Introduction to Awnings/Curtains/Shutters
Awnings & Shutters: Enriching Your Living Area
The Outdoors is becoming an additional, new living area for many homeowners. Awnings and shutters can be used to help protect people, windows and doors, and control the temperature on your porch, deck or patio.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable Awnings offer the ultimate in versatility. An awning allows you to enjoy the outdoors during the sunny times of the day and can also help save air conditioning costs inside your home. About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your house comes in through windows and can be minimized by the use of awnings.
Studies by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRE) have shown that awnings on windows and patio doors can reduce inside temperatures by as much as 8-15 degrees, depending on the exposure of the window, the color of the fabric and the style and method of attaching the awning.
Rolling Shutters
Rolling shutters are the most convenient and popular storm and security protection available today. Roll up shutters use a series of slats that roll up into a housing for storage. They can be operated using electric motors, manual gears or a pull-tape system and can be operated inside or outside of a building. These shutters can be easily designed into your home so there is little or no visual proof they are there until you close them.
Benefits of rolling shutters include:
- Excellent security and safety protection
- Great sound control
- Convenient Light control
- Improved insulation from heat and cold
- Privacy control
- Ease of installation and operation
- No visual impact until closed
Saving Energy & Versatile
Although both exterior and interior shades can control heat gain, exterior shades such as awnings, louvers, shutters, rolling shutters and solar screens are more effective, since they block sunlight before it enters the windows and doors.
A properly installed awning can reduce heat gain in your home up to 65 percent on southern windows and as much as 77 percent on eastern and western windows.
The end result is expanded use of your outdoor areas and less energy use. Awnings and shutters can be a “dynamic duo” for your home.
