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.
See:
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.
See:
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.
See:
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.
See:
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.
See, for details:
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.
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Awnings Basics
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