​​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? 

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​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. 

​​Décor for your home is always a challenge to think about; from colors to furniture, to other decorations, the options you have are so numerous, it’s like looking at the stars. So, here’s a quick little article on some ideas for décor for your backyard.

​If you have an awning installed, this is a great focal point for your backyard’s overall theme. How so? Well, consider this:

• Color: The color of your awning can help you dictate the color scheme of your backyard décor. If your awning is a light green, you can choose darker green outdoor furniture for your lounge area. You can also install water fountains that have a slight green hue to match the awning. In fact, using the awning’s color – which should also go with the color palette of your home – is a great way to tie the theme of your house together in your backyard.
• Shape: Not all awnings are square or rectangular. Some can be dome shaped and designed for specific tastes and styles. This means if you have an awning with a shape like a rectangle, you can match the theme of your backyard with other objects that are square or rectangular. For example, you could put in a dining area with a rectangular table. Or, you could put in some rectangular shaped flower boxes along the edge of the shaded area to enclose it. The options are limitless.
• Style: If the style of your awning includes patterns and scalloped valances, you can also play with this and include similar themed décor. For example, your chairs and benches can have a similar pattern as your awning. Or, you can create a patterned play area for the kids like putting out a mat that has stripes or dots; this can be a clean play area so your kids don’t get those hard to get out grass stains. 

​Backyard summer décor can also include a multitude of games like croquet, badminton, tetherball, catch, and more. You could create a themed box where you can store these games. Also, including things like a construction table for art projects and even building a tree house is a great way to accentuate your home’s overall décor. You can also accentuate the awning by hanging lighting – always check with your installer to see if this okay with your particular awning – or you can also hang plants and wind chimes.
 
Backyard décor doesn’t have to be limited to just furniture; you can incorporate pretty much anything that comes to your mind. Having an awning as a focal point and a theme setting piece is a great way to start your backyard’s transformation into a fun, inviting place for your family and friends. 

​For more information about awnings and your backyard, 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. 

​​Summer is around the corner and the sun is already shining and the birds are chirping. This means it’s time to break out the backyard furniture, the bbq, and your sunglasses. If you have an awning in your backyard, you’re ready for some family fun and activities at home. 

​Awnings provide a shaded area in your backyard where you can set up furniture, fountains, and other lounging items like tables and chairs. Here is a list of things you can do for summer activities that aren’t just barbequing:

• Croquet: Set up a croquet in your backyard and have a game or two with the kids.
  
• Obstacle Course: You can set up a mini-obstacle course and run through it with your family or even just your dog.
  
• Slip and Slide: You can set up a slip and slide and a portable pool. Your kids will love this activity.

​​As you can see, there are multiple things you can do in the summer as an activity with your family in your own backyard. If you have an awning installed, this is a great way to make your backyard inviting and fun. You can also install a freestanding shade structure to create another lounge space that you can enjoy. 

​For more information about awnings and your backyard, 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 sun is blazing hot and it’s time to think about shading your business or your home with not just an awning, but with drop screens as well. So, what is a drop shade and how can you use it to augment your business?
 
Drop screens are flat pieces of specialty fabric designed to keep out the harmful rays of the sun and sometimes, if you’re using a mesh drop screen, allow some natural lighting in. Drop screens can be manually cranked/rolled or automatically retracted or unfurled down windows or on the sides of an awning. 

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​In fact, drop shades used in combination with an awning are excellent for restaurants and other businesses. For restaurants, using a clear vinyl drop screen is great because it’s like having a window without the glass. The awning and drop screens create an enclosed area outdoors on the patio or in your backyard. Thus, you’re basically extending your business’ footprint. 

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​Customers want to dine outside and providing a cool, shaded patio is an attractive option that many clientele will opt for in the summer months. For clothing shops and other businesses, using drop screens on your windows in the interior is an excellent way to provide shade and natural lighting while protecting your products from the harmful uv rays of the sun which can discolor fabric and furniture. 

​The drop screen and awning combination also provides an aesthetic appeal that you can use to attract customers. For example, you can emblazon your awning with your logo and you can also use logos on the bottom of the drop screens and create a permanent ad. In fact, the drop screen and awning combo is a great way to accentuate your business and make it stand out from the competition.
 
For more about what we do and about drop screens and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings 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. 

​Spring is here and the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is still wonky… But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start thinking about the summer and preparing your awning for the hot months ahead. 

​If you’re awning has been in storage, it’s time to air it out. Unfurl the fabric, brush it down with a soft towel and remove any cobwebs, or debris that may have built up over the winter. Also, if you’re frame has been standing out all winter, inspect it and make sure there’s no damage from the wind and rain. If you have extra UV ray coatings you want to spray on the textile, go for it. But make sure you let it dry completely before flipping it over and spraying the other side. 

​For awnings that have been standing year-round, here are some tips to help keep your awning strong and ready for summer:

• Inspect: Check your awning for any rips, tears, or frame damage like rust and bending. Check the crevices for any mold or mildew growth. Also, look at the awning to see if the fabric is sinking and losing its tensile strength. Make sure the color is also not fading. If any of these things are happening, contact your awning installer and have the issues repaired right away.
• Clean: Using mild soap and a soft bristle brush or soft towel, wipe your awning down and remove any debris or other unsightly build up of gunk from the winter.
• Protect: You can spray on extra coatings of UV ray, sun, and water protection. (Although, always check with your awning installer to see if this is okay with your particular awning and what spray you can use). The extra layer of protection can help reduce color fading, UV ray penetration, and water damage. (Think of that morning dew).
• Replace the Fabric if Necessary: If the fabric is looking faded, droopy, or is torn, replace it. Remember, you don’t have to always replace the frame. Replacing the fabric is cost effective and allows you to update the look and feel of your home or business. 

​Now that you know what you can do to prepare your awning for the summer, remember to enjoy it! Also, keep in mind to always check with your awning installer or manufacturer on what types of sprays or cleaners you can use on your shade structure; not all awnings are created equally…
 
For more about what we do feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings 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’re ready to purchase a beautiful awning. In fact, you’re new awning is set for installation soon. But, did you know there are things you should do before your awning is permanently installed?

​​Awnings are large and can be attached to your house or building. This means that you need to prepare the area of the install. Remember, awnings are large structures and when being installed, any obstacles and debris should be cleared away. Here’s a quick list of things you should do before installing an awning on either your home or business:

​·      Clean: Be sure that the area where the awning is supposed be is clean. For example, make sure there’s no growth of mold (this can happen) and there are no bee’s nest near the location. (That can happen too). Also, be sure the area doesn’t have random holes or stucco that’s been worn down. This will help ensure your awning installation will be sturdy and strong.
·      Rendering: For businesses and homes, this is a great way to help prepare your building for an awning installation. Have your installer provide a rendering of what the awning will look like so you can have a better idea of what you need to do to prep for the install or make any changes.
·      Permits: This is important for both businesses and homes. Preparing for awning installation means you MUST have your permits all in place. Without these, you can face fines and fees from your HOA, the city, or your landlord. 

​The above simple steps can assist in speeding up the installation time, once the team is there, and also help to ensure your awning is installed properly. Also, remember to ask your awning installer what steps you should take to assist in the process.
 
For more about what we do feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings 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.