Material And Designs For Your Awnings

A sunblind becomes necessary when you have to shade the customers at your sidewalk café from the scorching sun, or if you want to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun while sitting in your patio or in front of your door. But which material will be the one that suits you best? You may opt for a tent-like poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) or canvas. You also may want to consider getting a retractable shade or have permanent sunshades extending from your roof. Here are a few selections to choose from:

Style

Retractable

A retractable shade can be removed and fixed back depending on the weather conditions. There are motorized versions that make it easy for you to pull them back when winter sets in so the sun heats up your home a little.

Fixed

These stay in place permanently, and the only downside to them is that when temperatures drop and you need some sunshine, you may have to change positions to get to feel its warmth. However, the save you the trouble of constantly fixing and removing them season after season.

Materials:

Aluminum And Steel

These can last for very many years, only they need to be coated or painted so they do not rust, where highly reactive metals are used. Aluminium is preferred because it is resistant to corrosion, and a little cleaning once in a while suffices to keep them in top condition. They are permanent fixtures and were popular about sixty years ago.

Fiberglass

It is light and can be repainted, but it cracks easily.

Wood

It needs to be replaced often where cheap wood is used. Even the high quality wood like oak is high maintenance, thought they could be an option because they are relatively cheap.

Fabric (Synthetic/Non-Synthetic)

Laminated (Vinyl) fabric

Layers of plastic or melamine, are manufactured together to produce a beautiful, strong, durable, weather resistant material. Vinyl is translucent, to let light in.

Acrylic

A synthetic fabric that has the properties of plastic-strong and durable. It is water resistant and does not fade. Sometimes polyester is coated with acrylic so it lasts longer.

Polyester

Though usable, continual exposure to the sun will damage it. However, mold will not grow on it and it is water resistant.

Canvas

It is made out of linen or heavy cotton, and can either be plain or duck. It is waterproof, windproof, provides excellent support and is durable, making it one of the best choices for making awnings.

These shades can be installed in an impressively wide array of colors to go with your taste or corporate colors for commercial establishments. Low glare lights can be fixed onto the shade so they become useful even in the night or late evening if need be. For those in commercial settings, you can use a backlit fabric for your awnings, with glossy surfaces that can be used for advertisements, or brand yourself and display your lit up logo for all to see- a very effective marketing strategy.

Consider getting one in durable, low maintenance and very thick material that offers you protection from harmful UV rays. Using a sunshade will save you the cost of electronically cooling your home (air conditioning) when temperatures spike. Why not consider getting one installed before then?


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EHI Australia has supplied many homes, ships and restaurants with top grade awnings for years now. Andrew, owner of five rental properties, has relied on them to supply and install only the best shades in his houses each time a new home came up. He especially commends their variety, warmth and excellent customer service. For more details visit EHI Australia website at http://www.ehiaustralia.com.au/awnings .