Awnings and Canopies News and Trends

How to keep your business up-to-date with awnings and canopies
By Lesley Graybeal Awnings and canopies make a statement about your business to passers by, but also serve functional purposes like protecting customers from the weather and shading your building from the sun. New trends in custom awnings include stylish and functional choices that can make your awning a perfect fit.

Because you want your canopies and awnings to reflect well on your business, many new types of coverings are made with more durable and green materials. Keeping your commercial awnings well maintained over time is cost effective and environmentally friendly. Learn about quality guarantees and warranty or service information when you buy to keep your awning coverings looking their best.

To make the most of awnings and canopies news and trends, consider the following:

1. Get convenient results with new motorized retractable awnings.

2. Use energy efficient canopy and awning designs to keep up with current trends in green building.

3. Make a stylish statement with new architectural developments in canopies and awnings.

Get motorized retractable deck awnings for shelter and convenience

Retractable shades are a popular choice for homeowners who want to expand their living space outdoors, but motorized retractable awnings are also useful for small restaurants or businesses that have outdoor space. Adding deck awnings expands the usable space of your building, and motorized retractable awnings are easy to open, adjust and close.
Try:  Comfort House sells the Sunsetter motorized retractable awning for $1400 to $2100, depending on the size. ScreenHouses Unlimited sells the Sunbrella motorized retractable awning, a similar model that, at $1400 to $1600 base price, is slightly more expensive because of its remote motor operation.

Install hood and Venetian style awnings to reap the most energy benefits

If you're installing window canopies and awnings to conserve energy, be aware that certain types of awnings are more energy efficient than others. While any awning on east- and west-facing windows will help block some sunlight, adjustable custom awnings are best for blocking shifting light.
Try:  Glenlo Awning and Window Company sells hood awnings, which are good for improving energy efficiency because they block the sides of the window as well as the front surface. Energy Star also recommends using Venetian awnings like those sold by Fabritech Incorporated, and adjusting these simple awning designs from side to side to block the most light during different seasons.

Showcase your style with glass or plexiglass custom awnings

Glass and other clear coverings are a big hit in the latest awnings and canopies news and trends. While glass coverings may not block as much sunlight as opaque awnings, you can purchase clear architectural coverings that block UV rays, and all glass and plexiglass coverings protect against weather.
Try:  Solar View Canopy features a centrally supported clear covering canopy. You can view the structural design and get a quote online. ISG, Innovative Structural Glass, also offers trendy new glass panel canopy designs custom made for your business.

• If you're buying a retractable shade, make sure the model you order is motorized. Not all retractable deck awnings are motorized, and some providers offer a motor as an optional add-on for retractable awnings. If you do get a motorized model, double-check the warranty coverage for the motor in addition to the awning itself, since the two may have different coverage.