What I’m about to say may seem hard to believe, so let me lead off with a few pop quiz questions: What are retractable awnings? What do they accomplish? How do they work? If you answered any of those questions satisfactorily, then you’re in the minority of home and business owners. While awnings began to be used as architectural elements back in the 1960s, they are only just now starting to catch on as colorful, economical, home accessories in the popular market.
So, the number one reason your home or business doesn’t have retractable awnings? You’re not aware of what they can do for you. (At least not yet.) Now I realize that sounds cliché, so let me make my case.
Retractable awnings are large pieces of weather-proofed fabric attached to the walls or roof of a house or commercial property. People typically think of awnings as protection from the elements, and they certainly do provide shade and keep off rain. But they have the added benefit of extending the living space of your home or business.
In essence, an awning creates an outdoor room that does not need to be approved by a building inspector. In addition, awnings can keep your furniture from being damaged by weather, increase your home’s value, and enhance the interior of your building as well—by bringing temperatures down (as much as 15 percent) and saving you on energy (up to 34 percent) as a result. And did I mention that when you use retractable awnings, moving them up (stargazing and sunbathing) and down (shade and rain protection) is as easy as pushing a button? How cool is that?
This is why you’ve never been called by a pushy awning salesman, and never will be. If you know about the benefits of awnings, the chances are you’ll be contacting a dealer on your own. Many of the people who are educated on awnings are already shopping around for them, or already own them. A number of the major American manufacturers have experienced significant growth from referral and repeat customers. But keep in mind that there are some cheap awnings being offered out there, with parts made in Asia that aren’t built to last. Make sure that you are getting good quality.
OK, crash course over. Now that you’ve read our comments on retractable awnings, you now know more than the average home or business owner, which puts you ahead of the game where enhancing your living space and cutting your energy costs are concerned. The next step is up to you……..