​​We’ve talked about this before but it’s always good to keep fresh on the topic of fabric replacement and awning recovery. This option is a great way to save thousands of dollars when it comes to your awning and your home or business.
 
So, what is an awning recovery or replacement? Well, let’s say your awning’s been installed for five years and the frame is strong and sturdy, but the fabric is starting to look old and worn, colorless, and torn. Instead of ripping out the whole structure, you can just replace the fabric! This can save you thousands! 

A new awning, depending on what kind you want and need for your business or home, can be a few hundred to thousands of dollars for a commercial installation. So, if you’re a business that has fading fabric, utilizing awning recovery instead of buying a brand new one, is a great way to save.
 
So, what does an awning recovery involve? Here’s a short list of things:

​Awning recovery is easy and cost efficient and is an option that we don’t always remember we have. So, the next time you’re looking at your awning and thinking it needs to be replaced, remember, you can recover it instead!
 
For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

So, you’ve got a beautifully painted home and now you want to install an awning. But, what about the frame? Will it match? Good news, it can! At American Awning and Blind Co. we offer color options for your awning’s frame!

​So, what do you need to know when it comes to choosing an awning frame color? For starters, you can have the frame powder coated instead of painted. You can also have the frame mocked up in rendering so you can see how it would look with your home. In fact, here are some other things you need to know or think about when it comes to awning frame colors:

​Awning frame colors get overlooked or forgotten. But, now that you know more about your options and why painting your awning frame is a great way to spruce up your shade structure, you can make the choice. Click here to see our standard frame colors. Please keep in mind that we do offer custom colors as well!

For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

What are vinyl enclosures and how can you utilize these revenue generating accents to your business?
 
Vinyl enclosure typically have clear windows and enclose an outdoor dining or other patio area. The enclosure is an extended footprint of the business. Think of an outdoor dining area with tables and chairs and then enclose it with tasteful fabric structures. 

So why would you want to spend the time and money to have vinyl enclosures installed? These durable, revenue generating type of shade structures provide a myriad of aesthetics, benefits, and uniqueness to your business. Including but not limited to the below list:

• Dining Seats: If you install vinyl enclosures, you extend your restaurant or business’ ability to generate revenue with extra seats the interior of your building couldn’t fit. The area becomes potential sales generating space you didn’t have before. Within a month or two, you could make back what you invested to install the enclosures.
• Ambiance that Attracts Customers: How many times have you wanted to sit outside at a restaurant, but it didn’t have outdoor space? With vinyl enclosures, you can attract customers looking for that ambiance. You’d be surprised how many customers won’t come to your business simply because of the ambiance. 

​Now that you know a little more about what vinyl enclosures are and how they can generate revenue for your business or restaurant, let us know how we can help you! For more information about vinyl enclosures and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

Fall is here and the cool weather, the rain, and the shorter days are welcome after a long, hot summer. But just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be vigilant about your dog’s safety in your own backyard.
 
It may seem strange to think that the fall season can bring dangers to your pet. But it’s important to know that there are many things that can harm your dog in the fall. Check out some of the things we think you should be aware of: 

·      Awnings to Protect from the Rain: Consider installing an awning to create a safe, protected area for your pet if you leave him/her in the backyard. The awning can protect your dog from the rain and be the designated area for your little buddy during inclement weather.
·      Puddles: Standing puddles of water can be fun to splash in, but remember, these can contain bugs and other chemicals that have run off from your garden (pesticides) and thus, can harm your pet. Be sure to clear puddles of water after it rains.
·      Wild Mushrooms: Check your grass, your yards, and even along the edges of your fences for wild mushrooms and other vegetation. Some mushrooms are poisonous or harmful to your dog. Diarrhea and other ailments can be cause by these seemingly innocuous mushrooms. So remember to pull them out if you see them growing.
·      Leaf Piles: Might seem like a great idea to let your dog jump in that pile of leaves and frolic about. But the reality is, these leaves, especially if they’re left to rot, can be harmful to your pet. Toxins can build up in these piles and cause your pet to have seizures and other ailments. So be sure to clean up the leaves ASAP and give your dog a fun toy to play with instead of that deciduous pile.
·      Cool Weather: If you have a lapdog or a pet that just doesn’t go outside, you might want to consider buying “clothes” for him or her for warmth.  Some dogs need that extra sweater to stay warm because they’re not built to be outside all the time. (Think of maltipoos and other small dog breeds).
·      Decorations: If you decorate, be sure your dog can’t get at them or at least, the decorations are big and strong enough that your dog can’t eat them. Remember, fall decorations often contain glitter, glue, and other materials that can hurt your dog’s delicate tummy. So be sure your decorations are out of reach or sturdy. 

​Fall is a great season to cuddle with your pet and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and relax. Keeping your pet safe from the potential harms of the fall season will give you some peace of mind as you deal with the crazy that comes with the fall holiday season. (You can check that concern off your box).
 
For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

​Fall is here and the holidays are coming and Halloween’s right around the corner! So, what do you have planned for your family or business and all the fun and tricks that come with this spooky day? Have you thought about utilizing your patio cover or awning to spruce up your storefront or home?
 
Besides putting out figurines, pumpkins, and inflatables, you can do a whole host of other things to make your business or home stand and be family friendly and fun. Check out some of these ideas: 

- Decorating your Awning: For the backyard, you can string up pumpkin lights or decorate your awning with cotton cobwebs. You can even hang spiders and other creepy, ghoulish objects like hands and skeletons from the sides of the awning. You can also wrap vines and other thorny – but not sharp – branches.
- Patio Cover: Just like the awning, you can hang and string up lights. You can also hang curtains with a creepy crawly theme.  
- Backyard: You can create a Halloween haunt activity oasis by setting up booths for apple bobbing, dart throwing at pumpkins, and more. Think about what your kids might like and set up fun things they would enjoy.
- Front Yard: Try setting up a candy stand for trick-or-treaters or dotting the grass with fake hands and feet, skeletons, and cauldrons.
- Businesses and Storefronts: You can do all of the above, tailored to the setup of your business. But, since you have larger space, you can make your business a Halloween pit stop by adding specials and sales. Remember, you can put things in the windows, hang stuff from the patio cover or awning. Also, have your employees dress up and invite guests in.

​Halloween is meant to be a fun day you and your family can enjoy while indulging in candies and enjoying the fall season. Adding the extra holiday flare to your home or business is just a nice way to create memories for your loved ones and also generate more business for your store.
 
For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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 shade structures, we think about the standard, stationary and permanent fixture we call a fixed awning. But, did you know an awning can be made into a retractable, skylight, or combination shade structure with drop screens and more? 

​
​One of the coolest things about awnings is that you can design and create it into various kinds of shade structures like a skylight. This concept may seem a little odd, but the fact is, this is a great way to create shade for your backyard, business, or restaurant area. Traditional, skylights are installed in your roof. But the kind we’re talking about are the ones that are stand alone shade structures in your back yard or are somehow attached to the side of your building. 

​Check out some of the benefits of a standalone skylight awning:

• Open and Close the Fabric Panels: Just like a skylight in your roof, you can retract and open the fabric panels of the awning. You can allow as much sunlight as you want, or you can keep the panels closed for overall shade.
• Aesthetics: Adding a skylight awning to your business or home can increase the aesthetic appeal and possibly the value of your building. The skylight awnings can be designed with various shapes, colors, and sizes.
• Nighttime Star Gazing: At night, you can retract the panels to view the stars while sitting on your patio furniture, sipping a nice cup of hot cocoa or tea.
• No Worries About your Roof: Skylights in your roof have potential issues including leaks, allowing too much solar heat gain, and more. But with an outdoor skylight awning over your backyard or other area of your business, you don’t have to worry about any of that. All you have to do is enjoy the versatility of the awning’s benefits. 

​Skylight awnings can be motorized, or hand cranked and are easy to maintain. The beautiful shade structures not only provide shade but can help reduce solar heat gain inside your home. So next time you’re thinking about a home improvement project, think about installing a skylight awning!
 
For more information about skylight awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

​Dogs love to play. They love to jump, sniff around, and hide their bones and treats. But, we as loving pet owners don’t always have time to take them out around the neighborhood or the dog park. That’s why utilizing your backyard as a dog oasis is a great way to keep your dog happy and entertained.
 
We often think of the backyard as that extra part of the house that needs to be maintained and as a bothersome chore. But, if you take a little time and install an awning, clean up the mess, and cut the grass and take out the weeds, you can make a playground for your pet. You can do a multitude of things to your backyard and create a pet’s paradise.

​Dogs love to be with their humans so the best part of your pet’s backyard activities is simply being outside with them playing fetch and rubbing their bellies. Remember, keep your pet happy and healthy with activities, shade, and proper nutrition.
 
 
For more information about awnings and how to create a dog oasis, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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 your business, office or home, shade is important to remember. Using an awning, patio cover, or things like curtains to help block out the sun is a great way to stay cool in the hot summer months. But, did you know you can use drop screens indoors to help keep your products, people, or home safe from the sun’s UV rays?

​Drop screens aren’t curtains but still provide the same kind of shading concept. Drop screens can be installed in your home, office, or business and provide shade while still allowing the sun to filter through for natural day-light ambiance. 

​Drop screens are designed to also add a level of aesthetic to your business.

• Aesthetic: The colors, fabric, and mode of deployment can be incorporated into your theme.
• Marketing/Advertising: Drop screens can even include logos and other markings that can help get your business noticed. One side can shade and the other can advertise.
• Shade & Product Protection: Drop screens also serve to protect your products from the sun’s powerful UV rays which can fade colors. The shade can also keep your business, home or office cooler and help reduce those pesky summer electric bills. 

​Using drop screens as an alternative to install a larger awning is a great way to still get shade for your business or home. Sometimes buildings aren’t designed or allowed to have an awning installation and that’s why knowing your options is important. Remember, drop screens roll down, can be motorized, or manually cranked, and offer you a shade, sun protection, and a way to make your business or home look cooler. 

​For more information about drop screens and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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’re full swing into summer and the vacations, activities, and outdoor fun are all underway. For the days and weekends you and your family are home, sometimes keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge. That’s where the trusty backyard can come in handy.
 
Whether it’s day or night, you can use your backyard as a sort of “playground” where you can set up activities that will keep your kids happy, cool, and having fun. Check out some of our tips on the things you can do with your kids this summer while at home.

​The above are just a few of the many creative things you can do with your kids at home and in the safety and comfort of your own backyard. If you have an awnings, this is a great anchor that you can use to center your backyard activities around and also keep the kids cool and protected from the sun’s powerful UV rays.
 
For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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. 

​The bottom line for any business is generating revenue and profit at the end of the day. Streamlining your business by utilizing all of its space is one way to achieve higher sales, especially for restaurants. How can this be done? The answer is simple, create an outdoor dining experience.
 
Most restaurants have a patio in the front or back area of their building. That space is perfect for outdoor dining. Even for small restaurants, putting out one or two tables is a great way to generate more seats that create more sales. So how do you create that outdoor dining area? Here’s a quick list:

​Restaurant awnings are perfect for the summer, winter, or spring. In fact, restaurants who have outdoor dining options attract more attention from foot traffic. This is because people passing by can see the food your restaurant serves; it’s like free advertising. Which also brings us to the fact that restaurant awnings are also great canvases for your logo or restaurant name.
 
Awnings for your restaurant also help generate that extra revenue you might be looking for. How so? Well, when you install that awning, it attracts attention, creates outdoor space for your diners, which in turn creates revenue. 

​The Math of Revenue Generating Space

• For example, if you install a covered, shaded area by using an awning and put out 4 tables with 4 chairs a piece, you’ve just created 16 more revenue generating seats.
• If you fill those seats at least twice a day, that’s 32 more sales you wouldn’t have had before. Let’s say those 32 seats average sales of $15 each spot, then you’ve just added $480 a day to your sales. 
• In one week, you could potentially add $3,360 to your ledger if you multiply the $480 a day you create with just 4 tables and 4 chairs. You’ve just paid for the cost of your awning which will last years. 

​As you can see, creating outdoor dining space is a great way to generate revenue and attract more customers. It’s a win-win situation and getting started is as easy as calling your local awning shop.
 
For more information about commercial awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. 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.