You can keep your awning in great shape for many years to come by doing a little routine awning care. In some cases, the material used for an awning will be mildew-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from occasionally cleaning it. If dirt accumulates on a canvas awning, it can give way to mold and mildew. That not only poses a health risk, but detracts from the aesthetic value of your awning, as mildew can stain the awning’s fabric.

Hosing down your awning

One of the simplest, but most effective ways of caring for your awning is to give it a monthly hosing with water. Doing so helps keep dirt from becoming embedded deep within the fabric, which will necessitate more robust cleaning efforts. While a monthly rinse is good practice, you might still want to consider a more thorough cleaning for your awning every two to three years.

Vigorous cleaning methods

Depending on the size and type of awning you have, you may be able to clean the fabric while it’s still on the frame, or remove it and clean it in a washing machine. If you plan to use a washing machine, use mild soaps, cold or lukewarm water, and air dry the fabric. Always follow the manufacturer’s advise as well, when it comes to washing your awning fabric.

To clean the awning fabric while it’s still on the frame, start by brushing off any loose dirt or debris, then hose down the fabric with water. Next, create a cleaning solution of water and mild soap. Apply the solution to the fabric and use a soft-bristled brush to clean. Rinse off the solution thoroughly and let your fabric air dry.

Cleaning the underside

While the top of your awning is exposed to the elements, don’t forget that dirt, dust, and cobwebs can accumulate on the underside as well. Regularly brushing the underside of your awning with a broom is a simple and effective way to keep it in good condition.

Placement and patch-ups

If at all possible, keep canvas awnings away from trees, shrubs, and vines. Many trees, shrubs, bushes, and vines contain an acid that can damage the canvas awning material. Prolonged exposure to this acid can create defects in your awning which will negatively impact both its appearance and performance.

Also keep an eye out for any small rips or tears in your awning’s fabric. Even small tears can become large ones, so use repair tape to close them up at first sight.

Take care when it’s cold and wet

Canvas awnings can be damaged when rolled or unrolled in cold temperatures. The movement of the canvas in cold weather can lead to cracks.

Also keep in mind that water pooling in spots of your awning can cause the canvas to stretch, leading to a poor fit on the awning’s frame. After a heavy rainfall, have a look at your awning to check if water has pooled in any pockets. If it has, try pushing the underside of the awning with a broom to remove any standing water.

If you need any help with caring for your awnings, or you need to replace your old awnings then Contact Jans Awnings for a no-obligation, in-home consultation.

If you’re looking forward to a little shade this summer, covering your patio might be the way to go. Choosing between aluminum roofing and an awning might not be as hard as you think.

Aluminum roofing

When it comes time to re-roof your home, aluminum might be a clear choice because of its durability and many companies are offering lifetime warranties. Don’t confuse this application of aluminum with any other. While aluminum makes sense for big projects, covering your patio calls for a little more flexibility, design quality, options and ease of installation.

Aluminum roofing is fireproof, rodent proof and provides protection against extreme winds. Keep in mind however, that this aluminum roof will be attached to your house and not likely lying flat on a hard service. With a loose piece of aluminum, what might otherwise be considered wind proof, is now a hazard. If you were dreaming of complementing your existing outdoor space with a covered patio, aluminum won’t likely provide you with the design options you’re looking for. Aluminum comes in a few different colours but if it’s not the colour you’re looking for, it will have to be painted. Now you’re looking at maintenance and having to repaint every few years. Your colour choice, unless professionally baked on, will likely fade or peel over time.

Depending on the thickness of the metal, aluminum roofing can curl and crack. While some companies may warranty against this, dealing with warranties will have you taking time away from your investment and from enjoying your renewed patio.

Awnings

If the heat is getting you down, an awning might just do the trick. With its versatility and design options, an awning will be a great addition to any outdoor space. Awnings come in a variety of almost endless colour and pattern. Now is the time to add or switch the colour scheme on your patio. With durable sun and heat resistant fabrics, you can rest assured that your choice will stand the test of time. Awnings have come a long way from the standard aluminum stationary awning off of your grandma’s kitchen window.

The awnings of today retract to protect your investment and to increase your options for sun or shade. A great awning will save the day when the pool party gets rained out. Protecting you from the elements might be your first concern, but an awning will also add dimension and design quality to your patio.

Unlike aluminum roofing, your awning can retract but if work is not your thing while you’re trying to enjoy your patio, consider a remote control. There’s no reason you can’t bring the comforts of home with you, to enjoy your backyard. An awning can be attached in many ways, to many different structures, also giving you versatility and choice.

While aluminum certainly has its place in the roofing industry, awnings can’t be beat in style, versatility and comfort when it comes time to install a roof on your patio. If you love spending time outdoors, on your patio, an awning will get you out there sooner, keep you out there longer and ultimately extend your home’s living space. If you’re interested in gaining more Info on aluminum patio roofs vs. awnings then Contact Us today and we will be happy to help you out.

A cottage is a small house in a semi-rural or rural location. It is a modest, cosy dwelling. Most cottages are of traditional build, but now this term is also used to refer to dwellings of modern construction which resemble traditional cottages. These mock cottages look like traditional cottages, but they may have modern features.

The term cottage is also used to describe small holiday homes. Most cottages are usually in the country side or near a body of water. Cottages tend to have a modest look, but there are several ways to make them look more attractive.

The right kind of awnings will give your cottage a nice makeover and make it look more attractive.

While selecting awnings for your cottage, it is important that you choose fabrics that complement your cottage and surroundings.

Advantages of Awnings

Awnings not only protect your personal space from weather elements; they also enhance the exterior of your property. In fact, the right awnings can help you make a style statement.

Selecting an awning fabric may be difficult because so many patterns and styles are available. Here are a few things you need to consider while selecting awning fabrics and style.

Do you want the awnings to be a colourful focal point that grabs attention? If so, choosing a colour and fabric that do not blend with the exterior of your home may be a good idea. If you want the awning to blend well with the exterior, then choose a colour that suits the colour scheme of the exterior such as the paint colour.

Your cottage’s setting is another factor you need to consider. Earthy hues are ideal for woodland areas. If the cottage is located near a beach or a river, choose bright tones. Generally speaking, black and white stripes fit all kinds of homes and cottages are no exception to this rule.

Awnings are available in various colours and sizes to suit your taste and needs. Before choosing a fabric and style, take a look at your contractor’s portfolio. See what type of awnings look great on cottages similar to yours. There is no harm in drawing inspiration from others.

The fabrics should complement the architectural design of your home. Bar stripes are ideal for cottage-style homes. They have a time-less feel and complement the design of most cottage homes. Look for awnings with a simple design and solid fabrics. Choose patterns that are proportionate to the size of the awnings and your cottage. Small stripes will look too busy on a large piece of fabric. If you have a small cottage, avoid wide-stripped fabrics because they can be quite overwhelming.

Your awnings should reflect your personality. Try to coordinate the fabrics with the colours on your cottage’s exterior. Awnings that blend well with the colours of the exterior paint and shingles look visually attractive.

Awnings are a long-term investment. While selecting awnings, pay attention to quality and durability. If you choose the right style and fabrics, your awnings may last decades.

Ready to enhance the appearance of your cottage?  Consider contacting Jans Awning & Rollshutters for more information on Awnings.

Awnings are an easy way to update your home, adding value as well as functionality. You can instantly transform your space and a new awning is a smart financial investment which will help pay for itself. Not to mention the other wonderful benefits that come with owning an awning.

Benefits of Awnings

Energy Efficiency: Awnings over your windows, doors and patios can provide you with a great deal of energy savings. Some statistics show that awnings reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 25%. When heat is transmitted through the glass windows in your home, it can cause you to turn up your air conditioner in order to cool your home. By having awnings over your doors and windows you block the UV rays and reduce UV transmission. Because of this you won’t have to pay as much in utilities to cool your home in the summer.

Extra Living Space: Awnings add extra livable space on your deck. Having an awning will reduce the heat on that area of the deck making it possible to enjoy the deck even on the hottest days. It will be a great spot to entertain and relax with friends and family. How many times have you had to head inside due to the heat or rain? With an awning, that rarely happens because you have protection from the elements.

Curb Appeal: One of the main reasons people have awnings installed is for aesthetic purposes. Awnings are an easy way to enhance the look and design of your home. Awnings come in almost endless styles, colours and patterns. It’s not hard to find one that fits perfectly with your style and your house.

Water Protection: In certain parts of your home, the ground might slope towards your house.  This leads to water potentially leaking into your house, especially if you have concrete that goes right up against your home, such as stone stairs or a brick pathway.  A fixed aluminium awning extends past your eves, meaning that you get additional protection from rain.

Money Savings: Awnings save on energy as your furnace and AC units won’t have to work as hard. This means you also save on repairs and parts for service. Awnings can help protect furnishings, curtains and rugs from sun damage from warping and fading.

Great Value: Awnings are very durable. Most will last for a long period of time, roughly 10 years. And the cost savings more than makes awnings a great purchase.

Adding an awning to your home can increase your home’s overall value. Awnings immediately add great curb appeal to your home, and in the event that you put your home up for sale, adding an awning is a great way to attract potential buyers and help make that desirable first impression. Awnings are also wonderful in a neighbourhood that looks the same, giving your home a distinct and unique look and feel that allows it to stand out from a crowd.

Contact us here at Jans Awnings & Rollshutters if you would like to discuss the benefits of adding an awning to your home.

After enjoying the advantages that having an awning brings, you can’t imagine your outdoor space without one. After another long and cold winter here in Ontario, you may look out your window to find an awning in need of repairs. Whether your awning needs repair or complete replacement, after years of shielding you from this unpredictable climate, you are not likely in the market to do without.

Where do you start when the snow melts and you look out your window to find that your awning has not fared too well over the winter months? If your awning is under warranty, your choice is easy. Contact the installation company and you will soon be in comfort again. If your awning has provided you with decades of shelter, it is likely that you will eventually be paying for repairs or replacement. Once we’ve experienced the comfort that comes from sitting outside without the scorching heat, the blinding sun and even rain, it’s hard to go back. While you’ll want to maintain and clean your awning regularly to keep it in good repair, after years of being exposed to the elements, repairs or replacement are likely in order. Spring is the ideal time to get that awning in tip top shape. Regret comes in July when the bottom of your feet burst into flames with any attempt to get to the barbeque.

Depending on what kind of awning you originally chose, there are many parts and features that will need attention over time. Everything from the retractable motor to the fabric. Enlisting the services of a company that not only sells, but services their awnings, will ensure that you are getting the best price on parts and the best value for service. Some companies offer extended warranties and often, different awning parts carry different warranties. For example, the fabric on your awning may not outlast the hardware.

If it’s been years since you first invested in your awning or if the awning came with a house you just bought, repairs or replacement can offer you the opportunity to upgrade and enjoy new technology and styles. Fabrics that caught your eye twenty years ago, probably aren’t doing anything for the ambiance of your outdoor space today. Through the years, options for fabrics and mechanics have broadened. Depending on the budget, price points for a new awning have too.

Even with the cost or repair, awnings often pay for themselves. Keeping the hot sun off of you is only one of the benefits. Awnings keep the heat off your house, reducing energy costs and ultimately saving money over those hot summer months. A well-appointed awning will in fact expand your summer season while adding beauty to your outdoor living space.