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.

Awnings allow you to protect your home and commercial space from harsh sunlight and rain. Besides making your home/office cool and comfortable, awnings help reduce your cooling costs.

Since awnings are available in a variety of colours and styles, you will have no difficulty finding one that suits the architecture of your home.

Don’t know what type of awnings you should get this spring? Well, we have prepared a simple guide for you. This article gives a quick overview of different kinds of awnings. The right kind of awnings will enhance the comfort level and aesthetic appeal of your home.

Retractable Awnings

The best thing about retractable awnings is that you can retract them when you want sunlight to enter your space. They will protect your space from hot summer rays and rain. But during the winter months when you want sunlight to enter your home, you can just pull them back and they will retract into their aluminum housing.

If you have a retractable awning on your deck, it will protect your furniture from fading. These awnings are available in different sizes and fabrics.

When it comes to retractable awnings, there are basically two options – the Classic and the Marcesa. The Classic is normally used in low height areas. They are suitable for windows in the north and south. The Marcesa is stronger. This makes it ideal for windows with west or east exposure where winds are stronger.

Retractable awnings are made from waterproof fabric. They can withstand winds up to 30-35 kph. They can be installed over both doors and windows. You can adjust the slope.

Window awnings

Window awnings add character to your building. They prevent sunlight from entering your home/office and keep it cool and comfortable. The fixed window awnings are made with strong aluminum frames that will resist corrosion and rust. Fixed options are more suitable for commercial properties. They can withstand weather elements.

While choosing awnings, you need to pay careful attention to the fabric used. The fabric should be able to stand up to weather changes. Otherwise it may fade and look unattractive.

Fixed Aluminum Awnings

Fixed aluminum awnings are ideal for sheltering your entrance ways from weather. They have a look of permanence.

There are several benefits to using fixed aluminum awnings. They keep the temperatures inside the home cooler during the summer months. They also enhance the durability of window treatments and furniture. Fixed awnings can be custom made. You can choose colours that complement your home.

They are highly durable and have a lifespan of over 40 years. Aluminum awnings enhance the look of your home. They do not rot, rust or warp. Also, they last longer than fabric awnings.

Commercial Awnings

Besides sheltering your store or office from inclement weather, awnings can attract customers. If awnings of the right colour and shape are installed over your commercial property, they will immediately draw attention. Customers will also enjoy being able to stand in a protected area while waiting to be served. You can choose colours that complement your business colors.

At Jans Awnings, we offer both fixed and retractable awnings. Contact us to know which option will suit you better.

Awnings provide protection from inclement weather and make your commercial and residential space usable throughout the year. In the past, this was the main reason for using awnings. But now awnings are available in a variety of designs, colours and patterns.

Needless to say, many people now use awnings to enhance the visual appeal of their homes and offices. If you are using awnings for aesthetic purposes, it is important that you consult an expert. They will help you find awnings that complement the exterior of your commercial or residential property. Even if you are using awnings for protection from inclement weather, there is no harm is choosing a design that complements your building.

Awnings are versatile items. Besides enhancing the visual appeal of your property, awnings can reduce your cooling bills. They will prevent sunlight from entering your home and warming it up. By reducing heat gain through the windows, awnings will keep your home comfortably cool during the summer months. This will reduce your cooling costs. Awnings also ensure that your property remains usable throughout the year. Got a patio or a deck? By simply installing awnings over your patio, you can use it during the hot summer months as well.

Colours or striped

When it comes to awnings you have basically two choices – colours and stripes. Both have their own advantages and it is impossible to say that colours are better than stripes or vice-versa. It is basically a matter of architectural considerations and personal preferences. In this article, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both designs.

The style of the building should be the first thing you need to consider before choosing coloured or striped awnings. The position where the awning is going to be installed is also important. You should also determine whether the awnings are used to decorate your house façade and make it more colorful.

Stripes

Stripes have a timeless feel to them. If you have a colonial or cottage style home, striped awnings are your best bet. Stripes also work well with modern homes provided that you choose colours that have elegant contrast. Stripes are also used in edging-scalloped valances. While choosing striped awnings, it is important that you select patterns that are proportionate to the size of your building. If you have a small ranch-style home, wide-striped awnings are not the best choice. Small stripes, on the other hand, don’t look great on a large expanse of fabric.

Colours

Coloured awnings can easily enhance the architectural beauty of a business premise or home. Traditional colours like navy, forest green and neutrals work incredibly well with buildings that have traditional architecture. Salmon, terra-cotta and beige solids are ideal for stucco-sided buildings. If your home has architectural elements with multiple angles or rooflines, solid colours will work well with them. If you are installing awnings on a modern house, you should opt for a fabric awning in solid colours. Choose a simple design.

At Jans Awnings and Rollshutters, our experts are happy to assist you in choosing the right kind of awnings for your business or private property.

Awnings are a great way to create shaded areas for spending time outdoors with controlled sun exposure. Awnings can come in all shapes and sizes to suit the needs of your outdoor living space, but awnings can also help with climate control inside your home. Using an awning to protect your air conditioning unit can help it run most efficiently and effectively in your home.

Awnings can be helpful in the summer time to allow your air conditioner to run as efficiently as possible. However, an awning is only effective under certain conditions. If your summer climate can reach extremely hot, dry temperatures, an awning is most effective to shield the air conditioner from the sun’s heat. Your air conditioner will be able to create cool air more easily if it is not being heated by the sun. An awning’s effectiveness is also determined by the placement of your air conditioner. Certain sides of your home will get more sun exposure, and others will remain shaded for most of the day. An awning is most useful when your air conditioner is on a sunny side of your house. However, if you have other objects such as trees or bushes casting a shadow over your air conditioner already, an awning may not be necessary.

Other barriers to the sunlight can be problematic if they completely enclose the unit. Air conditioners need access to air flow as unrestricted as possible and the ability to properly ventilate. Some people prefer to build entire structures that sit over their air conditioner but if the proper ventilation requirements are not met, your air conditioner may become less efficient and more likely to have mechanical problems.

Putting an awning over your air conditioner is just one way to keep your home cooler in the summer. Awnings over large windows that receive a lot of sun exposure can also help keep your house cool, by controlling the amount of sunlight shining directly into the home. An estimated 65 percent of solar heat gain is removed on windows with southern exposure, and 77 percent of solar heat gain is removed on windows with western exposure when awnings are properly installed. This helps minimize the wear and tear on your air conditioning unit, helping to increase the life span of your unit.

Adding more square feet to your home

Creating an outdoor living space can add value to your home and improve your quality of life.  Having a nicely maintained outdoor space encourages families to spend more time outdoors, away from computers and television. When trying to decide what type of outdoor living space is best suited for your home, there are many options to consider.

DECK:

A deck is a surface capable of supporting weight constructed out of treated timber, composite lumber, aluminum or other hardwoods that acts as an outdoor floor most commonly found in backyards attached to the home.  In recent years, architects have discovered that recycled materials can be transformed into durable deck material, and many decks can now be environmentally friendly.  Decks are strong enough to support the weight of furniture, barbeques, storage units and lots of people.  They are an excellent option if your backyard has uneven ground or lacks a comfortable ground covering. Decks can come in multiple storeys and sizes.  It is easy to construct a custom deck to suit your needs- so if your back yard is in need of an inviting upgrade, a deck may be the answer for you.

BALCONY:

A balcony is a platform that projects from the exterior wall of a building, usually supported by the story below, columns or beams, and can come either covered or uncovered with the use of an awning.  The most common balcony is the traditional Maltese balcony that protrudes from the wall.  The Juliet balcony is a full length window that has a metal barrier crossing it with only a very small area to step outside.  While many balconies provide just a small space giving home owners the opportunity to get some fresh air from the second floor of their home, some balconies can become a great space for entertaining or enjoying a meal.  Although balconies are a more complicated addition to your home than a deck, balconies are often added as an addition to a home to create more space and add opportunity for home dwellers to spend time outdoors.  They are a great value-add for a homeowner, and can definitely add personality and character to any house.

PORCH:

A porch is a construction attached to the external walls of a home and can come in all shapes and sizes.  Most porches are found before the entry way into a home.  Like balconies, there are a variety of porch styles.  One of the most common is the verandah, which is usually quite large, some even wrapping around the entire home. Porches can be open entirely to the outdoors, partially enclosed by latticework, or fully enclosed by windows or screens. Many porches will have seating areas for people to entertain or spend time outdoors, but they are less often used over meal times and do not often house outdoor appliances.

Awnings and Outdoor Living Spaces

Jans Awningns near Ottawa can add awnings to any deck, balcony, or porch.  Awnings help keep you cool in the summer, and helps protect you from nasty UV rays.  Jans Awnings can put an awning over your porch, balcony, deck or veranda.  There are many styles of awnings to choose from, such as retractable awnings and aluminum awnings.

You can find architectural awnings all over New York City. They come in all colours, shapes and sizes. Let us take a look at some of the most famous awnings in the world.

Broadway

New York City’s famous theatre district easily rivals Times Square with its bright mile-high signs erected to promote the shows. For some, this visual cacophony is eye candy; others may find it eye-crossing. There are plenty of non-theatre businesses at street level. How will they compete with these tall signs crying for attention? Well, they have their own unique business awnings to ensure that they get the attention they deserve. Sbarro uses simple yet attention-grabbing awnings to make excellent use of their hugely popular corner space. In spite of having these tall signs, the theatres also have to make themselves visible. And they should be able to welcome lots of people at once. They address these requirements with lots of street-level awnings which also serve as a marquee. These awnings protect crowds from inclement weather. You don’t need tall neon signs to promote your business. If you use awnings properly, they will do this job better.

Macy’s

Several decades ago, the Macy’s store had lots of retractable awnings and a huge canopy at the entrance. They provided shade where it was necessary. However, they looked rather messy and didn’t do anything to enhance the exterior of the building. Macy’s awnings have had several incarnations over the years and now they not only look elegant but also lend a distinctive appearance to the store. The store is expected to wear its newest look towards the end of 2015. Macy’s CEO Terry J. Lundgren feels that Herald Square is the biggest symbol of their brand. He said that although they are trying to create a modern shopping experience for their customers at Herald Square, they will preserve the integrity of this historical building. They will blend contemporary design and modern technology with Macy’s architectural legacy to make the project special.

Lord & Taylor

Macy’s Herald Square store may be the largest department store in the US. Lord & Taylor isn’t that big. They have a relatively smaller footprint. The store’s awnings sport uniform stripes in white and gray. They mirror the squared metal work on the upper story windows and the façade. And by using different awnings for the windows and the doorway, Lord & Taylor has augmented that vertical look.

The Cannibal

The Cannibal is located on East 29th Street. It is a café plus beer retail shop during the day. At night, it transforms itself into a charcuterie where small menu items are served. The store front is narrow but has a unique awning that sets it apart from other stores in its vicinity. The deep red colour of the awning goes well with the brick façade of the building. It also contrasts with the gray-blue doorway trim.

Shops at the Plaza Hotel

The Plaza is a name synonymous with sophistication. That sophistication also extends to their shops. The entrance and the display windows are unified by a beautiful wrought iron awning in a single run. The awning has a skirt in black with gold lettering and logos. The hotel’s name is also imprinted on the sides of the skirt.