​We all know what an awning or patio cover is and the basic functions of these residential or commercial installations. But what are freestanding shade structures? How are they useful and what are they for?
 
Freestanding shade structures come in various shapes, types, materials, and sizes. The structures are used in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The structures are used on playgrounds, as shading options near pools (like cabanas but larger), hotel lounge areas, and as outdoor work areas. 

​The structures provide industrial and commercial businesses the ability to expand the footprint of building or work space without purchasing more land. Freestanding shade structures are also used in backyards as lounge areas where families can sit and read books, dine, or simply relax.
 
Frames of the structures vary and come in wood, aluminum, metal, plastics, and other specialty options. The fabrics and design of the shade can also vary and include:

​Finally, freestanding shade structures are great additions to any home, business, or industrial space. The structures add value to your business and can attract clientele and expand your footprint without the added cost of leasing or buying more space.  
 
For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential freestanding shade structure project, 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. 

​Winter is here, the rain is pouring, and the awnings are covering your family, guests, or if you own a business, your patrons. Contrary to what you might be thinking, awnings are great for the rainy season. 

​Awnings are typically used to provide shade and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but did you know that they are great for inclement weather like rain? How might this be? Well for starters, awnings are designed to be sturdy and not let moisture build up, or for that matter, let water fall through. In fact, awnings are kind of like big umbrellas, only for a large outdoor area.

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​When it rains, you can utilize your awning to sit outside in your backyard or allow for outdoor dining for customers who want to enjoy the coolness of the weather. In fact, you can sip a hot cup of tea or cocoa under your awning and watch the droplets fall; what a way to spend an otherwise gloomy day. 

​Awnings provide protection from the rain because of the materials the structures are made from. The fabric is specialty designed to withstand wind and water. Thus, if it rains, you can feel confident that your guests or family will stay dry from above.
 
If you have an awning and utilize clear vinyl windows or use drapes/curtains, you can also enclose the area and provide a fully covered lounge or dining area during the rain. Thus, you don’t have to give up your backyard or outdoor lounge areas when it rains, you can still enjoy them without the hassle of getting wet. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential awning project, 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. 

​When it comes to finding the right contractor for your commercial or residential shade structure project, you want to be sure you’re getting a reliable, experienced company. So, what do you need to look for when it comes to finding the right awning installer for your needs? 

​Before you hire an awning contractor, remember, do your due diligence. After all, an awning project is like buying a new piece of furniture, it will be part of your home or business for years.

• First, it’s always prudent to check and see if your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. That means you’re protected, and they’re protected in case of injuries or accidents on the job.
• Second, you want to make sure they listen to your needs and vision for your project. This may seem trivial on first thought, but, it’s one of the most important things to consider. A contractor who argues with you or tries to change your vision isn’t the right fit for you.

​​The above list of five things are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to finding the right awning installer. Keep in mind, doing your homework on the people you’re going to work with, have in your backyard or at your business, and invest in, is just being prepared and smart and will give you peace of mind. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next commercial or residential awning project, 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. 

​Most of us have enjoyed an outdoor dining experience at a restaurant we love. During the winter, sitting outside is still an option, especially when there are enclosures that keep you warm and protected from inclement weather. 

​So, what our outdoor dining enclosures and how do they work? For starters, outdoor dining enclosures come in different types and construction. Some are made from vinyl, others are made from acrylics, while others are made from polyvinyl materials. Enclosures also come in different styles:

• Curtains: Just like what you would see indoors, outdoor curtains for dining areas are designed to close and keep out wind, rain, and sun while guests enjoy their meals. Curtains can vary in size and color and the enclosures add an elegant touch.

​Outdoor dining enclosures are designed to provide guests protection from the weather and UV rays. The enclosures act like an extended arm of your restaurant allowing for more tables and seats, and thus, revenue generating space. The enclosures also help attract attention to your business. The enclosures can include graphic artwork and emblems that represent your business and capture the attention foot traffic. Thus, investing in an outdoor dining enclosure can help you increase your restaurant’s sales by expanding your business’ footprint and advertising ability. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your outdoor dining enclosure, 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. 

​Commercial Awnings are a different beast than your run-of-the-mill residential shade structure. Commercial awnings are different in scale and style and take a different kind of abuse. Maintaining a commercial awning requires a little more knowledge and care.

​​First, it’s important to ALWAYS inspect your commercial awning. Look for rips, tears, and unusual things, especially if you have an awning over an outdoor dining area. For restaurant commercial awnings, it’s important to check for not just the standard things like mold and mildew, but to look for punctures, and even things like stuck on food (you’d be surprised how often this happens). 

​Oddities aside, here’s a quick rundown on how to generally maintain your commercial awnings:

•  Clean: Use a mild soap and soft bristle brush to clean your awning.
• Inspect Monthly or Weekly: Look at your awning for any damage or rips. Checking a commercial awning weekly is ideal.
• Replace: If your fabric is fading, replace it! If your frame is aging and rusting, replace it!
• Rinse: Hose your awning down at the beginning of the day to remove dirt and dust.
• Remove Debris: Look for branches, rocks, and other debris that might get caught on, in, or around your awning and remove them.
• Keep it Clear: Make sure there are no plants or other sharp objects near the awning. You don’t want the structure to get damaged.

​​Commercial awnings with graphics should also be periodically checked for damage to the logo and for color fading. Remember, you can always call your local awning professional to come and check out your awning to see if it needs repairs or fixing up. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your awning maintenance, 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’ve owned your awning for some time. You’ve inspected it, you’ve cleaned it, and you’ve admired it. But, are you using the right solution and materials to clean your awning? Did you know you can damage your awning’s fabric by using the wrong products?

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​When cleaning your awning, you’ve probably been using a light solution of a mild liquid dish soap or something similar and some water. While this might be okay, it’s important to remember that your solution proportions should be balanced. Don’t put so much soap that your solution is thick and not easy to wash off. Be sure your solution is loose and easily comes off by spraying water and brushing with a soft bristle brush. 

​Now, if you’re not sure, or if you don’t want to make your own solution, you can purchase an awning cleaning solution. However, we highly recommend you research and do your due diligence before purchasing an awning cleaner. Here’s why:

• Some solutions are not meant for your fabric or awning. Some fabrics are made from canvas, polyvinyl, vinyl, and other materials. So, look at the bottles instructions and intended uses, you don’t want to spray your canvas with a cleaner that’s meant for an acrylic textile.
• Some solutions are designed to restore your awning. Don’t automatically think that getting an awning restoring solution is the best thing to do. If you’re awning is relatively new, don’t worry about adding an extra layer of this stuff, you don’t need it yet. You want to make sure you’re cleaning the awning properly and getting rid of dirt and debris.

• Chemical solutions: Most of the cleaning solutions will have some kind of chemical as part of the ingredients. But, be weary of the chemicals and always check with your awning installer to see which ones you should avoid. Some chemicals can actually damage your awning fabric, especially cleaners that are designed for textiles that are not the one you have.
  
• Concentrates: Some solutions come as concentrates. Being sure you know this before you start spraying your awning with it is important. You don’t want to bombard your awning with a concentrate because you might be damaging it.

 
Using an awning cleaning product is a good idea, but finding the right one is the proper thing to do. Also, always remember to consult your installer to see which cleaner is best for your shade structure; not all awnings are created the same or equally. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next awning fabric project, 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. 

​Saving money on a big purchase is always satisfying. But, sometimes saving in the moment, costs you a whole lot more. When it comes to buying a quality, professionally installed awning, knowing what you get for your buck is important. 

Cheap Awnings:
Fabric: The options are limited and come with cheaply made textiles that are often not resistant to mold or mildew, and likely don’t have tear and rip resistance. This means you will replace your awning fabric far more often which costs you a whole lot more than buying a quality piece in the first place. 
Structure: With a cheap awning option, the frame might be made with metals that are not durable, or if they are made with aluminum or steel, the quality of the material is low and thus, your structure can scratch, bend, or break faster.  Cheaper awnings, like the kind you get delivered to you, typically won’t offer these. And if you do get them, installation can be tedious, and you risk damaging your awning before you even install it yourself. 
​Color: Cheaper awnings tend to limit the color palette you can choose from and may not offer a warranty. 

Design: You’re pretty much limited to fixed or retractable and if you’re offered a different design like a shade-sail, the quality of the materials may not be up to par, and your awning won’t last. 
​Installation/Service: If you’ve bought an awning online and are looking for an installer, many professional services won’t accommodate your request. They don’t want to install something that won’t last. And, if you do need service for your awning – for a rip or tear – you will have to still call a professional and replace your fabric which will cost you more. 

Quality Awnings:
Fabric: Options include top-of-the line products like Sunbrella, Serge Ferari, and more. The fabric of your awning is what will cost you the most in the long run. Without the right, uv ray, mold-mildew resistant, tear and rip resistance, your awning won’t last. 
Structure: Awning frames/structure are made with sturdy, durable materials like aluminum, steel, or other metals and sometimes wood. The frame of a quality awning stands the test of time and won’t break or bend like a cheaper one might. 
Finial and Spear Options: Quality awnings typically offer you these decorative additions for your awning. The filial decorates the end of an awning pole and a spear juts out from the awning, adding a level of aesthetic you wouldn’t normally get from a cheap awning. 
​Color: Quality awnings offer a variety of colors and even color matching to your building. Also, colorfast textiles are used in higher quality awnings: this means your color won’t fade as quickly. Often, your fabric comes with a warranty guaranteeing color for a period of time. 

Design: Quality awnings offer you a level of design that surpasses a do-it-yourself piece. Design includes the shape, style, and type. You can get a shade-sail, a free-standing piece, or slide-on-wire option.
​Installation/Service: Quality awnings are installed with guarantees and backed by warranties and the confidence that you can rely on the service of the professional you hired. Professional, quality awning services include rendering services, permitting help, and more. 

​As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to installing a quality or cheap awning. Just keep in mind, replacing an awning can cost thousands, especially when it comes to a business. So, when considering an awning for your restaurant, business, building, or home, remember, it pays to spend now because you’ll save so much more in the long run.
 
For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next awning fabric project, 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. 

​​If you enjoy design and architecture, then know that color and variety, shapes, and graphics can really catch the eye; this is especially true for awning fabrics. Replacing your awning textile is actually a great idea, particularly when you want to update the look and feel of your home, office, or store. 

​Awning fabrics can be replaced and updated anytime, so you don’t have to wait till it’s damaged. Here are some fun, great ideas to help you spruce up your business or home with new awning textiles:

• Colors: This is probably the most important component of the fabric of your awning. The color is what will draw attention. Choosing a drab color scheme might work against you. So, pick a color that’s stunning, bright, and attractive and matches your building or business’ theme.
• Designs: You can use designs like patterns, dots, and stripes. You can have the fabric custom engineered. For example, if you have a dog grooming business, you can install an awning textile with a dog pattern. Really, adding a design to your awning is a great way to increase the visibility and uniqueness of your business.

​​Replacing the fabric of your awning is an awesome way to give your building or home a facelift without the cost of major construction. Keep in mind, you can always have the project rendered, in color, to see what you’re ideas will look like. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next awning fabric replacement project feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel 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. 

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​Living in sunny Southern California sometimes creates the illusion that wind and rain aren’t problems for us or our property. The reality is, wind and rain can damage awnings and other shade structures, even in So. Cal. For Pitchoun Bakery at the southwest corner of the Beverly Center Mall in Los Angeles, CA, finding the right wind and rain resistant awning was their challenge.

​Luckily, we were able to help them and in August 2018, we installed a large retractable awning that could handle the rigors of the wind and rain that is common to the area. We suggested they use a Stobag Stoboscope retractable awning, which features telescopic arms that are tensioned with gas pressure cylinders. By using an awning that does not have elbows, Stobag has created an awning which can handle 20% more wind than a standard retractable. This is the perfect product for restaurant and hospitality locations that rely on their patios to generate income.

​The bakery owners also chose to use a Sunbrella Orange fabric, which was a similar match to their color scheme. As a precaution, we made sure the fabric was fire-treated by American Flame Coat. The result of the combined Stobag retractable awning and fire-treated Sunbrella fabric was a beautiful and bright, sunny patio space that attracts attention and ultimately, helps generate sales and revenue for the bakery.
 
At American Awning and Blind Co., we understand the nuances of business and the troubles of the ever-changing weather patterns; we know which awning or shade structure is best for you. Don’t let wind and rain prevent you from creating a great outdoor dining, shopping, or lounge experience for your guests; that’s just missed sales opportunities. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next shade structure project feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel 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. 

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​Last summer, we were presented with a unique project for the Harajuku Taproom. The Japanese craft beer and restaurant (izakaya) is located in beautiful Culver City, CA. When we were approached about helping them shade their outdoor dining area and provide shade for their interior, we were presented with a complex situation.

​The restaurant was directly exposed to sunlight; it faced west. The interior and outdoor dining areas were also connected with a large open space that utilizes large roll-up garage doors; this makes the area open and inviting. But, the interior dining area was exposed to late afternoon sunlight. After we examined the space, drew up plans, and rendered the various possible installations, we decided to utilize a combination of a stationary awning and drop screens to shade the interior and outdoor dining areas. 

​The result was a brilliant marriage of an awning structure and drop screens. The awning provides not just shade, but year-round sunlight and rain protection. The awning also provided larger shading from above. The drop screens helped to protect the interior of the restaurant as well as the outdoor dining area and provide shade from the sides. The completed project also enhanced the exterior look and feel of the restaurant with a beautiful red awning emblazoned with white lettering: “A Japanese Craft Beer Izakaya.”

​This project demonstrates that using a combination of various shade structures can create a level of aesthetic that is both functional and beautiful.
 
For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next shade structure project feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel 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.