Seven Reasons Why Shopfront Awnings are A Great Fit for any Business

Posted by southwest awnings on with 5 Comments

SWAS Shopfront Awning

A Shopfront Awning can boost your business in more ways than one. Besides providing aesthetic appeal to your building, they can serve a myriad of purposes and provide many benefits. Here, we look at seven reasons why Shopfront Awnings, or Outdoor Awnings, are great for any business.

1. First Impressions Count

An old saying, but very true! The first impression of your building and business holds immense value to your company and the way your customers view you. If you want to portray a clean, professional look, a Shopfront or Outdoor Awning can help you achieve this.

2. Hello Hello

Showcasing your business on your Shopfront Awning is a great way to advertise. It is also a great option for client-facing, street signage, giving your business a local presence.

3. Embrace the Space

An outdoor lounge area is great for waiting or alfresco customers. Consider installing a Shopfront or Outdoor Awning to gain a covered outdoor space where your customers can relax while they wait or enjoy the weather outside.

4. Taking Care of Business

Many people invest a lot of money and time into designing and building the inside of their business. Floor and furniture can be expensive, but they are important fixtures as they represent your business. When sunlight filters in through the window, it causes damage to your expensive fixtures. This is where an awning over your windows is a wonderful investment, it will protect your internal items from sun damage and keep your business looking on-point!

5. Keep Your Cool

Though you would love to see the sunlight streaming through your windows, it can cause damage and it can also raise the temperature, making the climate uncomfortable for your customers. A Shopfront Awning keeps the harsh rays of the sun out, as well as the heat. Reducing the heat that comes in through the windows on an extremely hot day will help to reduce the cooling and energy costs of your business.

6. Flaunt It!

Flaunting your style and unique brand can help attract potential customers. A beautiful awning can level up the style quotient for your building and your business. An awning can complement your building and surroundings and will certainly grab potential customers’ attention immediately. It also flaunts your business brand aesthetics.

7. Enhance Your Presence

Whether your business is inside a standalone building or even part of a larger complex, a Shopfront Awning can make your presence felt. An awning not only asserts your style statement, but it adds a different dimension to your aesthetic outlook. An awning can help build a presence and help your business to succeed, you will be pleasantly surprised at the impact it causes.

As you can see, these are just seven reasons why Shopfront Awnings are great for any business. They are a very positive investment for any company, large or small.

View our Shopfront Awning product information here, or call us on 02 9669 2311 to find out more.

View and follow our Instagram Page for more examples of our products and work.

Benefits of a Retractable Roof System

Posted by southwest awnings on with 2 Comments

Reno Retractable Roof System

Retractable Roof Systems (also known as retractable pergolas or retractable awnings) are the newest trend in outdoor living. They create a unique and distinctive ‘open-air room’. It is very versatile and therefore caters to a number of applications, including homes, restaurants, cafes and other business areas.

The modern roof systems add a new dimension and style to any residential or commercial exterior. They are practical, long-lasting and user-friendly. They are also a great way to add a touch of luxury to your home or property at the best value for money. In turn, a Retractable Roof System is a great investment for your home or business.

There are just so many benefits of a Retractable Roof System and choosing to install one in your home.
Here, we explore some of the benefits and our options in more detail.

Flexibility

One of the prime benefits of a Retractable Roof System is flexibility. When completely closed, the system allows full block-out shade from the sun or protection from wind and rain. When retracted entirely, it allows sunlight in. Also perfect for night-time entertaining and stargazing during warmer months. There is also the option of partial closure, allowing the perfect amount of sun and warmth in-between seasons. Making adjustments is not only flexible, but also fast and easy with the touch of a button.

Complete Rain Protection

A completely closed Retractable Roof from Southwest Awning Systems is 100% watertight, so you don’t have to worry about wet weather! Our Retractable Roof Systems have an in-built guttering system to drain water away, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space whenever you want to, even in the heaviest downpours.

Expanded Living Area

A Retractable Roof will expand the living area of your home. It will also expand your seating area and create more functioning space, like a beautifully sheltered alfresco area. This gives you a very practical solution for modern-day entertaining, whilst creating an exceptional space for your home that is both comfortable and climate-controlled. At Southwest Awning Systems, we have a variety of styles of Retractable Roof Systems with additional elements that can be integrated into any area and surrounds. We can match your existing colour scheme, blurring the borders between indoor and outdoor living. Our expert manufacturers can custom-build your Retractable Roof System to perfectly suit any special requirements.

Protected Furniture and Fittings

Your furniture, fittings and fabrics will fade, and even shrink, when exposed to bad weather. A Retractable Roof will guard your furnishings against the damaging effects of the sun, wind and rain, and keep them looking good for much longer. Protection can also extend to belongings and furnishings inside your home if your system is installed to block sunlight entering through your windows.

Electronic Operation

All Southwest Retractable Roof Systems are built with state-of-the-art motorised controls that allow remote operation via the simple touch of a button. For added convenience, automate your system for opening and closing by adding wind and sun sensors.

Durability to Withstand Australian Weather Conditions

We manufacture our Retractable Roof Systems using high-quality industrial grade materials, including stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium and strong weatherproof fabrics. We build our systems to last and back them with our Guarantee Warranties. They are strong enough to withstand the test of time against the most extreme weather conditions and harsh Australian sun. Our systems are also UV resistant, making them suitable for both coastal areas and cities.

Easy Combination with Outdoor Blinds

We have Retractable Roof System options that will fit in with your current outdoor blinds. They can also be installed together with other products from Southwest Awning Systems’ vast range of shade solutions, giving you complete control over wind, rain, heat and glare from every angle. We can also custom-match the colours of all products, creating a unique and beautiful outdoor living space for your home.

Additional Lighting

Southwest Awning Systems can install LED Lighting Systems into your Retractable Roof that are not only functional, but also create a warm and pleasant atmosphere that is perfect for night-time use and entertaining.

Increased Home Value

As well as creating additional living space, a Retractable Roof will add instant value to your home. Your home will gain a stylish entertaining area and advance your lifestyle and outdoor living.

Reduced Energy Costs & Impacts on the Environment

Installation of outdoor shade protection systems provides your home with excellent insulation against heat and cold. In addition to keeping living areas at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, a Retractable Roof System will also help you to save money on heating and cooling costs, whilst lessening your impact on the environment.
As you can see, there are just so many benefits of a Retractable Roof System. With a Southwest Awning Systems Retractable Roof, you will be the envy of everyone in town!

Click here to view our full range of Retractable Roof Systems.

You can also see our Facebook Page for more examples of our products and work.

Alpha Tubular Motors Now Available

Posted by southwest awnings on with 1 Comment

Alpha Motors Logo with Pic of Products

Alpha Tubular Motors are now available on most of Southwest Awning Systems’ products measuring up to 6 metres wide. This specific option offers a reliable, intuitive motorization solution that is excellent quality, coupled with a realistic price-point.

The focus of Alpha Motors is providing genuinely high-quality motorization products that boast the sort of build quality and reliability that until now has only been available through certain European giants, but at a much more realistic price.

Alpha engineers all of their AC motors to last 25 years and each motor carries a 7-year replacement warranty. They boast some of the most elegant and flexible controllers on the market with programming that is super simple.

Southwest Awning Systems’ previous motor options are also available, making you spoilt for choice!

At Southwest Awning Systems, nearly all of our products have options to be motorised.

You can find out more about Alpha Tubular Motors here.

Extension ideas to enliven your Home

Posted by southwest awnings on with 0 Comment

Indoor/Outdoor Space and Extensions

Do you love spending time outside and don’t want to wait until the holidays to enjoy the outdoors? This luxury does not have to be restricted to summers alone. Extending your outdoor space may be the option for you! Investing in a home extension will enable you to make use of your outdoor living space all year long. This space can accommodate all the comforts of your home and give you a sense of an ‘outdoor room’. There are numerous home extension ideas to opt from, but it is important to determine whether you are adding more living space with a porch, patio, deck, or another floor.

Retractable Roof System Options

There are endless options and extension ideas to transform your outdoor space. It can be a simple place for relaxation after a long day, a garden with seating area, an entertainment area to enjoy with extended family, a luxurious sunroom, or a dining area with kitchen where you can enjoy your Sunday buffets or midnight barbeque. Designing this space with a retractable sunroof will do the trick. It will not only extend your living space but also protect you from weather inconsistencies, increase the aesthetic value of the house and help you make the most of the outdoors. Additionally, this is a cost-effective and versatile option that will enhance the appeal of your home.

An Array of Extension Options

A high-quality retractable roof, pergola or canopy is very stylish and can create the environment of luxury. Outdoor awnings are another option that are usually structured to be waterproof and heat absorbent. They provide protection from scorching sun and extreme rains to interiors and décor. At the same time, these are available in a number of designs that you can choose to complement with your interiors. Contrasting or matching patterns, there are numerous options to choose from.

If you are planning to redecorate an existing space, like a pool area or a patio, then a durable folding arm awning is a good option. They are the cost-effective and durable solution for your exterior space, at they protect from weather and dust. These have longer shelf life than the non-retractable awnings which are likely to be damaged during weather extremities. These are also available with smart technologies like a remote control and sensor control which lets you manipulate your outer space as per your need. For extra coverage on the sides, choose from vast styles of outdoor roller blinds or track guided blinds.

Finishing Touch Ideas

Once you have successfully extended the outer space with suitable retractable sunroof, give it a touch of luxury and make it ambient with outdoor lighting options. These lights fix directly on the structures and outdoor awnings to provide you with perfect ambiance.
Make your outdoor space as comfy as your interiors by adding furniture and accessories. This addition will enliven your outdoor space and make it feel like ‘home’. Worry not! If you choose a quality outdoor awning or retractable roof, it will all be protected well. Since it is an outdoor space you can also add the natural beauty and lushness of green plants and flowers.

As you can see, there truly are an array of extension ideas to help liven up your outdoor space.

See our Facebook Page for more ideas, products and examples of our work.

Change the Way You Utilise Your Outdoor Space

Posted by southwest awnings on with 0 Comment

Whether you are having a dinner party, a Sunday barbeque, or the children are playing, you don’t have to restrict yourself indoors. And if you have a home with a patio, this is the best place in the house where you can enjoy summertime to the fullest. However, Australian summers can get extremely hot, not always ideal for spending time outside.
The addition of a Retractable Roof System can transform the look of your home, as well as change the way you utilise your outdoor space.

How a Retractable Roof System can Change the Way You Utilise Your Outdoor Space

Retractable Roof Systems are multi-purpose false roof systems, also known as retractable awnings or retractable pergolas. They provide a perfect option to change the way you utilise your outdoor living space. They are also a durable solution for your patio or deck. A retractable roof not only provides shade from the scorching sun and shelter from fickle weather, but does so much more. It can transform the look of your house and help you make the very best of your living space all year round.

Make your Living Space Bigger

A Retractable Roof System provides an extension to your existing living space. Undoubtedly, your house will look bigger and have extra room for other activities. A retractable roof will complete the look of your patio and give you a functional space where you can spend quality time with your family and friends. Now you can take birthday parties, family unions, and get-togethers outside and enjoy a few drinks by the open sky. Your additional living space will also ultimately increase the market value of your home.

Enhance the Décor of your House and improve Aesthetic Appeal

Take your imagination to the next level by decorating your outdoor space and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home. A well-designed outdoor area will give your home a magical appeal. If you decide to furnish your patio, a retractable roof system will also protect it from adverse weather. You need not worry about the heat of the sun or heavy rains. For Christmas or other special get-togethers, you don’t have to stay inside. With more space, you can celebrate elaborately with decorations to suit!

Lessen Electricity Expenditure and Impact on the Environment

A home with a Retractable Roof System has the added benefit of saving you money on electricity expenditure. A retractable roof system reduces energy costs as it prevents the house walls from soaking up the heat which can make the interiors hot and uncomfortable to sit in. A Retractable Roof System keep the sun rays from directly falling on the walls and heating them up. It keeps the temperature inside your home at a comfortable level throughout the day.

Why Installing a Fixed or Retractable Single Roof is Perfect for Your Outdoor Space?

Posted by southwest awnings on with 0 Comment

After a long winter, summer is finally here. It’s time to get outside, soak up the sun and enjoy outdoors. Now, kids don’t need to be restricted to the interiors of the house and you can take your buffet and dinner parties outside. Spending time outside with your loved ones is what summers are all about.Before you can do that, make sure your outdoors is summer-ready, where you can enjoy and relax without letting the scorching sun get to you. If you are not, all you need is a fixed or retractable single roof perfect for your outdoor space. An extended roof system is not only going to make your summers memorable and provide shade from the excessive heat, but it will also protect your house during the rains and fickle weather. A roof system can change the way you utilize the space around your house. Here are a few benefits to consider getting yourself a sunshade awning for your decks, patios, balconies, terraces, or courtyards.

  1. retractable single roofAdditional seating and living space: With a false roof system, you can extend your living area. Fixed or retractable roof systems expands the area to relax and unwind and give more room for other activities in the house. Imagine, hosting barbeque or sundowner parties now at the comfort of your house and spending a memorable time with your family and friends without crowding the space. This way you have more area to place your furniture and offer more seating space to your guests.
  2. Shelter from heat: Retractable roof in Canberra and other parts of Australia are a common sight. These roof systems provide protection from the sun during those hot summer months. It makes living space cooler and pleasant to spend time in. Most of these roof systems are heat absorbent.
  3. Protection from rain: Installing an extended roof perfect for your outdoor space is a good idea because it not only makes your indoors pleasant but also provides shelter from unexpected bad weather conditions, heavy winds, rains, hailstorms and more. In a way, a false roof system helps you keep your home and outdoors safe and clean throughout the changing seasons.
  4. Control the weather: Fixed roof systems may not allow this flexibility. However, a retractable roof in Canberra and other parts of the world allows you to control the weather. In summers, you can use awnings to keep your living space pleasant. On a sunny winter day, you can fold it up to make your interiors warm and enjoy the sun while it’s still shining.
  5. Enhance aesthetic appeal of your outdoors: With so many unique designs, attractive colors and classy styles to choose from, these roof systems are only going to enhance your outdoor living space. Don’t worry about your interiors, retractable roofs from Melbourne and other places, have a variety of designs that will blend well with your home décor.
  6. Durable and affordable: For a retractable roof system, you don’t have to spend as much as you will have to for a brick and mortar one. These awnings are reasonably priced with warranty and after-sale service and maintenance.

So, what are you waiting for? With so many benefits, investing in a retractable or single fixed roof will transform the way you utilize your living space. With more living space, privacy, shelter from bad weather conditions, you can transform the way you live life with your family.

 

Looking at Trends in Home Decor and Furniture

Posted by southwest awnings on with 0 Comment

Home Decor and Furniture

Are you thinking of buying your dream home? Or have you already bought it?
The next step is to decorate your your indoor/outdoor living area in a way that reflects your innate personality and style.
Give your outdoor living space the look of luxury with these home decor ideas. While comfort is key, you should also consider the latest trends. Whether you add outdoor blinds or a retractable sunroof to enhance the outside of your home, you need to add exactly the right things to increase the aesthetic appeal.
Here we take a look at the top trends in home decor and furniture.

The pastel-hued look

This creates a beautiful appearance combining an earthly feel and class. It spells out graciousness and fuses old-world charm with hospitality.

Combining different metals

Silver and nickel hues are creating a big ripple in the décor world.

Stunning add-ons

Create a striking effect with fringing, macramé, tufting, tassels or feathers. These elements are all crowding the décor market. Customize your space with cushions, throws, rugs and accessories. This adds a beautiful handmade quality to your living space. Spice up the walls with wall-hangings to increase value.

Kid’s Room ice-cream shades

Gelato colours are on-trend when it comes to interiors and fashion.

Geometrics

Geometric shapes look beautiful on cushions and rugs. Geometric prints are also big on tiles and wallpaper. Why not incorporate them in the shower or on a kitchen splashback.

Ombre

This can be used in different ways. Use the tone-on-tone effect on rugs, cushions, and bedding, almost everywhere. This watercolor style works well on lampshades and artwork. Once you have selected the right colours, you can coordinate your accessories to enhance the wall colors, combining solid colours and prints.

Natural textures

These are a great way to enhance the décor of your home.  Walls can mimic different natural components such as bricks, cane, mud, rattan or stone chips. A wooden-style wall and flooring is a great way to complement the look, they help amp up your interior. Use your all-wooden furniture and cane sofas to sync with your apartment.

You can add other elements such as window awnings, pergolas, or retractable sunroofs to complement the outside look of your home. This will also protects you from adverse weather conditions and shield your furniture from the scorching sun.V

View our full Product Guide here.

You can also view and follow our Instagram Page for more examples of our products and work.

Give Your Outdoor Living Space the Look of Luxury

Posted by southwest awnings on with 1 Comment

The best outdoor spaces are designed to be inviting. However, many people tend to ignore this small but important fact. They think that they need to spend a lot of money to give their homes a luxe look. Not so. You don’t have to spend on infinity pools and marble statues to up the luxe quotient, you can achieve the luxury look on a budget. Give your outdoor living space the look of luxury with these makeover ideas.

Outdoor Living

1. Integrate the 5 ‘Key Components’

A badly done outdoor area will rob the aesthetic look of your home. Get a good plan ready before creating a great outdoor look. The five things that require your attention are:
1. Balance
2. Colour
3. Proportion
4. Textures
5. Shape
Focus on these things before you chalk out your dream space.

2. All Eyes on the Entry

The first impression causes the most impact, so try and give the entry of your home the importance it deserves. Whether it is attention to the pathway, painting the entry in contrast colours or ensuring the entry to your dream space is fringed with exotic greenery, all of this contributes to your living space.

3. Make the most of ‘Versatile Spaces’

If you have a yard you’ve got to make the most of it. Add a grill or bar area outside where you can share intimate conversations with your friends and family. Add similar colors, textures, patterns and lighting concepts to create an illusion of continuity. The key to getting an expensive look is by focusing on minimalism.

4. Add Decor

One way of decorating your patio is to imagine that your outdoor living space is a direct extension of your indoor space. Add things like rugs, coffee tables and pillows to elevate the outside look. Use your imagination to add more, like coasters, candles and even lamps. And if you are worried about the weather invest in outdoor awnings or outdoor blinds.

5. Hang Lights

Any contemporary patio design isn’t complete without lights. When it comes to lighting, think outside of the box. Globe string lighting looks particularly elegant and there is something very festive about hanging lights.
You can try LED lighting that fringes on the landscaping edges or even on stair treads. This not only enhances style but also helps to increase safety. Adding spotlights on trees and shrubs also provide a manicured look to your yard.
Don’t go for too much colourful lighting as it may come across as Christmas lights and spoil the overall effect. Try and go for white and blue landscape lighting colours, they are conservative and a safe bet. They also add scale to space.

Adding these elements to your outdoor space will lend an uber-luxe feel to it. Your outdoor living space is set to transform forever, are you willing to go for it?

View and follow our Instagram Page for more examples of our products and work.

Why You Should Invest in Your Outdoor Living Space

Posted by southwest awnings on with 1 Comment

There are many reasons and benefits for investing in your outdoor living space. We look at some gains from enhancing your outdoor living area. If you want to enhance your outdoor living area, you can easily transform your patio, deck, or garden nook easily into your new favorite room. This is your ideal place to cuddle up with a steaming cup of coffee, a book and some fresh air. If you keep a close tab on some of the big trends doing the rounds now you will see that outdoor living is the new big trend now! But how would you get it started?

Retractable Awnings sydney

When it comes to color, go bold!

  • Add more pillows and plants to brighten up the whole proceedings.
  • Create more drama with lighting.
  • Transform your space into a beautiful retreat with the use of lanterns, candles and string lights.
  • Add more plants, exploring your green thumb in the process.
  • Add folding arm awnings to protect your home and to add more space to your

 Increase the living area

Folding arm awnings helps you enjoy the outdoor living space, despite the hostile weather conditions. You won’t have to endure the harsh sun nor would you be worried about the torrential rain. You can enjoy the sight of raindrops drenching the entire world outside while you sit snug inside your cocooned ambiance. Also, folding arm awnings can be easily retracted when the weather turns bad.

 How much shade do you want?

You can either get your shade from a permanent structure, but if you want to feel the hot fingers of the sun on your face, then a retractable awning is the perfect option for you. Retract when you want with just a click of a button. You can either fully retract it or put it out partially.

Enjoy the view under the shade: The best of both worlds

Nowadays, companies, that make retractable roof system, have upgraded the product using innovative technology. This blocks the sun or the rain but not your view.

Change the look of your home

Motorized retractable awnings are customized to your needs as it can fit into your space. They are now available in different shades and styles available in myriad colors and styles. Select the one that matches your home decor.

Cool down the temperature

You can enjoy a hot day inside the cool climes of your home with retractable awnings. Not only it can keep the sun out but you can also save electricity bills if you put up an awning.  The best part you don’t have to keep your air conditioner running all the time.  Likewise, you can keep your home warm during the winters, when you let the sun in, warming up the entire home.

So, if you want to enhance the look of the outside of your home, think of investing in an awning and make the outdoor living area a beautiful one.

How to Prepare Your Roof and Make it Winter-Ready

Posted by southwest awnings on with 0 Comment

Are you winter-ready? Have you prepared your roof so that it can tackle the cold and possible snow? It is important to prevent leaks and other roof issues before the cold weather hits. Check out the following ways to prepare your roof for winter readiness.

 Organise a Roof Inspection
Contact a professional to inspect your roof. A licensed contractor will be able to walk on your roof and inspect any damage. It is best to solve any issues right at the onset, as when ice makes a dent in the roof, it is often too late. Regular inspection can prevent being left vulnerable. Some of the problems that your contractor should watch out for are open or loose seams, cracked caulking, failed sealants, gaps and separations, and punctures in the membrane.

 Keep your Roof and Gutters Clean
Something you can do yourself is making sure to keep your roof and gutters clean. Items such as branches, trash, leaves, and equipment should be promptly removed from the roof. Things such as spare equipment or loose branches on your roof, can puncture your roof membrane and allow water to seep into your roof. Keeping your roof clean means that when snow melts off, it should be able to drain off.

 Keep a tab on Surrounding Areas
It’s not only about your roof and area, but the surrounding areas too which can impact your roof. Look out for trees and buildings that can affect your roof during the winter season. Consider getting a retractable roof pergola  to protect your roof, especially during the winter season.

 Trees
If your home is surrounded by trees and branches hanging over and around your block it can cause a potential hazard. Snow can can also weigh upon the trees and break off, landing straight onto your roof.

 Close Buildings
If there are a number of buildings around you, things may drift from their roof to your roof. Keep an eye on stray branches falling into your roof and sweep them away, keeping your roof squeaky clean.

 Prepare Well Before the Onset of the Season
It is better to cater to problems before they grow too big, for example, small leaks may grow into a big one if they are not treated right at the onset. Once the water seeps into the roofing system it can affect your roof considerably, it can start mold or bring about structural damage. Start with your action plan now. In the eventuality of a leakage, call an expert to fix things up really quickly.

Protect your roof with a retractable roof system in Melbourne or any part of the world and get winter ready. Taking care of a few basic things can go a long way to keeping your roof in great condition for years to come.