Get A Quote

Category: In the shade

4 Retractable Awning Styles You Should Know

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Adding a retractable awning to your home or business can transform your outdoor space, but there are so many styles to choose from you might not know where to start. Before you decide on one type, here are the different styles of retractable awnings you should know. 

Lateral arm awnings

Retractable awnings with a lateral arm are a great choice for those who don’t want to compromise on their building’s look but still want to enjoy the shade. The lateral arm mounts to the wall and creates a shade structure that integrates with your architecture. 

Slide-on-wire

These types of shade structures have a strong cable system where shade panels can extend or retract in either direction. Slide-on-wire awnings are perfect for when you want shade on sunny days but still want an unobstructed view of the sky on other days.

Slide-on-track

Slide-on-track awnings are similar to slide-on-wire canopies, in that canvas panels slide open and closed, and fold into pleats when retracted. These structures use an aluminum track to provide shelter from rainfall and sunshine. 

Tension shades

These types of shades are usually used over skylights, porches, and open-air patios. Tension shades offer shade from overhead sun thanks to their fully tensioned membrane fabric panels.

Our experienced team at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you find and install the perfect awning for your home. Don’t hesitate and contact us today to get started!

Choosing the Right Awning Fabric for Your Business

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Awnings can be the perfect addition for your business to showcase your name and logo and keep your customers comfortable. It’s important to select an awning material that has both durability and style. Here are some things to look out for when picking out an awning material.

Shade factors

Providing shade to your windows and outdoor spaces is one of the main functions of awnings. So when you’re choosing a canvas awning material, you’ll want to pick out a product that has a high shade factor. A higher shade factor means more sunlight will be blocked out.

Weather resistance

When you’re deciding on the right fabric for your awning, you should make sure that your awning can withstand wind, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. Another benefit of a weather resistant awning material is that it’s usually protected from mold and mildew.

Colors and patterns

Along with providing your business and commercial property some shade, your awning should also mirror it’s style. Awning fabric comes in a wide variety of hues and patterns, so you can create a look that matches your design scheme.

Our experienced team at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you find and install the perfect awning for your business. Don’t hesitate and contact us today to get started!

Should You Install a Manual or Motorized Retractable Awning?

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Want a way that helps you enjoy the outdoors for longer and adds value to your home? Retractable awnings are a great way to accomplish that! Before you lock in your decision, it’s important to know the difference between both models, manual or motorized. Here’s what you need to know.

Motorized retractable awnings

Motorized retractable awnings come with an electric motor to open or close the awning. With a simple press of a button on a remote control or a flip of a switch, the motor will spin and turn the roller mechanism, extending or retracting the awning. 

Since these kinds of awnings have a motor, they require electricity to work. You’ll find some models that come with a manual system too, in case power goes out. Motorized awnings are easy to use, especially for the elderly or impaired.

Manual retractable awnings

A manual retractable awning has a detachable crank instead of a motorized component. In order to either extend or retract the awning, you have to turn the crank by hand. The crank hooks into place and can be rotated to turn the roller mechanism and move the fabric awning. 

These kinds of awnings are a less expensive option to install and operate, and don’t require any electricity to work. Since manual retractable awnings don’t have wiring components, they won’t be an electrical hazard either. 

At Peterson Canvas and Awning, our mission is to deliver a high quality product, with exceptional service, at a fair market price. Contact us today and find out how we can help you find the best retractable awning for your home.

Spruce up Your Awning With These Creative Tips

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor living space and awning? A fixed or retractable awning is great for curb appeal and market value, and if you want to give your awning even more appeal, decor can be a great way to do that. Here are three easy ways to transform your awning:

Add some lighting 

Creativity is your only limit when it comes to lighting your awning. Pick from rustic lanterns, string lights, or go for both to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. By adding lights to brighten things up, you can enjoy your outdoor space for longer too.

Add some plants 

Adding a few hanging planters can create an outdoor space even more beautiful than it was to begin with. Flowers will give the area a colorful pop, but be sure you get plants that are shade-tolerant since your awning’s job is to block the sunlight. 

Add a porch swing

Another great way to decorate your awning and outdoor space is with a swing!. A porch swing using a heavy-duty suspension chain can be easily attached to the beams of your awning and make for the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with family and guests.

Our experienced team at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you find and install the perfect awning for your home. Don’t hesitate and contact us today to get started!

Retractable vs. Stationary Awnings

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

If you’re a new homeowner or simply want to update the look of your backyard, investing in the right kind of awning is a great place to start. With so many designs and builds you can pick from, it might get tricky when trying to figure out which kind of awning works best. Here are some things to consider when choosing a stationary or retractable awning:

Retractable awnings

These types of awnings use a roller system to bring the awning back into a folded position when not in use. This kind of design is great during storms because when rolled up, the retractable awning won’t get damaged from any harsh winds, hail, or rain. Retractable awnings are also relatively easy to instal, they have a lower initial cost, and are good at protecting decks from the elements.

In terms of maintenance, water can pool in some areas on the fabric, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Retractable awnings are the more expensive option too, so it’s vital you invest in the right one. If you get a motorized version, a replacement electric sensor can also add to your expenses.

Stationary awnings

Unlike retractable awnings, stationary awnings are free-standing. And since they need to stay standing in bad weather, they are usually constructed well and are sturdy. You normally find these types of awnings with steel frames, but they can also be customized. Stationary awnings are a great option if you need some shade by the pool or to shield a patio.

Even though stationary awnings are easy to install, the constant exposure to rain or snow can cause the awning frame to rust and weaken. A strong enough wind might even knock it over if it’s not properly tied down. The awning fabric can also fade over time from the overhead sun. Likewise, a custom built stationary awning may be a little more expensive than the alternatives.

The dedicated staff at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you with all your outdoor living needs! We’ll help you decide on the best type of awning for your home. Simply contact us, and learn more about the different services we offer. 

Why You Should Consider a Screen Enclosure This Summer

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Enjoying the outside and warm weather shouldn’t mean you have to deal with excess sun and being bitten by bugs. A screen accessory for your deck, patio, or outdoor living space could be the best option for you this summer! There are plenty of other benefits a screen enclosure can provide to you and your family. Here are the best reasons you should consider one today:

Keep the insects away 

Flying insects like gnat, flies, and mosquitos can make a sunny day outside an annoying endeavor. But with a screen enclosure, you and your family will be protected from these unwelcome guests without any extra effort on your part. No more applying and reapplying bug spray all day long.

Increase your property’s value

Screen enclosures are also an affordable way to add to the square footage of your home and give it a boost in value. It will also give you more room to move around in! You can customized screened-in structure to match the style and aesthetics of your home, creating an attractive addition with curb appeal.

Protection from the elements

Rain and strong winds can make anyone wish they were safe inside. While many of us enjoy a little sun on our skin, sun exposure has its own risks too. A screened enclosure on a patio or deck creates a sheltered space, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors no matter what kind of weather you have.

At Peterson Canvas and Awning, our mission is to deliver a high quality product, with exceptional service, at a fair market price. Contact us today and find out how we can transform your backyard this summer!

Get a Free Estimate