The 3 Types of Patio Awnings on the Market

The patio in your home is the place that you either entertain or relax. But during summer the heat and sun can make it very uncomfortable. Even during the colder months you could get more use out of your patio if you were to have some protection from the wind or rain.

This is where a patio awning can be a huge asset. By providing against protection against the sun in summer and the rain in winter, an awning can turn your patio into an outdoor room for your house. Some people even go as far as placing televisions and couches on their patio so they can enjoy these comforts in the outside air.

There are generally 3 different types of patio awnings. The first is the canvas awning. As the name suggests, they are made from tough canvas. The second is a metal or aluminum awning that stretches over the patio like another roof. The third is a retractable or electric patio awning that can be retracted or extended when you need it for protection. These awnings can be automatic which means they can move with just a touch of a button.

Both the canvas or metal awnings are fixed, meaning that they cannot be retracted. This means you need to be carefully if you live in a high wind area. Otherwise, you may find that the awning becomes damaged during high winds. Retractable awnings can be retracted when the weather turns bad.

When selecting a canvas awning, it is important to consider the type of material that it will be made of. You want one that has high UV protection. If you will be cooking on your patio then you want one that is fire resistant and won't absorb smells or smoke. It is even possible to buy awnings made of canvas that will actually drop the temperature below by up to 20 per cent.

Another essential consideration is the look of the patio awning. A great idea is to search through home and garden magazines. You will find pictures of various awnings and can easily imagine what they will look like against your house. There will also be a list of prices so that you can compare the costs across the different awnings.

In summary, patio awnings provide protection against the sun and rain so that you can entertain or relax on your patio in comfort. You will need to choose three types of awnings - canvas, metal or retractable - and a great way to see what a an awning will look like on your home is to browse through home and garden magazines.

The author is an internet expert on buying a patio awning and can give you plenty of advice on purchasing a canvas patio awning.

Tag : patio,patio awning,patio patio umbrellas

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Awnings Provide Much Needed Shade to Patio Areas

Summer time can be a great time to enjoy the outside spaces around your home, but the sun can be a brutal companion. In order to get some much needed respite from its powerful gaze you should consider going with a patio awning. These devices can provide some much needed protection from the sun. There are two main reasons that you might want to get protection from the sun, to protect yourself and your patio furniture from harmful UV rays and to provide a cooler environment in which to relax.

There is little doubt that UV rays have been linked to an increase in the occurrence of skin cancer. There is also lots of evidence that it increases the appearance of wrinkles in the skin as well. If you doubt it, just watch some TV and you will see tons of commercials talking about the latest cream to help protect your skin from these two ill effects of its life giving rays.

But you don't need a lotion to protect you from the sun, you need a patio awning. An awning will keep you safe from the sun while also protecting your furniture as well. Just like your skin, the fabric on your furniture doesn't like to be exposed to the sun either. The sun's rays do two things to most patio furniture: fades its color and breaks down its fabric, making it more prone to suffer from normal wear and tear.

Getting an awning to provide constant shade in the summer months will help keep your skin safe and your furniture looking as good as the day that you bought it.

The second thing that patio awnings can help do for your patio is to make the environment much, much cooler. You see, much of the heat generated on concrete patios is directly related to the direct sunlight shining down from above and then reflective off of the white concrete surface below. Not only can this be extremely hot, it can also be blinding to the eyes as well. By erecting a protective surface between you, your patio floor, and your patio furniture and the sun you will cut out the primary source of heat (direct sunlight) and a secondary source (the reflection off the white concrete) in one fell swoop.

The best thing about patio awnings is that you get all this rolled up in one affordable package. You also have a lot of choice as to how you want the awning to look. You have a choice of materials in wood, fabric, or aluminum. You even have a wide array of colors to choose from as well.

With a patio awning you get robust protection from the sun in one very cost effective package.

Joe writes for Patio Awnings Inc. There you can find information on all things patio awning - from different type of aluminum awnings, how to clean them, and what are some pros and cons with going with this type of option. If you are interested in reading his take on this, check out his aluminum patio awning article.

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Advice On Choosing The Right Garden or Patio Awning

A change of scenery is necessary every now and then, and how much easier does it get than simply getting outside of the house? It's hard to beat the simple pleasure of relaxing on the patio and sipping a drink with a friend or reading a good book. While you are enjoying the outdoors, a garden, or patio, awning keeps you protected from the weather. What then are your options?

Retractable awnings are one option and not only do they keep the sun and rain from beating down on you, but they keep your deck, patio, and furniture safe as well. The ability to control the amount of heat that gets to the house from the sun is one of the best aspects of a retractable awning. If it is a particularly hot day, the awning can be extended for a cooling shade. Your electric bill will lower considerably. When the weather turns cooler, simply roll up the shade of the awning and let the sun's warm (and free) rays heat your home. Whatever your needs, the retractable awning can be extended and retracted accordingly.

Stand alone awnings offer similar protection to that of retractable awnings, but they can be placed wherever you need it. Because they don't need to be attached to the house or other structure, you can cover up a vehicle, garden, or play area on any location you want. Though stand alone awnings lack the simple amenities of retractable awnings, they are not permanently attached to anything and can be relocated if needed. One other concern involved with stand alone awnings is that they do not receive the wind protection provided by a house or other building. Seek awnings with frames made from sturdy metals. It will be worth the extra cash.

The different materials that awnings can be crafted from offer options as well. Wooden frames are perfect if you wish to add style as well as practicality. The wood makes the awning look natural and provides a rural look that other materials cannot. They need regular treatment, however, because wood will warp and splinter if unprotected against water and wind. Aluminum frames are lightweight, making them attractive to attach to a house or other building. High grade aluminum is pricier, but it can withstand the weather better. Vinyl requires the least effort to maintain, but it can be a burden to put up at first. Once it is erected, however, you can leave it alone for the most part.

Garden/patio awnings come in many styles and with several types of frames. Decide upon the look and style that is perfect for you and you will have protection outside from the weather. Awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.

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A Guide to Patio Awnings

In many homes, especially in suburban and rural locations, the patio is one of the most cherished places in the home. Patios remind us of good times with friends and family, as the kids play and the ribs sizzle on the barbecue. Many of us also spend a considerable amount of money on our patio furniture and equipment to make it a more inviting and charming location.

Patio awnings are one way to increase the enjoyment of your patio experience. Patio awnings provide shelter from summer heat and provide much-needed shade on those sweltering evening cookouts. Patio awnings are increasing in popularity and are available in an endless variety of styles, colors and options.

Some people like the fact that patio awnings seem to add space and square footage to a home. A patio in itself is an attractive feature of any home. When you add patio awnings, however, it seems almost as if a room has been added to the home. A patio awning seems to almost enclose the patio and creates an outdoor room that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Patio awnings are available in both manual and electronic styles. The manual style patio awnings allow the homeowner to manually adjust the depth, or pitch, of the awning’s fabric. You can choose to have the awning completely open or merely partially open according to your preferences. Automatic, or electronic, patio awnings are controlled by electronic “arms” with the push of a button; many also have remote controls for easier use. Automatic patio awnings usually also come with a manual override feature in case of a power outage. or if the motor should stop performing.

Awnings Info provides detailed information about retractable, canvas, window, RV, patio, aluminum, deck, and commercial awnings. Awnings Info is the sister site of Gazebos Web.

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Choosing a Patio Cover That is Best For You

Summer is the time we like to enjoy the outdoors. This is also the time when most people start thinking of how they can improve their outdoor living area. You want your outdoor living space to provide shade and cover during summer rain showers, but you also want your patio furniture to be protected from the elements.

When choosing covers for both your patio and for your patio furniture, there are certain things you have to consider. Not the least of these is how much time you'll be spending on your patio. For the patio cover, the more time you're spending on the patio, the more you'll probably spend on the cover. For your patio furniture covers, the less time you spend on the patio, the more elaborate you're going to want your covers to be.

There are basically two types of patio covers to consider. There are permanent structures such as pergolas, arbors and gazebos or you can choose from a removable patio cover which includes retractable awnings, umbrellas and fabric canopies. Permanent patio covers are usually more costly and more time-consuming to construct. However, they can significantly enhance your patio or other outdoor area.

When you add a patio cover to your home you're not only providing shade and protection from rain and bad weather. You are also adding a new feature to your landscaping and adding to your home's appeal. If you are looking for something to build that will endure the elements, a permanent patio cover using wood has many benefits and adds value to your home.

You will also want to consider whether or not you will want to enclose your patio with either simple drop panels or screens. Another thing to take into consideration is whether you want to install electric lighting and power for any accessory you might like to operate. Wood patio covers are more expensive and take more time to build, but it is well worth it when you see the final finished project.

Metal patio covers are also popular; they require less maintenance than a wood patio cover. They usually have a finish to prevent rusting. The disadvantage of a metal patio cover is that it can be damaged in high winds or storms and is not retractable.

Pergolas and arbors are more for decoration than for protection against the elements such as; rain and wind. They will provide shade. They are a beautiful addition to your home and landscape. You can build a pergola or arbor to the design and style of your home. They also increase the value of your property.

A great alternative to permanent patio covers are canopy awning and retractable awnings. Retractable patio covers are easy to roll up and out of your way when not in use. You can keep these types of covers rolled up and protected when it storms and can be extended when you want some shade. There is a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from that will fit into your décor nicely. As you can tell there are many types of patio covers to choose from and there is a style to fit anyone's needs.

For your patio furniture covers you'll need to consider the weather of your area - do you get mostly rain, pounding sun in the summer months, or deep winters with feet of snow? The weather you have to deal with, and how much of it you get, will help determine the best patio furniture cover for you. Also, keep in mind that you can get covers for individual pieces of furniture, or combination covers that can protect a table and several chairs. However, if you have too many chairs you'll still need to get separate covers for them.

Whether it's a cover to protect your patio as a whole or covers for your furniture, protecting your patio area is important both during the warmer summer months when you're using it and during the colder, wetter months when the elements prevent you from taking advantage of it. Getting yourself a quality cover will ensure that your patio and its furniture will be usable for years to come.

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Top 10 Reasons to Purchase a Retractable Awning

Looking for a way to reduce your utility bills or just improve the exterior appearance and usability of your back porch or deck? Investing in a motorized retractable awning can bring you a much greater enjoyment of your back yard patio, and can add beauty and value to your home.

No matter where you may live, the spring and summer sun can be very intense as it beats down on your patio, your deck or your windows. The solution is to install a retractable awning from a reputable company that is built to the highest engineering standards and made from the highest quality materials.

Retractable awnings can be manual or motorized, and are fairly easy to install for the do it yourselfer, or can be installed by a handyman in your area for a reasonable cost. While there are many benefits associated with owning a retractable awning, here are the top ten reasons you should consider purchasing:

10. European engineering and design makes even the largest retractable awnings not only possible, but also desirable for commercial & residential use. Imagine the all of the possible uses, from your back patio to a cozy outdoor seating area for a restaurant. The list is endless.

9. You can have ultimate control over the elements, since your awning is retractable, you can store it when it's not needed, but quickly unroll it when it's needed.

8. The fabric that is used in quality retractable awnings is highly durable, tested, and highly resistant to fading, which means you'll have many trouble free years of use. When it comes time to replace the material, you are only paying a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole unit.

7. Retractable awnings can reduce heat on the interior of a home or a business by as much as 77 percent according to a study by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

6. You are essentially adding another room onto your home at a mere fraction of the cost of actually constructing an addition.

5. You can install a motorized retractable awning with a remote control that you simply press a button to unroll and retract the awning in about 20 seconds. This motor runs off of a standard household plug in many cases.

4. Retractable awnings do not require much maintenance, and cleaning is a breeze. Simply wash with soap and water when the fabric gets dirty.

3. Retractable awnings are available in many styles, shapes, and sizes. Custom options are also available at an additional cost. Chances are you can find an off the shelf option to match the exterior and style of your home.

2. Awnings offer rain protection, but the true advantage is protection from the sun. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008 there will be 62,480 new cases of melanoma (skin cancer) in this country. And about 8,420 people will die of this disease this year. Stay out of the intense sun under your retractable awning, but still enjoy the outdoors!

1. For much less than the cost of a covered patio addition, you can add a retractable awning to your home, and enjoy the benefits of shade, rain protection, and cooler temperatures in the summertime.

Jay Kopp is an author, web developer, and SunSetter Retractable Awning owner. Find out more information about purchasing, installing, and owning your retractable awning, and for a limited time get a $200 coupon towards the purchase of your retractable awning at http://www.freeawninginfo.com

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Patio Design - Add Awnings As A Colorful Finish For Your Patio Design

Patio design, planned with care and creativity, not only becomes a value-adding asset to your home, but expands your living and entertainment areas substantially. Elements such as awnings will complement any patio design, adding both color and protection against the powers of nature.

Your patio design will depend on the area you have available, the maintenance-level you prefer, and your lifestyle needs.

You may need some serious landscaping, and choose complicated water features. Or you may have only a limited space, and an even more limited budget. A patio doesn't have to be oversized, in order to be functional. A competent landscaping designer will be able to present you with a patio design, perfect for your pocket and property.

You can draw on a wealth of ideas while planning your patio design. Magazines are an excellent source of inspiration. The idea is to make the patio an extension of your home. To achieve this ideal, the patio design has to blend in with the design of your living space. This includes the architecture, as well as the interior décor.

A number of paving possibilities are available. Concrete patio pavers or interlocking patio pavers are extremely popular, affordable, and durable. These come in sizes, shapes, and textures to fit from a simple patio design, to an elaborate landscaped outdoor area.

Stone or brick patios are another viable option, especially if durability is a concern. If you choose a stone patio, make sure that the pavers have been fired in such a way that they are weather resistant. A wooden deck has its place in patio design, but also has limitations with respect to lifespan and maintenance. However, if the planned patio area is sloped, or has drainage problems, a deck may be a simple solution.

The features you incorporate into your patio design, create atmosphere. A water feature facilitates a feeling of tranquility and relaxation. Another advantage is that it helps to mask noise, such as passing traffic. You may choose to add an herb garden, with lavender and other fragrant, calming plants. Flower beds or boxes can be a source of greenery and color.

The patio furniture you choose, will depend on your personal taste and budget. Keep in mind that exposure to sun and showers necessitates quality materials.

Colorful canvas awnings add an elegant finishing touch to your patio design, as discussed at Awnings-and-Blinds.com. To use your extended 'living room' to the fullest, it is vital to have protection against the sun, wind, rain, and worrisome insects.

Awnings made with quality fabric offer UV protection, are weather resistant, and waterproof. Look for models that can be retracted when you want to bask in a bit of sunshine, or when you want to enjoy the company of the moon and stars on a romantic evening out...

Some awning designs make provision for an extra screen that can be added, which will give you an insect-free zone. You will be able to relax and enjoy visiting with guests, while nasties such as mosquitoes and flies are kept at bay.

One of the best investments you can make in your property, is the addition of a harmonious patio, done within the guidelines of a well-planned patio design.

About the Author

Also read the Retractable Awning article at Awnings-and-Blinds.com - Copyright Rika Susan, Article-Alert.com. Please reprint intact links.

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Patio Canopies: Protecting Your Patio From The Elements

Most working individuals with families target a home as their primary investment. Since the home is generally considered symbolic of one’s social status, many exert much effort to make their homes a beautiful and comfortable one without sacrificing functionality and the budget. This attitude also helps boost the property’s value and makes the dwelling a personal statement of the homeowner.

This motivation drives a multi-billion dollar market for home refurbishments, fixtures and related maintenance and services. One particular segment that thrives on home building and renovation is the market for patio canopies, covers and accessories.

The exposure that patios have to rain, snow, sun and the elements has made canopy manufacturers come up with varying models made of different materials to address this concern. For added comfort, canopy makers typically offer waterproof systems with roof tensioning and related support to prevent water accumulation. Made-to-order patio canopies can take 3-4 weeks before delivery.

One solution to protect patios from nature is the use of aluminum patio cover kits and retractable awnings. Such outdoor patio covers are generally for long-term use, maintenance-free and comply with standard municipal load ratings and provisions of the International Building Code. The retractable quality allows one to adjust awnings depending on the weather condition. Aluminum canopies also come in do-it-yourself models that can be used to augment a current deck, as carports or, for wealthier homeowners living near the water who have boats – protection for their vessels. Extended patio canopies allow homeowners practically continuous appreciation of the outdoors.

Patio canopies also have use for residences with a swimming pool, the backyard deck or other large and exposed areas. These flexible and pre-engineered structures can be attached to an existing home, over the target area to be covered or set up as a stand-alone unit. Canopies can also be made of steel while maintaining their retractability and flexibility. For added comfort, privacy or security, some manufacturers even offer screen attachments to close off a desired area. For wide-open patios, canopies effectively make them an extension of the house or a new room – giving the homeowner wider space and more comfort.

Homeowners have a wide range of options to better protect their patios and homes in general, ensuring also that visiting family and friends can be entertained outside regardless of weather conditions. Canopies also allow the owner to read a book, have tea or simply relax outside on the patio without any worry. Some canopy makers offers terms for individuals seeking a custom-made look with wind-release protection, awning flexibility and other desired features.

The US Census Bureau has noted that backyard patios have become an increasing fixture of new single-family homes: 45% of such dwellings have them, rising from 37% in 1992. This increase has fuelled a related jump in outdoor furniture sales: Figures from the American Home Furnishings Alliance reported a 129% increase in purchases of canopies, tables and other outdoor items from $1bn more than 10 years ago to $2.3bn in 2003.

That surge in demand has made retailers increase their focus on outdoor collections, with Hold Everything and West Elm launching their initial outdoor line in 2005. Separately, Restoration Hardware covered outdoor entertaining on 52 pages of its summer catalog, more than double the 25 pages it devoted to the category in 2004.

Some canopy covers are made from heavy-duty vinyl and are available in various sizes, allowing for easy maintenance and storage. Several makers offer vinyl patio units with limited 15-year warranties. As an alternative, companies also offer lattice patio cover kits created primarily for garden settings.

The market already offers patio canopies made from Alumawood, or aluminum material that feels and looks like wood. The product does not pose any of the problems identified with wood, including peeling, warping, repainting and termite attacks.

Patio canopies also extend beyond the residential market. Eide Industries, Inc. offers both permanent and temporary or portable models, with frames made from aluminum tubing or galvanized steel and fabric covers made from an extensive line of canvas products, for businesses and other non-residential users.

These exterior and interior products appeal to restaurants, resorts, hotels, retail shops, convention centers, theme parks, and exhibits and trade shows. For businesses fronted by a sidewalk, setting up a canopy along the path would help shade passers-by and also possibly draw potential customers to the shop. Combined with appropriate lighting at night, patio canopies add to the overall look of a business even during off-hours.

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