Are you tired of wanting to spend time outside but hate being at the mercy of whatever weather is happening? Blazing sun or even light rain can be contributing factors on whether you get to dine al fresco, host an outdoor cocktail party, or simply enjoy a good book to the sounds of twittering birds. Fortunately, there is a solution: custom awnings. If you’re a homeowner in the Tri-Cities area interested in improving your home’s exterior, increasing energy efficiency, and enhancing outdoor living spaces, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
4 Benefits of Custom Awnings:
#1: Enhanced Curb Appeal
Given that custom awnings are available in a wide array of designs and colors, you can complement your existing home aesthetic. Rather than slapping on something that is “close” in looks, you can get the perfect match. Not only will this enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, but it will also increase your curb appeal if you decide to sell later on.
#2: Higher Energy Efficiency
During those hot days when the sun is beating through your windows, your home consumes far greater energy to keep the inside cool and comfortable. Awnings act as shade protectors for your home, cooling the inside of your house dramatically. This reduces the energy required to run your home comfortably, leading to savings on your energy bill and reducing your carbon footprint.
#3: Greater Protection from the Elements
Speaking of the blazing sun, its harsh UV rays can have a negative impact on the furniture and décor you have placed in your outdoor space. For example, constant sun can quickly sap away the color of patio furniture cushions and reduce the structural integrity of smaller items. Therefore, anything placed under the shade of custom awning benefits from greater protection from the sun, which, in turn, extends the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the item.
#4: Improved Comfortability
Lastly, let’s take a moment to talk about you and your comfort. No one wants to sweat under the blazing sun or get rained on by a spring shower when they want to be outside. A custom awning will protect you from Mother Nature’s elements, providing a cool, protected place for you to enjoy your outdoor space.
Why Custom Awnings Trumps Standard Awnings
While standard awnings can provide some of the benefits listed above, although not quite as efficiently, there is a clear marker where custom awnings triumph—and that’s in the customizations.
Standard awnings picked from a catalog come with strict options, and there is little ability to mix and match. However, custom awnings are designed to fit the look, fit, and function of your home to be exactly what you need and desire. There is no “it’s just a little too big” or “the pattern is close enough” when it comes to custom; you get exactly what you want!
Material and Design Options for Awnings
It would be impossible to list every design and material option here, so we will just go over the basics: style and fabric.
Retractable, Drop Arm, or Stationary:
Your first option is the functionality style of your custom awnings, with three main choices: retractable, drop arm, or stationary.
Retractable awnings allow homeowners to extend and retract their awnings manually with a crank or automatically with a remote control.
Drop arm awnings utilize the same function as a retractable awning, albeit with greater control of the amount of extension and the angle of the awning.
As the name implies, stationary awnings are part of an unmovable structure that requires zero effort because they are always in place.
With these choices, you can also choose between various frame colors and add custom features like built-in LED lights, a vibration sensor, or a protective casing.
Fabrics of All Types:
The beauty of custom awnings is that you get to pick the fabric that best suits your home; there are plenty of options. For example, our manufacturer, Sunsesta, has over 100 fabric options for custom-made awnings. Similarly, our other manufacturer, Sun Control, has dozens of options for colors and textures to choose from.
Maintenance Tips to Enhance Your Awnings’ Longevity
After investing in a custom awning, you will want to keep it clean and maintain it to ensure its longevity. To do this, we recommend the following:
1. Inspect for Damage:
Even though awnings are quite durable, they are still susceptible to damage. We recommend inspecting your awnings once a quarter or after any major storm to see if it has sustained any damage that requires repair.
2. Regular Cleaning:
To keep your awnings looking beautiful, they require regular cleanings, typically with a deeper clean once a quarter. To clean your awning, NEVER use a pressure washer. Instead, brush off any loose dirt, hose down the awning, wash using soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, let it soak, wash it off, and leave it open until it is fully dry.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts:
Since awnings have moving parts, you will want to ensure that they stay lubricated. Following the owner manual’s instructions, you will likely need to lubricate it yearly.
4. Manage the Surroundings:
Lastly, be diligent when maintaining your awning’s surroundings. For example, sharp shrubbery or overhanging tree limbs could rip the fabric, so be careful to keep them trimmed back.
Expert Tips on How to Choose the Right Custom Awnings for Your Home
The sheer number of choices when choosing custom awnings for your home may appear daunting. The best advice we can give you is to speak with a qualified specialist for guidance on ordering custom awnings that suit your home and your personal needs.
Experts like us at The Blind Guy perform on-site consultations; we will measure, order, and install your awnings easily and efficiently to ensure that your product provides the best experience for your outdoor space.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior with custom awnings? Contact Blind Guy of Tri-Cities today for a free consultation and discover the perfect awning solution for your home.
