Using the right combination of finials and spears, awning fabric, and colors, can truly help increase the beauty of your home. 

​Now that you know a little more about spears and finials for awnings, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Shade is important, and awnings are one of the best ways to achieve that for your home or business. But, did you know you can accentuate and further your awning’s weather protection abilities by using patio curtains? 

​Before we go on, let’s first talk about what patio curtains are. These specialty fabric curtains are designed for the outdoors and provide restaurant and business owners with outdoor lounge areas and extra level of appeal for diners and customers. Patio curtains can be used for both commercial and residential purposes and are often attached to an existing shade structures like awnings or covers. 

​​Patio curtains can be drawn closed manually or can be automated; it just depends on what you need. So, how do patio curtains provide extra weather protection? Basically, patio curtains enclose your outdoor space that is already shaded by an awning or other shade structure. 

​The way that patio curtains help protect you more from weather is by providing shade from the sides. Typically, an awning provides shade from above. But, on a sunny, rainy, or windy day, that awning can’t protect your family, diners, or customers from the side. Patio curtains can be drawn closed during inclement weather, thus protecting people from the sides and from above. This means your customers are protected from UV rays and debris that can be blown around by strong winds and yet, they can still enjoy the outdoor dining experience. 

​Patio curtains also add levels of creativity, professionalism, and aesthetic to your home or business, attracting attention, possibly adding value to your home or helping to generate revenue. These curtains are durable, reliable, and can be installed to existing shade structures. So, if you’re thinking about adding curtains to your awning, call your local professional today.

​Now that you know a little more about patio curtains, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Restaurant awnings are big, beautiful, and revenue generating shade structures that attract customers and keep your business cool. Choosing the right one means understanding how to customize and design your shade structure so that it fits your business’ theme and footprint.

​So, how do you go about customizing an awning installation/order? The task might seem daunting at first, but here’s a quick list of things you should consider:

Size: You might want to look at your building and the size of your restaurant. You don’t want to install something that minimizes the look of your restaurant; you want to create an illusion of space and that means making sure the size of your awning is correct. Also, if you’re going to use the awning to expand your restaurant’s dining area to the outdoors, then selecting the right size is critical. That’s when you should consult your awning professional and ask them to help you with the measurements so that you can maximize the space you have and fit the right amount dining seats. 

Graphics: Restaurant awnings are eye-catching structures that you can use to advertise your business. Printing your restaurant’s logo or graphic on an awning is a great way to make your business stand out from the rest. Graphic awnings help you passively advertise your business without the added cost of paying for weekly or monthly billboards or sig

• Color: Your restaurant probably has a theme and choosing the right fabric color is important. The color needs to not only match your restaurant’s scheme, but also be tasteful and match the building’s theme as well. You want to think about a color that will compliment both your building and your business. Also, choosing a color that is meant to be for the outdoors is helpful as well. (You don’t want to install a fabric that reflects light into the eyes of your patrons or potential customers). 

Type: Depending on the restaurant and your location, the type of awning you choose is also something to consider. Awnings can be fixed or retractable. They can also be created to incorporate things like shade sails. In fact, if you customize your design, you can ask your awning professional what your options are, and you can go from there. But remember, if your business is an area that doesn’t have that much sunlight and you want to retract your awning on cloudy days, that’s something to keep in mind. (So, a fixed awning may not be right for you).
Material: This is something we often forget to consider. But this is just as important when it comes to an awning for a restaurant. Remember, your awning’s frame and fabric will take a lot more abuse than a standard residential shade structure. That’s why choosing an awning with a sturdy, reliable, frame and a UV ray resistant, commercial grade fabric is important. The material a restaurant awning is made from is designed to withstand the outdoors and your business’ day-to-day use and abuse. 

​Restaurant awnings can also be designed with varying types of shapes. You can choose hanging, dome, or other shapes. Just remember to consider your building’s type; is it tall, rectangular, or lengthy?
 
Finally, remember that your awning can be designed and customized the way you want – within reason of course – and that talking to your local awning professional is a great way to start your project or even upgrade your current shade structure.
 
Now that you know a little more about customizing your restaurant awning, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (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 all know that installing an awning for your home is a great idea and often helps reduce solar heat gain, provides shade, and expands your living area to your backyard. But, what about awnings for your business? What are they and why should you, as a business owner, care?
 
First, business or commercial awnings often incorporate graphics and designs, and are used to attract attention, and provide shade. Commercial awnings can also expand a restaurant’s dining area and create revenue generating space. Commercial awnings, when designed well, can be eye-catching, permanent advertisements for your business. 

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​For non-dining businesses and shops, awnings are a great way to shade the storefront and attract customers. For example, think of that nice blue, green, or other awning in front of that clothing store you’ve recently been to. Now, think about how the awning had a graphic of the store’s logo or name and how it attracted your attention and probably made you look through the window at the products inside. You might have even walked in and maybe bought something; now you know, that’s what the purpose of a commercial awning is.
 
Commercial awnings also provide a level of shade that protects the products and the people inside from unnecessary sun exposure, UV rays, and heat. 

​For restaurants and other businesses like hotels, commercial awnings and patio covers provide the ability to expand your footprint without having to lease or buy more land. Using an awning to cover an outdoor area you already have means you can put tables and chairs, couches and other lounge furniture for customers. This means you can create a revenue generating space. For restaurants, this kind of outdoor area means more seats and more sales.
 
Outdoor dining areas are great because they also attract the attention of people passing by. This means your passively advertising at no extra cost! Printing your logo and your business name on the awning is also another passive way to advertise; it’s like a permanent sign. 

​Finally, commercial awnings are made to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, just like residential awnings. However, business awnings are also designed to incorporate graphics and other features that enhance your business’ aesthetic. (Think of the scalloped, dome, or other shape of the awning that you probably won’t see on a residential awning). Remember, you can always consult an awning professional about your options and what a commercial awning can do for you. 

​Now that you know a little more about business awnings, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Fire season is here, and it is hot, hot, hot! That means you need to be aware and conscientious about fire hazards and prevention. For businesses and homeowners, this means thinking about your awing or patio cover and the material it’s made from. 

​Fire-resistant and fire-retardant awning fabrics are designed to withstand fire and help keep your awning from going up in flames. For example, using specialty fabrics like Trivantage’s Firesist product can help you have peace of mind.
 
So, what is the difference between a fire-resistant and a fire-retardant fabric. Fire-retardant textiles are coated with chemicals or solutions. Fire-resistant fabrics are inherently nonflammable; the fibers naturally don’t burn. 

​But, how does a fire-resistant or fire-retardant awning fabric work? Here’s a quick run-down:

• The fire-retardant fabrics are specially coated with a substance which prevents flammability. The coating typically lasts the life of the textile. Sometimes, a coating can also assist in self-extinguishing after the fire source has been removed.
  
• Inherent fire resistance in a fabric means the fibers of the material are naturally nonflammable; meaning the textile is difficult to ignite or burn. Some inherently fire-resistant fabrics include: wool and silk.
  
• Fire-retardant coatings don’t ruin your fabric; this is a misconception. In fact, for most awning fabrics, using a fire-retardant textile is important because you don’t want a wool or silk product for your awning; it would probably deteriorate quickly. 

​Fire-retardant awnings are typically made with textiles like Sunbrella, Trivantage, or other specialty fabric suppliers who specialize in these types of products. It’s important to know and understand that using a fire-retardant fabric for your awning project can help you save your business or home by preventing flames from spreading. (Just think, if you made the mistake of having a flame or bbq near your awning and it caught fire, how quickly that could spread. But with a fire-retardant fabric, that flame won’t spread). 

​Remember, consult your local awning shop about fire-retardant and fire-resistant fabrics and what’s best for you and your next project. Now that you know a little more about fire resistance and awnings, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Your home is your place of peace and relaxation. Your backyard is also an oasis for you and your family. We know that installing an awning is a great way to extend your living space and create a fun, shaded environment. But, if you want to take a step up into luxury backyard living, then the Corradi Patio Cover is something to consider!

​​Corradi patio covers come in a variety of types including a retractable option. These patio covers take the game up a notch by creating an outdoor living area that’s stunning and elegant. So, how does Corradi differ from your typical patio cover? 

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​The Corradi Retractable Patio Cover is designed for year-round use and is engineered to withstand heavy winds and rainstorms. The cover can be attached to a building or be freestanding and can be accented with LED lights and drop screens to create an outdoor living room that you can enjoy the whole year. 

​The Corradi is also more than just a frame and fabric; it’s an elegantly designed product that offers a sense of style and class that you might see at a high-end hotel or at one of those million-dollar homes you see on t.v. Think of those elegant covers and structures you see poolside at hotels, that’s what Corradi looks like, except, you can have this in your own backyard! Corradi’s look and feel is gorgeous and stunning! When combined with patio furniture, lighting, and other accessories, your backyard can become a luxurious getaway. Just imagine lounging near your pool, sitting under the shade, and reading your book; what a great way to spend your evening or weekend! 

​For more information about Corradi products and how we can help you find the right patio cover for you, visit our Corradi page at https://www.americanawningabc.com/corradi-patio-covers.html. 

​Now that you know a little more about Corradi Patio Covers and Luxury Living, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When it comes to awnings, we tend to forget they’re there until something happens to it. That’s why inspecting your awning for damage and other hazards often, is important. So, what should you be looking for?

Here are several things we’ve come across, experienced, seen, or helped fix when it comes to awning damage:

• Mold: This is unsightly and even hazardous. Mold can grow on the fabric of your awning and even start to get into your home. Use a mold-killing cleaner to remove it. Or, call a professional to help you clean the fabric or replace it if the damage is too extensive.  
  
• Sun Damage/UV Rays: Over time, the fabric of your awning can fade and even deteriorate in the sun. UV Rays and the constant sunshine in states like California can quickly deteriorate your awning fabric. If your fabric is damaged from sunlight, we highly recommend you replace it.
  
• Detachment from the Frame: This can happen in high-wind or storm situations. The fabric can tear or rip off from the frame. This is why having an awning that is retractable can be helpful in areas where inclement weather is an issue. 

​As you can see, awning damage is possible and being diligent in your inspections and care can help you prevent some expensive repairs. If you’re unsure about what to look for, contact your local awning shop for some tips. 

​Now that you know a little more about awning damage and what to look for, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (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 here; it’s hot, hot, hot! So, what does this mean for that beautiful awning you have installed? It means it’s time to do an inspection and take care of this shade structure that’s going to help keep you and your family cool all summer long. 

​First, it’s summer so this means your awning has just come out of the cool winter and spring seasons. So, it’s time to inspect it for any damage. Look for holes, tears, mold and mildew, and debris. If there are any tears or holes, have them repaired or fixed by a professional. If you have a lot of debris, lightly brush it off. You might also want to rinse or wash your awning. Use a non-harsh liquid dish washing soap and warm water solution. Scrub your awning fabric with a non-abrasive, soft bristle brush. 

​​Next, because it’s summer, you want to make sure that the fabric you’re using is UV ray resistant. If it is, great! Make sure the coating is still strong by applying a UV ray spray. But keep in mind, you should consult your awning installer about what kind of spray to use and if you even need it. (Some fabrics are inherently UV ray resistant). If your fabric isn’t UV ray resistant, you might want to consider replacing it. 

​​Also, check the frame of your awning. Make sure that the winter rain and wind didn’t damage it either. Sometimes branches, debris, and other material can damage the frame. If it’s just a loose screw, you can fix it yourself. However, if your frame is bent or damaged severely, call your awning professional right away and have them help you fix it. 

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​Finally, look under your awning and check for any bugs, spiders, and cobwebs. Make sure you’re using the right equipment, like ladders, gloves, and goggles whenever you are working on your awning. (You never know what might crawl out from one of the crevices or cracks). 

​Now that you know a little more about how to take care of your awning in the summer, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

 

​When it comes to shading your home, office, or business, it takes more than just planting a few trees and installing one big awning. In fact, properly shading your building requires that you take a look at the whole picture.

​Installing a large awning for your patio, backyard, or entryway is a great way to start keeping your building cool. But, we tend to forget the windows! You might be thinking, why should you bother shading your windows? The answer is simple, because it works. Window awnings have been proven to reduce energy bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, window coverings can actually reduce the loss of energy in your home.

​Windows can cause about 30 percent of a home’s heating energy loss and 76 percent of sunlight that comes through a standard double-pane window become heat, according to the Department of Energy. This means you have to use more energy to cool and heat your home. However, if you install a “window treatment” like an awning or other shade structure, the result will be savings. The amount of savings depends on the type of shade you use. Visit the Department’s energy efficient window treatment information page for more on this. 

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​Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in your home or office in the summer by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows, according to the Department of Energy. They can also add a level of aesthetic to your house that can increase its value. In fact, window awnings are also great for businesses who can utilize the space on the fabric to print logos and designs to help attract potential clientele. 

​Window awnings are a useful way to keep your whole home cool and ensure that every pane is covered and every opportunity to reduce solar heat gain. Keep in mind that awnings also help protect you from the harmful UV rays; it’s just a win-win situation.
 
Now that you know a little more about window awnings and why they work, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. 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. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.