Keep Your Awnings in Great Shape with These Tips

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Now that you have bought your retractable awnings the next thing to do is take care of it so that it lasts longer. Regular maintenance and cleaning increase the shelf life of the awnings. Like all the furniture in your home, you need to take good care of it and keep it in great shape.

Read more to find out how you will take care of your folding arm awnings in melbourne or Sydney or whichever part of the world you live in. and protect it from depreciation.

Retractable Awnings

Tips and Tricks to Take Care of Awnings

Seasonal awning care

Regular sweeping off the entire awning can keep it looking spic and span without a spec of dirt. Using a broom for the very purpose can shield the awning from regular wear and tear. Cutting off the vines trees and shrubs, vines can stop the constant friction against the fabric. Some plants affect the awning fabric with its acid content. At other times branches and twigs cause tears and gaping holes in your awning, so ensure that your awnings are protected from trees and shrubs. Mend holes as soon as you spot one as once it becomes too big, it becomes difficult to repair.

Yearly awning maintenance

 You do not require to take your awning down to clean it thoroughly, so it isn’t too difficult to clean it. Clean it with water to dislodge the stubborn dirt from the awning. Let it dry out before you retract it as the wet conditions cause mildew growth that can reduce the shelf life drastically and you certainly don’t want that.

Clean the awning with a solution of water and mild soap and rub off the fabric with a soft-bristle brush. Once the solution soaks in rinse it off with clean water thoroughly as soap residue can cause discoloration.

Clean it up as and when needed

Things like oil, rust, paint, bird droppings and tree sap damage the awning in the long run. The last thing you want is ugly looking stains on your awning. So, clean up a stain as soon as you spot one. This stops it from setting in too deep and hence too stubborn to remove.

Protect awnings from hostile weather conditions

 Retractable awnings are a great investment option to protect yourself from hostile elements. Gusty winds, torrential rain, and heavy snow, retractable awnings protect you from these conditions, but they also wreck up your investment, so do not forget to retract them from such inclement weather. This protects your awning and makes it last for a really long time.

Southwest Awning Systems is an Australian manufacturer who manufactures a host of different products such as folding arm awnings, retractable roof systems, external blinds and so much more. They are based in New South Wales and they bring in a lot of experience in manufacturing, design and also customer service. With their top-notch customer services, they will answer all your queries and give the right solutions to your problems on cleaning the awning and keeping it in great condition.

How to Buy Folding Arm Awnings? A Purchasing Guide for you!

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Awnings provide one of the best ways to keep the temperature down in the summertime. These accessories are durable and great for protecting sun rooms, outdoor living areas, alfresco dining areas and other commercial areas like restaurants. There are many kinds of awnings available, with a wide variety of features. Selecting the right size and fabric is very important, depending on where it’s going to be placed. The awning type, such as retractable, standing or free standing needs to be given proper importance as well, thus helping you choose the right folding arm awning for your need. Concentrate on your specific needs like comfort, energy savings or advertising and you are sure to find something that suits your fancy. So, how to buy folding arm awnings? A purchasing guide for you that will help you decide what to buy and what to avoid.

Types of Awnings

Specialised Features of Folding Arm Awnings

Folding arm awnings come with a fixed frame, which consists of the square bar or mounting bar, roller tube and arms. The mounting bar binds the roller tube where awning is retracted. When the fabric of the awning retracts, it gets hidden by the cassette.

When the arms of the awnings are rolled out and the folds are enclosed at the elbow, the awning is folded in, which helps it retract with ease. Other distinctive features of folding arm awnings are the front bar, which is actually the portion which extrudes from the front part; the elbow, which is found on the arm and the hood, which is stretched over the fabric and frame when the awning is retracted. A few retractable awnings have cross bars or ribs that act as a support for the fabric or decorative drapery. The components made of aluminum are coated with powder to make it look good as well as increase durability.

Folding arm awnings can be operated manually or motorized. Manual folding arm awnings are more affordable since a hand crank is used to open and close it. Motorised ones with their wonderful features are more expensive. They have features such as wind sensors, rain sensors, remote controls, and timers. They can be opened effortlessly with the click of a button. They are much more convenient to use the manually operated ones.

A Guide Before you Buy

There are several kinds of folding arm awnings, 4 to be exact, so before you think about making a purchase make sure you know which one to buy for your specific needs.

Cassette Folding Arm Awning- This is great for outdoor areas like patios and decks. It offers good protection for both canvas and arms.

Semi-Cassette Folding Arm Awnings– This is particularly great for places where it rains heavily. The canvas is well-protected when it is folded and kept inside a chest.

Standard awning- In this type of awning, the arms and the canvas are exposed to the open air when the awning is folded. This is apt for pleasant weather conditions.

Drop arm awnings- Drop arm awnings are just right for commercial areas such as stores and restaurants. It is designed in a way where there are arms on either side holding it firm, to provide ample protection against the scorching sun and mild drizzles.

Explore all your options before you set out to buy the perfect folding arm awnings for your home. Whatever your need, rest assured these awnings will provide the right degree of style and functionality to your home or establishment.

Advantages of Awnings for Home Improvement

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We all want to escape from the relentless heat of summers! Even if we stay put in our home, the sultry sun manages to reach us even from our windows, streaming through the flimsy curtains. So how would you stun the sun in the peak summer season? Awnings can considerably mitigate solar heat gain that is the rising in temperature because of sunshine, by as much as 65 percent on windows facing southern sides and 77 percent on windows facing the western sides. What’s more your furniture will get respite too! And that is just a few of the advantages of using awnings for home improvement. There are so many more.

Home Awnings

Different Kinds of Awnings

Some of the retractable awnings in melbourne which are also known as stationary awnings are permanently fixed to the wall. The awning does not budge to offer more shade or less shade over the window. A stationary awning is very useful because it is very stable and gives you ample protection against the weather.  One thing that does not work in its favor is that you need to take pains to maintain it.  Smaller windows can do with stationary awnings as the awnings are convenient to move and can be opened or closed according to your will.  Retractable awnings, on the other hand, offer a wide variety of choices, but it is only suitable for larger windows.

For stationary awnings, there are some myriad styles to choose from. They are the crescent, dome, slope, oriental and waterfall, and styles. Choose the one that caters to your purpose and enjoys its many benefits.

Awnings Are Incredibly Practical 

Home window and door awnings are an incredibly practical solution to upgrade the style quotient of your home. Combining form and function it also protects you from Mother Nature.

Awnings, when matched with the fabric, pattern, and color of your home, create a stunning effect.  So, it serves two purposes, it is practical and it amps up the aesthetic value of your home.

 It is Affordable and it is Energy Efficient

 A home awning is an affordable way of improving the look of your home.  How’s that? Home awnings help save money as it reduces the use of air conditioners, thus helping you reduce your electricity bills.

 Home awnings cut down on heat gain significantly and slash down the cooling expenses.

Budget-friendly Way to make your Homes Aesthetically Appealing

Retractable awnings are easy on your pockets and they amp up your decor in myriad ways besides increasing the living space of your home. You can sit pretty on your sunlit porch enjoying a quiet read or even entertain your friends in the large area. As they say, it is the best of both worlds.

So if you are planning to give your home a fresh new lease consider amping the beauty quotient of your house with the help of window awnings.

Retractable Awnings Provides Protection from Rain and Sunlight

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Folding arm awnings in Melbourne and other sunny places of the world provide homeowners a great many options to deck up their deck or patio. The retractable awnings not only enhance the look of your home but they also provide shade to the deck or patio. Not to forget they help you save on energy costs in a big way.

retractable awning

Shade and Weather Protection                                                                           

Whenever you are buying a retractable awning for your home, the idea is to the increase the outside space area. Also, retractable awnings can be moved or expanded as per the requirement of the owners. This also helps the owners to stop exposing themselves to the harmful sun rays.  A retractable awning can help the owners enjoy the outdoor experiences to the hilt, as the slope of the retractable awnings can be changed according to the changing weather conditions.

Retractable awnings besides providing you from the sun, they can also protect you from the rain and allergens. So you get to enjoy fresh air even at the time of thundering rainstorms. Retractable awnings can easily block allergens and can act as a barrier from prying eyes when sunbathing, or swimming.

Cutting Energy Costs

Using these awnings can minimize energy costs too as awnings reduce the indoor temperature to a great extent reducing the usage of air conditioners. Also, when the weather turns chilly the awnings can be retracted to let in the warm summer rays, which keeps you snug and comfortable. Homeowners can decide where they can keep the awning for maximum usage. They can use over a deck or porch. Besides making do with the conventional choices you can install retractable awnings on the side of the house that is exposed to the maximum sunlight minimizing the home’s heat gain with the help of sun exposure.

Style and Options

Thankfully, there are not one but numerous styles of retractable awnings to choose from and homeowners can have a field day choosing the right awnings to suit their home décor. The durability of the awnings largely depends on the materials of the awning. The variety includes aluminum, canvas, plastic, or simple fabric.

Retractable awnings can be of two types, manual or automatic. Manually, you can retract awnings with hand cranks, removable hand braces, or use different mechanisms, such as pull string retraction mechanisms which are pretty similar to interior window blinds. Motorized systems usually equipped with a switch that extends and retracts the awning with ease or use a dial to control the extension of the awning. Motorized retractable has additional features such as weather and wind sensors, and they can be programmed so that they cater to certain weather situations.

The addition of a retractable awning immediately increases the aesthetic value of a home. The benefits of the same are way too many as they provide privacy, shade, and weather protection, and the ability of the awnings to be customised to changing weather conditions. Choose the right retractable awnings in Sydney or in other parts of the world and enjoy the scorching sun under the shade of an awning.

 

What Are The Benefits of Retractable Roof Systems?

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The retractable roof systems are a wonderful way of protecting your home, restaurant or business place and also to enjoy the outdoors all year round, without caring two hoots about the outside weather. Yes, the pretty looking retractable roof systems can protect you from the harshest of summers, the chilliest of winters and the wildest of storms.

retractable roof

Apart from its aesthetically pleasing looks they boast of a great many benefits that you should know about. Read more to find out,

Top Benefits of installing a retractable roof system at your place,

  1. Excellent shade solution

The retractable roof system is a versatile shade solution. It can be drawn completely to block out the fierce sun or fully retracted to let in a slice of the starlit summer sky as well as, when the weather is perfect.

  1. Complete rain protection

Most retractable roof systems have an in-built guttering system which drains the water away, which allows the user to enjoy the outdoors even when it is pouring outside.

  1. It has impressive insulative benefits for outdoors and indoors

Installing the right outdoor shade protection can provide the home with excellent insulation against the hot and cold weather. Besides keeping the living area comfortable throughout the year, a retractable roof system can help homeowners save on both heating and cooling costs, which also proves to be environmental- friendly in the long run.

  1. In-built Lighting Systems

Some retractable awnings come with a built-in lighting system which can transform the outdoor area a hub of nighttime entertainment. It proves to be functional yet it emits a warm and intimate atmosphere.

  1. Super durability

Most outdoor blind systems are handmade and they use high-quality industrial materials that include stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and tough weatherproof fabrics. They are so-equipped that they can withstand the harshest of weathers.

  1. They protect the fading furniture both outdoors and indoors

Using outdoor awnings ensures your outdoor furnishings remain protected against fading and deterioration. You can enable this protection even when you install it indoors to block the streaming sunlight entering the room via your windows, inhibiting fading problems on your indoor furnishings too.

  1. Expands your living areas

Retractable roof systems create a pleasant outdoor area and extend the indoor living areas to a great extent, making it look more spacious and comfortable. It boasts of a wide range of colors and styles and the roof can even be matched to the indoor decorating scheme. This allows the décor of the indoor and outdoor living area merge seamlessly, combining it into one harmonious whole.

  1. Equipped with an electronic operation

Most retractable roof systems have a superior state-of-the-art motorized system that allows the operation with just the click of a button. For further convenience, there are inbuilt wind and sun sensors to enable the convenience of automatic opening and closing.

So, in whichever part of the world you stay, retractable roof systems prove to be the perfect options to make living plush, comfortable and convenient. Buy retractable awnings from the nearest store and enjoy its myriad benefits.

Why You Should Purchase Retractable Awnings for Your Home

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A retractable roof awning is a much-needed option for some people who prefer al fresco dining and it can be easily extended as per your requirement, to protect from the hot weather and rainfall. Made from extruded aluminum and being UV resistant made with waterproof fabrics, they are suitable for coastal areas as well as cities.  They are especially suited for courtyards, balconies, rooftop terraces and so on. You can enjoy the outdoor weather without getting worried about the vagaries of weather. There are many benefits of retractable roof awnings and retractable awnings in general. Check them out and find out whether you need one for your home or for commercial purpose.

retractable awnings

Benefits of Retractable Roof Pergola

Besides adding to the look of the building, retractable roof systems in Melbourne or any other sunny city in the world also protects your furniture. Why should you get retractable awnings for your home? The following points may provide an answer.

  1. A wonderful solution for protecting against the weather– If you are looking for an outside shade retractable roof systems will provide you with the ideal solution allowing the roof to be drawn completely for a complete block out shade or full retraction to enjoy the beautiful weather outside, creating a perfect ambiance under the brightly lit sky, also it protects from the cold winds as well, when the weather turns a little cold. Also, you can invite the warmth of the sun too, when the sun isn’t too scorching.
  2. Rain protection– The best part of retractable awnings that it shields you from those sudden downpours. It can also drain the water away. So you can rest on the roof enjoying the pelting sun, without caring about the pouring rain.
  3. Protection again extreme temperatures– If you do install outdoor shade protection it can protect you from oscillating temperatures. Also, you can enjoy a comfortable temperature in your living room. You can also save on power, by not opting for temperature controller system, as the retractable pergola ensures that your home remains snug and cozy in winters and cool and comfortable in summer.
  4. It complements with the outdoor blinds– If you are concerned about the décor, there are many kinds of shades to choose from which you can add combining with your outdoor blinds. Your retractable sunroof complements your outdoor blinds beautifully.
  5. A beautiful place for entertaining– You may not always like to sit cooped in your living room entertaining your guests. Venturing out into the open under a retractable roof pergola can help you do away with the stuffiness, and you can enjoy the outside weather amidst the sounds of mirthful conversations and shared laughter. Select a beautiful lighting system and watch your entertaining area transform right before your eyes.
  6. Keep the heat out with cooling mist– Australians summers are really scorching hot, with retractable awnings in Melbourne and a cooling mist you can enjoy the best of both worlds, you can stay outside and yet stay cool.
  7. Retractable awnings are durable– The retractable awnings are made of high-quality materials like powder coated aluminum, stainless steel, and other durable weatherproof fabrics. These can withstand the extremely inclement weather.
  8. Protect your furniture– A retractable roof not only helps you to enjoy a slice of heavenly weather but also shields your furniture from fading away. You can also extend this protection indoors so that you are able to protect your indoor furniture from getting affected by the streaming sunlight entering the window.
  9. Motorized operation-Retractable roof systems or awnings are often controlled by the motorized system, which you can control by just clicking a single button.

Now that you know about the benefits of the retractable awnings or folding arm awnings, make sure you invest in one, to increase the beauty of your home and also enjoy the outside weather with ease and tranquility.

Choosing the Right Awning for Your Home: Retractable or Pergola

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Retractable awnings are one of the most popular awnings amongst homeowners when they are given a choice to consider between an awning and canopy for their patio or deck.  So, if you have to decide to consider these several points to make up your mind!

  If you are looking for the perfect shade on demand and want to protect your home from light rain showers, or from the harsh sun then a retractable awning is the right choice.

A stationary awning or a patio awning is another option which you can try. This way you can accommodate a unique structural feature too such as chimneys or pop-outs etc. The one big advantage of owning a stationary awning is that it provides shade all summer and also provides protection from the rain.

retractable roof

Some homeowners use a pergola which can also be regarded as a canopy. Pergolas are great ways to merge the advantages of a retractable or stationary awning and also adding unique aesthetic appeal. A pergola can be installed in a number of ways. It can be either free-standing or mounted on a roof or wall also on any other outdoor structure. Custom-build your pergola to fit your space with the help of decorative rafters with the help of a maintenance-free framework and also a retractable canopy which you can open and close with ease.

Choose a perfect fade resistant and water resistant awning which is going to stand in good stead for years to come. When choosing the right awning always choose the one which offers perfect value for money, because an awning is expected to have a really long shelf-life. You should always look for quality awnings that never fail you.

So before making that all important purchase you need to ask yourself the following questions, who will install the awning? Who do I call if I need to repair my awning? What do the other customers have to say about this particular product? If I face any problems, will someone answer my queries?

A retractable awning is a great investment. It is also a pretty practical choice to make because you can turn your too-hot-to-stay deck to one which is comfortable and shady and almost becomes your favorite place to relax and enjoy.

You can buy folding arm awnings in Melbourne or retractable roof in Melbourne or any other place in your vicinity and customise them according to the décor of your home. Choose the one with the beautiful patterns or pretty fabric colors. The idea is to make the place your very own. Here you can have a quiet conversation with family or a friend and also host noisy parties. It actually adds space to your home making it a wonderful place to enjoy the summers and winters too. Also, awnings can protect your outside furniture which can get faded if kept out in the sun for too long.

So, get the perfect awning or pergola for your home today and watch your home getting transformed right before your eyes!

 

How Awnings Can Increase Your Home’s Value

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The one way to improve the appearance, appeal, and functionality of your home is with the help of an awning. Just by installing an awning you can transform the look of your home completely. Besides restoring the look of your home it can also protect your furniture outside, slash your energy bills and help you enjoy the outside weather while staying put in your home.

Home Awnings

Increase Home Values with Home Awnings

If you want to improve the value of your home and even sell your home to the highest bidder then focussing on the curb appeal does sound like a good idea.

You can put yourself in the shoes of the future owners of your home and just consider the fact which aspect of your home will appeal to your buyers the most? Adding a home awning can appreciate the value of your home quickly. It can serve your purpose in more ways than one.

The Practical Aspect of an Awning

Both home window and door awnings amalgamate form and function by immediately increasing the curb appeal of your home and provide you and your family from the harsh weather outside.

You can create customised solutions for your home and you can enhance your home décor by matching the fabric, pattern, and awning color according to your unique taste and architectural needs. You can choose from hundreds of color and pattern combinations to make your home unique and beautiful.

Awnings should be hardy and have an extended shelf-life so that they can protect you from harsher climes for years together.

It is an Affordable and Energy-Efficient Way to upgrade your Home

Sometimes the price tag can deter you from investing in an awning. You may think that it is just too expensive but you have to consider the fact that if you set off to remodel your home, it takes a neat sum of money to remodel any part of your home. Most remodelling does not come cheap, in comparison awnings are cheaper.

Home awnings besides being incredibly affordable can reduce your home energy drastically and hence you can save money, especially during the summer months on utility expenses.

Studies have substantiated that folding arm awnings in Melbourne reduced heat gain by almost over 50 percent, also awnings facing west can reduce heat gain by almost 75 percent or more!

Your home energy expenses spiral upward, come the heat of the summers. But awnings can reduce the heating and cooling expenses to a great extent. Since the installation of the awning can help cool down the temperature of your home considerably, thus you don’t have to keep your air-conditioners whirring all the time.

An Awning can spell out Value and Affordability

Retractable awnings are thankfully easy on the pockets. It is an affordable way to enhance the decor and liveability quotient of your existing patio or outdoor space.

If you are opting to buy retractable awnings in Sydney make sure you zero in on the most affordable, long-lasting, and of course! Aesthetically appealing window awnings or retractable awnings for your home. Get yourself that private space where you can while away indulgent hours on your porch soaking in the sun yet staying pretty comfortable under the shade of a retractable awning.

 

How to Maintain Retractable Awnings?

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A retractable awning is a perfect addition to your home, particularly when it is hot! An awning can bring the down the temperature of your home considerably and also provide shade to the eating table and chair, or seating area outside. Plus, the fact that retractable awning is convertible and you can use it as and when required makes it worth the purchase. It also provides shade when the weather is incredibly hot thus saving energy spent on air conditioning.

 

Retractable Awnings

Top Ways to Protect and Maintain Retractable Awnings

Here are some ways to maintain your awnings from the day to day ravages it undergoes.

•Cleaning-Like everything else you should clean your awnings regularly as it prevents accumulation of dust and debris. If it is not cleaned for long, the awning will develop dust and stains. The accumulation of every day debris and dust will further damage the retractable awnings. You can either get the help of professional awning cleaners who can clean your awning at a good price or you can also do the job on your own, all you need is a soft bristle broom and some soapy water to clean the surface.

•Protection- Though relaxing under the awning while you roast your meat or veggies on a charcoal sounds like a great idea. But the soot from the charcoal grill stains the awning. Soot can also cause permanent damage to the aesthetic value of your awning. So, you better do that under an open sky or under the smart awning.

•Daily attention-Hanging twigs and leaves can permanently cause damage to the structure. The leaves from trees can cause stains on the canvas which requires you to use strong brushes and detergents that can cause the canvas to fade and cause the material to depreciate cutting down on the shelf-life of the awning to a great extent.

•Mindful of tears– Sometimes due to sudden changes in the weather, your awning may develop certain tears and if you do not attend to the tears quickly these tears may get larger still permanently damaging your awning. So, you should always repair small tears as soon as they appear. For this immediate care and attention, you would have to inspect the awning regularly to avoid the occurrence of the tears getting large and causing so much damage to the awning that it becomes irreparable.

•Install properly-When you own an awning make sure it remains protected from scratches when you switch it on or off. The constant abrasion will also cause the awning to tear. To avoid such circumstances ensure that the structure is properly installed and it does not lean on rough surfaces.

•Retract when necessary– Retractable awnings are supposed to protect your home from the harsh sun and not strong gusts of wind. So when it is particularly windy, or there are hailstorms or snowing pretty heavily, remember to retract your awnings. Also, avoid jamming the front bar on to the rolled fabric. Ensure that the fabric rolls above the roller tube and not from under it. Continue to lubricate the arm to bring down friction. This helps extends the shelf-life of the awning.

Now that you know all about how to maintain the folding arm awnings, take care of it and enjoy the proper functioning of the awnings for years to come.

Advantages of Having Retractable Awnings in Your Home

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Retractable awnings are really the more useful and convenient type of awning to use. They score big over stationary awnings as they can be retracted and extended whenever you want to, protecting your home from the ravages of rough weather. The fact that they are also available in motorised and manual rolling systems, makes them the most sought after. Most manufacturers provide them a warranty period of at least 5 years and it can also depend on the type of fabric used.

Retractable Awnings

Benefits of using Retractable Awnings 

  Here are some benefits of using retractable awnings at your home,

  • It protects your skin- Folding arm awnings can protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays which comes from the sun and can severely damage your skin and the constant exposure to the sun can also inflict great sun burns. But you cannot stay put in your home for ages since sunny days are to be enjoyed and with retractable roof systems, you can enjoy the view without affecting your skin health.
  • Homeowners can up the aesthetic quotient of your home- This can be attained by installing retractable awnings. This is the perfect way to not only increase the look of the building but also provide a nice relaxed outdoor atmosphere. There are also a great collection of outdoor but retractable awnings and they also come in a great many sizes and styles. Thus, you can choose the right one with great ease.
  • Shields your expensive furniture and items. Your furniture when it is left out in the sun may get damaged. The harsh rays of the sun are capable of waning draperies, flooring materials, and also the furniture. Retractable awnings can offer ample protection from the sunlight to which they are exposed.
  • They are energy efficient- If the price of the retractable awning is worrying you, you have to know this that blocking the path of sunrays can significantly cool things down, thus, in turn, saving energy and it also cuts down on heat gain and cut down the electric bill with great efficiency.
  • You can save money on tinted glasses- Some people opts for tinted glass or window film to reduce the glare. However, the energy saved by this way is not very efficient, when compared to awnings. In fact, it is said that the heat gain by awnings can be cut down to be almost 50%-77%. So, with this, it becomes increasingly evident that you can eventually regain the money you have spent on buying it.
  • Lower energy bills- Summer usually means having your air conditioner on full blast. But this dependence on air-conditioner results in higher energy bill. On the other hand, awnings offer a cooling effect without the need of any additional energy. It drastically reduces about 25% of the money spent on your exorbitant utility bill.

Hence, when you consider all the benefits of the retractable awnings you will get to know that retractable awning is not only energy efficient and provides enhanced aesthetic appeal it also makes sense that investing on retractable awnings will give you rich dividends.