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Tag: awnings

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!

Best Uses for Awnings

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Many homes and businesses in the Fort Collins area consider awnings an essential type of outdoor shading system. Awnings are versatile and available in a variety of styles and colors that will enhance the appeal of any property. There are many other benefits and uses for awnings:

Cut Heating and Cooling Costs

Significantly reducing heating and cooling costs can be achieved for your home or business through the use of awnings. Awnings are a great option for warmer months and in the Summer, because they reduce heat gain by 77 percent. Awnings also are great for preventing the sun’s rays from hitting doors and windows.  This outdoor shading system also helps air conditioners run more efficiently, saving your money on your utility bill.

Protect Furniture

If you have expensive furniture and decorations in your home, you want to do everything you can to protect them from any sun damage.  Awnings are a vital solution to prevent UV ray damage or fading to furniture, flooring, and curtains.

Increase Curb Appeal

Awnings are an affordable way to add curb appeal to any home or business. We offer a variety of styles and colors of awnings from the industry’s top manufacturers that can complement any architecture or homeowner’s taste. Awnings also help attract customers to your business.

Enhance Outdoor Living Areas

Patios and decks look great with awnings. Not only do they add style to your outdoor living area, but they are also functional. Awnings allow you and the family to enjoy time spent outdoors, providing shade on sunny days. Awnings can also significantly reduce the outdoor temperature during warm summer months. On rainy days, homeowners can also take refuge under their awnings and stay dry.

At Peterson Canvas & Awning, we carry a large variety of residential retractable awnings, commercial awnings and sail shades. Our team of professionals can help you decide on what product is right for your property. Contact us today at (970) 493-4033.

Why Restaurants Choose Red Awnings

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Ever noticed how many restaurants in urban areas opt for a red or warm-colored awning to extend their dining areas and attract customers walking down the street? Walking through downtown Denver or Vale, CO, you’ll spot a number of restaurants with a crimson awning wrapped around or in front of the location. It’s not a mistake — red awnings are by far some of the most popular choices for restaurants.

Why? Well, there’s some psychology behind the choice.

A lot of research has been done to study the connection between colors and eating habits. A few of those findings have been relatively universal, such as that blue and purple awnings can result in a loss of appetite as they are not colors psychologically associated with natural food.

The color yellow can eventually be too bright and cause irritation for patrons dining under a restaurant awning. This is also why some fast-food restaurants incorporate yellow into their design and decor, to help maximize turnover. Meanwhile, the color green is often interpreted as being relaxing.

Red, however, draws attention on the street and, being the same color as a number of natural foods, stimulates the appetite, which is why the color has almost become the ubiquitous choice for restaurants and local eateries.

So while you might not expect it, there’s more thought going into that awning than you’d think. If you’re in need of a restaurant awning in Colorado, contact Peterson Canvas today!

Tips to Keep Your Awning Safe and Secure During the Winter

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Peterson Canvas Awnings are a fantastic addition to any residential or commercial space. Whether it cozies up your back porch or your outside seating, keeping your awning pristine is a task that requires a lot of care. Here are some recommended treatment methods and tips to consider to keep your awning fresh.

 

Look for Mildew

Mildew is the primary killer of fabric awnings. It can appear quickly and without consistent inspection can cause serious damage to your awning. You should inspect your awning for mildew buildup once a month, twice a month if you live in a humid climate and during the colder months. If your awning has cleaning directions from the manufacturer, follow them! Otherwise, use a low strength liquid soap and lukewarm water. Soak the top of the awning from the lowest end to highest, letting the soap work the dirt out slowly. Then, rinse the awning from the highest end to the lowest.

 

Consider storing inside

Some may find their awnings useful in the winter, especially in rainy climates. However, a buildup of cold water and snow combined with harsh winds can rapidly age and damage awnings, especially if they see regular usage. Consider storing your awning in a garage or otherwise protected area.

 

Repair tears immediately

If you notice a tear in your awning when inspecting it, DO NOT USE IT. Even a small tear can rapidly grow in harsh weather conditions, eventually ruining the awning entirely. Make sure to stow the awning immediately and call Peterson Canvas and Awning for repairs.

 

Watch the forecast

Keeping an eye on the forecast is a great way to ensure the long-term health of your awning. Consider staying inside and keeping your awning closed on windy days to lower the odds of stray debris costing you big time. If you tend to leave your awning open (or it is not retractable), make sure to get it out of harm’s way before any major snowfall might jeopardize its health. 

For more information about awnings and maintenance, call Peterson Canvas & Awning  at (970) 493-4033 today! We carry a large variety of residential retractable awnings, commercial awnings and sail shades.

How to Create a Perfect Outdoor Workspace

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

The summer is a great time to enjoy the sun and the fresh air outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also be productive as well. The outdoors is a great place to be productive and working outdoors has been linked to higher productivity, creativity, and better mood. Read on to find out how to create a perfect outdoor workspace.

Block the sun

Shading is the most important part of any outdoor office, while sunlight is great for your skin and mood, prolonged exposure is harmful for your skin. Not only that, excess sunlight can make it nearly impossible to see the screens on electric devices, making it difficult to read text on the screen and edit images or videos. The best approach to solving your shading issue is a retractable awning, which blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. Retractable awnings are great investments for any outdoor workspace as they also do much more than block the sun and keep you cool. Retractable awnings also protect you from the elements and keeps your indoor temperature cooler, which helps reduce your cooling bill.

Ensure enough workspace

There’s nothing worse than having to worked in a cramped space. The idea of having an outdoor workspace is to have as much room, if not more, to work as indoors. Giving yourself enough room to work is important to staying organized and focused so you can remain productive.

Comfortable seating

While office chairs are great, they are notoriously clunky and will suffer damage from the elements if left outside. While you can bring an office chair with you when you’re working outside, a better solution would be a patio chair with enough lumbar support to accommodate extended periods of sitting.  

Looking for awnings in Colorado? Since 1957, Peterson Canvas & Awning has been dedicated to providing our customers with attractive and practical mounted shading systems for home and commercial use. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us today or give us a call at 970-493-4033.

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