Retractable Awnings [Infographic]

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The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Complete Guide To Retractable Awnings

There are many reasons to install an awning, but where do you even start informing yourself in today’s awnings market? In the last couple of decades, material science and mass production have had a significant impact on this sub-industry.

The price range has expanded greatly. As technology moves forward, new innovations are being included with newer models. Tougher, light-weight materials and modular design; a plethora of patterns and colors to match any style of architecture.

This innovation wave is also where motorized awnings come to play. They’ve been around for a while now, but commercialization, fabrication scaling, and outsourcing have sliced the price tags on these units, compared to the olden days.

The motorized types aren’t popular just for the cool retracting effect at the press of a button. They allow for space underneath to be truly multi-purpose. Not only that, retractable awnings, in general, are great for places with severe weather, as they are protected when folded in.

While awnings are still a big investment, the more obvious obstacle these days is getting out of the thinking mold and taking your home into your own hands. Many people think that this is not a “worthwhile” investment or that awnings require special maintenance.

Some still cling to the conviction that the installation is going to be a hassle, and delay their purchase until they find enough time to deal with it. None of this is true today.

First of all, when thinking about “worthwhile”, remember that awnings actually expand the usable space of your home. The space that you usually don’t think about as having any potential. Habits are the enemy here. Take a walk around your property and try to imagine where an awning could prove useful. Once you let your creativity take charge, you’ll see unused potential everywhere.

That’s why so many businesses (especially coffee shops) find awnings so attractive. Simply put, they don’t have to hire an architect or a construction contractor to raise the value of their property.

A large awning can also have a significant impact on the energy balance of the building. Shaded surfaces have a cut-down glare by 94% and exterior heat by 77%. Awnings can bring down inside temperatures by 8-15 degrees, saving you air conditioning money in the long run!

This infographic does a good job at explaining all the nuances of choosing an awning. Picking the right type and material to fit your home is crucial. Another important thing is to know what questions to ask the seller so you don’t get left behind on some information that might prove crucial after the contract has already been signed.

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