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Tag: retractable 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 Invest in Commercial Awnings

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

Are you looking for something to make your business stand out from the rest? First impressions are important and a commercial awning gives your business the opportunity to make a good one. But that’s not the only benefit you’ll see with an awning from Peterson Canvas & Awnings. Here’s what you can expect:

A unique impression

With a wide range of options to choose from, a commercial awning can take your business to the next level and attract new customers. You can display your logo, signage, or any other related graphics related to stand out on the street. 

Create outdoor space

A commercial awning is also a great option for outdoor cafes and restaurants. It can offer your business a unique look and bring in customers looking for dining al fresco. You’ll be able to provide patron seating and tables without letting the weather negatively impact your business.

Save on energy bills

If you install a commercial awning, it could also help save some money on your next energy bill. Installing awnings will provide some shade for your customers, but it will also prevent the overhead sun from reaching your building. It can make the area much cooler so you won’t use the AC as much.

Peterson Canvas & Awnings specialize in a variety of retractable awnings. Reach out to one of our dedicated team members and we can help you find the best awning for your business today!

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.

Retractable Awnings Offer Many Solutions

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

When most people think about awnings, they imagine the type that hangs over movie theaters or restaurants, but there is another kind of awning that is great for any home or business: a retractable awning. Retractable awnings offer many solutions and are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons, including versatility and affordability.

Great for Any Purpose

Retractable awnings can be both flexible and versatile, making them ideal for nearly any kind of residence or business in Colorado. You can choose from a variety of colors made from high-quality fabric that blocks out different amounts of light.  Selecting a retractable awning will complement your personal taste and the style of your home.  It’s a natural extension, and not an awkward add on. You can also choose the length of the awning, so that it perfectly fits your outdoor living area.

Cost-effective

Typically, these awnings only have attachments to the house, meaning you won’t have to deal with standing poles obstructing your view. A retractable awning placed outside helps you save on your heating and cooling bills. You can also take it down and store it away when not in use. Purchasing a good cover that you can place over it while in storage also extends the lifespan of your awning, so that you do not have to replace it for several years.

Hassle-free Removal

A retractable awning provides shade and protection from the weather, but they are also easy to remove when not in use or during winter months.  Businesses can benefit from retractable awnings because they offer customers refuge from the rain when entering or leaving the business. For residential use, they allow any patio or porch to be the perfect space to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

 

For more information about retractable awnings in the Fort Collins area, contact us today at 970-493-4033. We proudly also serve customers in Loveland, Windsor,  Greeley,  Estes Park,  Boulder, Broomfield,  Louisville,  Arvada,  Longmont, Berthoud, Cheyenne,  Laramie,  Grand Lake, and Lafayette.

How to Clean An Awning Made of Sunbrella Fabric

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

It’s the perfect time to take out your awning, but what if it is dirty? Cleaning your retractable awning made from Sunbrella acrylic fabrics can be easy with these tips.

While the awning is on the frame, you can conduct light cleaning. Brush off loose dirt with a soft bristle brush. Hose down fabrics on a monthly basis with clean water, which helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more thorough cleaning. Typically, a thorough cleaning of your awning will be needed every two to three years.

For tough cleaning jobs to get rid of dirt and mildew, prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub away dirt and debris. Allow the homemade cleaning solution to soak into the awning fabric. Rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed. Let the wet awning air dry. If you are dealing with stubborn stains that don’t seem to go away, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains, a strong degreaser may be required.

Peterson Canvas cares about the environment! Please be careful with the surrounding area when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on nature and wildlife. If you are surrounded by a body of water or in area with protected wildlife, avoid using bleach.

We have many years of experience working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements for retractable awnings.

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.

 

Common Awning Installation Issues & Solutions

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

If you are looking to spend time outdoors with family under a retractable awning, this is the perfect time! During nice, warm and sunny weather many homeowners choose to sit under an awning or shade to enjoy their outdoor living areas. Yet, after many months of not using it, you may come across some problems when trying to take it out. Here are some common awning installation issues and solutions.

 

Issue: The awning makes a knocking or cracking noise when extending or retracting

Solution: The awning brackets have not been tightened completely. Be sure the square torsion bar is completely seated in the back of the mounting bracket and tighten the mounting bolt until the locking lip on the inside of the mounting bracket is drawn down over the torsion bar.

 

Issue: The fabric sags and is not tight

Solution: The arms are locked out (over extended), causing the fabric to sag. Reverse cranking direction and retract the awning in until the fabric is taut. Important: The fabric should always rollover the top of the roller tube, not from underneath.

 

Issue: The motorized awning stopped working while you were rolling in and out

Solution: Your awning motor has a built-in thermal override to prevent overheating. Prolonged use, in and out several times in a row can cause the motor to temporarily shut down. Let the motor cool down for 10 to 15 minutes and try the remote again. The unit should begin to operate again.

 

There are also some things to be aware of to ensure the beauty and strength of your awning.

 

DO NOT leave the awning extended when you are not home. Strong winds may damage your awning and this is typically not covered by the warranty.

 

DO NOT hang plants or small children off the front bar for the safety of your family members and the safety of your awning. Hanging heavy items may cause the awning to collapse and break.

 

DO retract the unit when not in use or if severe weather is predicted.

 

DO occasionally clean your awning as described in the care and maintenance section.

 

DO retract your motorized awning with the manual override feature if you lose power.

 

At Peterson Canvas, we offer many styles of awnings and shades for the Fort Collins area. Our experts can recommend the perfect solution to any awning need you may have. Contact us today at 970-493-4033.

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