The Insider’s Guide to Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings have the obvious ability to convert a blistering, sun-scorched area on your deck, patio, terrace, or poolside into a shady space great for R&R. Relatively straightforward to install and remarkably easy to use, they’re a low cost way to convert outside areas into the cool oasis you originally visualized. They create unique outdoor rooms that extend the living space of your home. However, there’s more to the story. Here are 4 little known reasons why awnings quickly become indispensable to their owners.
1. Retractable awnings give the inside of your house a more open, spacious feel.
Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? If the awnings are installed on the exterior of your house, how do they affect the interior? The answer: Strategically-placed awnings take away the necessity of pulling the blinds on windows where direct sunlight floods your home, bleaching furniture and raising the room temperatures. By installing awnings over those windows (typically facing east, west, or south), you won’t have to pull the blinds and your home will have a more open, inviting feel, because awnings cut the glare of direct sunlight by over 90 percent. You’ll enjoy the sunlight instead of being victimized by it.
2. Awnings result in direct energy savings.
How? By lowering the temperatures
in your home dramatically, which means you’ll spend substantially less on air conditioning. Research by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) reveals that awnings have the ability to lower indoor temperatures anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees, easily cutting air conditioning use by 25 percent. While the figures vary depending on regional climate and the local utility rates, in a best case scenario, awnings can cut energy spending by up to 34 percent. These findings are echoed by research from the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers—and they mean cash savings and increased home value.
3. Retractable awnings add a creative aesthetic to your home.
Given the popularity of “Do It Yourself” home improvement and decorating, awnings are increasingly used to make a home stand out and add curb appeal. They are adaptable enough to use with all types of architecture, and any color scheme. In addit
ion, they give home owners a way to extend a house’s interior vibe into an outdoor living space, coordinating the design colors and styles. Costing less that any permanent architectural element, they make a hassle-free design element.
4. A retractable awning creates new atmospheres.
Let’s not forget the experiential aspect of all this. A cooler home, lower utility bills, and more decorating options are all strong factors on the awning resume. But have you ever had a conversation over coffee “in the rain?” Ever lounged in a hot tub while snow descends around you? Ever sipped a cool drink on a summer evening—and then, at the push of a button—watched the stars appear above you as the sun went down? Awnings that are retractable allow you to enjoy outdoor atmospheres you’ve probably never experienced before, least of all on your own property.
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Filed Under Home Awnings, Retractable Awnings |
Tagged With air conditioning, decorating, design, energy efficiency, home improvement, outdoor living spaces, Retractable Awnings, utility savings
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[...] If you’re willing to listen to me answer the question, you probably have some idea about the , and why they are attracting a growing consumer base. Are you interested? Check out the Insider’s Guide to retractable awnings. [...]
[...] If you’re willing to listen to me answer the question, you probably have some idea about the , and why they are attracting a growing consumer base. Are you interested? Check out the Insider’s Guide to retractable awnings. [...]