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Basics on Fixed and Retractable Awnings

Patio, Door and Window Awnings & Energy savings

Awnings are an excellent mean to reduce solar heat gains and conserve energy. Studies have shown that window awnings and patio doors awnings can reduce inside temperatures by as much as 8-15º F (4-8ºC). Obviously that depends on factors like the style of the awning, the color of the fabric, or the climate and the exposure of the window, doors and walls: according to EERE, in temperate and cold climates, awnings can reduce the summer heat by up to 65% on south-facing windows (this percentage is higher on west-facing windows).

Awnings Technology: canvas vs new synthetic fabrics

Most ancient awnings were made of canvas. But today’s awnings are mainly made from other fabrics: synthetic fabrics as polyvinyl and acrylic laminates, which are water-repellent and resist mildew and fading, and do not need to be re-covered each 5-7 years, as ancient canvas awnings.

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Awning fabrics

New hardware such as lateral arms and retractable capabilities, also make modern patio, door and window awnings particularly flexible, efficient, or easy to use.

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Types of Awnings
Awning metal frames

Retractable and motorized awnings

Retractable window, patio or door awnings are particularly energy efficient, since they also let the sun warm the house whenever advisable. Motorization may also be an important option, at least under the angle of statistics: they are provenly much more used than manual retractable units.

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Types of Awnings

Awning Fabric Colors

In most cases an opaque and tightly woven fabric with a light color is the best solution to reflect more sunlight close to windows, doors or patios... But there are nowadays hundreds of colors and patterns.

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Awning fabrics

Awnings Installation & Manufacturers and Professionals

PAMA professional awnings and manufacturers are good options, if you live in USA. An awning professional can provide you with useful information about designs or fabrics. Ask for references, demand experience.

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Awning installation, manufacturers, prices and warranties

Prices

Awnings are affordable devices. Traditional and simpler 3x2m (10x6,5 feet) awnings may cost you something around 3.000-3.500 USD (5mx3m: 4000 - 4500 USD). But these are just mere references. Custom-manufactured awnings prices depend very much on particular situations. And all depends deeply on the options and types of awnings.