When looking at summer home improvements, many times we think about adding an addition to expand our livable space. But building an addition can be inconvenient, costly and take a long time. A new trend with consumers is to add retractable awnings to their home’s exterior.
Awnings can add fun color and stylish design to your home’s character while providing an expandable tool that increases outdoor living space. You can now enjoy the summer weather without the damaging rays that sometimes force us to retreat inside, where costly air conditioning keeps us cool.

Awnings expand homes by turning decks and patios into added living space, combining the comfort of the indoors with the enjoyment of the outdoors. Consumers are looking for new ways to create an outdoor sanctuary so they can fully and safely enjoy the season without the costs of a full addition. Awnings can add style and flair to your home too. Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with a set of flimsy patio furniture and a couple potted plants on their decks or patios. Homeowners are demanding outdoor design elements that really echo the personality of their home. And with the wide variety of styles and designs, you’re sure to find one that matches your home’s décor.

Retractable awnings come in a wide variety of style options with over 200 vibrant 100-percent acrylic fabric colors and patterns to compliment any décor. There are also solar shading systems designed to meet every shading need. Awnings are custom-made to suit any home size and style, offering a variety of projection ranges and virtually unlimited widths to meet any space requirement. Awnings can be mounted on virtually any flat surface or even on a roof -- when limited mounting height is available. An optional Drop Valance allows a section of fabric to be lowered from the front bar, providing additional solar protection from early morning and late afternoon sun.

You can customize awnings to fit other needs as well. For example, do you live in a windy region? An optional wind or motion sensor is available that allows awnings to automatically retract when wind speeds reach a predetermined level, preventing awning damage. Do you suffer from intense sun rays? A sun sensor can also be added to allow for automatic operation determined by the sun’s strength. Also, an interior wireless remote control is an option that provides easy-access operation. When not in use, awnings can be easily retracted, safely stored, and will subtly blend in with the exterior beauty of any home.

Additionally, awnings help protect us from the sun’s UV rays, as well as conserve energy by blocking the sun from entering the home through windows, therefore saving the homeowner money on their cooling costs. The use of fabric awnings reduce solar heat gain by up to 77 percent lowering indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Not only do your cooling costs go down, your furniture and carpet are protected from fading.

Awnings are a simple and easy way to expand living space without all the work of an addition. They allow users to fully enjoy the summer season and their backyards by providing instant shade at the touch of a button. Match your awning to the style of your choice and enjoy the added value and space it brings to your home.