Awnings: Creating A Virtual Room
Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra room 2 or 3 seasons each year?
It’s easier to do than you may think, and not very expensive. “Any homeowner with a patio or deck can expand the use of their home with the addition of either a stationary or a retractable awning,” says John Gallagher, Owner and General Manager of Gallagher Tent & Awning. “We have found many of our customers are pleasantly surprised when they add an awning to cut down on direct sunlight, glare or even for cosmetic reasons. They use their deck or patio much more and because people like being outside, they treat their deck or patio as if it were another room. For those people who think the environment has to cooperate perfectly, think again. Not only can awnings protect against sunlight and damaging Ultraviolet rays, it can protect against rain and if designed correctly, awnings can have accessories that block wind and keep out insects.
There are two basic strategies for using an awning to expand the use of your deck or patio.
The first option is a RETRACTABLE AWNING.
The benefits are…
? It blocks sun (UVA and UVB rays) and rain
? It’s easy to extend and retract and can be motorized
? Its width on your home can be from 10' to 40'
? It can be extended from 5' to 13'
? It can have added panel(s) for blocking sun
? To let the sun warm your house, just retract the awning
? It stays on your house year round — Just leave it in the retracted position during the winter.
The second option is a STATIONARY AWNING.
In addition to blocking the sun and its harmful rays, and rain, stationary awnings can:
? Be a veranda awning or fitted with screens
? Be built on top of a fabricated frame
? Have the frame custom fitted to match the needs of your patio or deck
? Be fitted with shades to increase sun blocking and privacy
? Add screens to keep out insects and or airborne materials
The value of an awning of this size and impact can literally change the way you live in your home,” Gallagher notes.
“A well placed awning can…
? Put you in control of the weather on your deck.
? Protect people, patio furniture, flower pots, lanterns, and more.
? Give your children and pets a sheltered area to play outside.
? Help prevent fading of indoor rugs, drapes, and furniture due to exposure to sunlight.
? Cover much more, and is more stable than, an ordinary deck umbrella.
? In general, allow you far more use of your deck or patio, under more conditions.
