e sun is shining and the sky is blue, but you can't enjoy it because you have to comply with social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions. You're not alone. Many Americans have chosen to retreat indoors to protect themselves from COVID-19's wrath.
For those who want to stay cool during this time of crisis, retractable awnings, retractable louver roofs, retractable shades, and retractable pergolas offer a great way to keep out the heat while still giving homeowners and business owners the option of enjoying their outdoor living space when they feel like it.
This is the reason why Window Fashion VISION magazine featured awnings in their May-June 2021 issue. They wanted to show homeowners that it's possible to make the most of their exterior and interior living space with retractable awnings and other types of retractable sun, rain, and snow protection systems.
Retractable awnings are becoming more popular
Retractable awnings not only protect your home from the sun but also keep you cool by blocking out much-needed sunlight, damaging ultraviolet rays and heat, which is ever more important in COVID-19 times when temperatures are rising
Retractable pergolas and louver roof bioclimatic pergolas offer the perfect compromise between sun and shade. They keep out the heat from direct sunlight but still allow for airflow with screens that retract into their housing at night or on less sunny days.
This is important because COVID-19 can be more aggressive during periods of heat and humidity. By keeping your home cool, you are protecting your family from the worst effects of this disease.
Awning experts share their knowledge and experience
Aside from yours truly, there was another expert from Somfy, the worldwide leader in motorization and smart home solutions, invited to share their thoughts and knowledge.
Regarding trends in the awning industry for both residential and commercial, I stated that retractable and rotating louver roof systems, retractable fabric pergolas, and retractable shade sails are gaining popularity.
The magazine also asked for the current preference of awning owners regarding color and design. All of us are in agreement that maybe because of the gloom and doom scenario of the pandemic, homeowners seek awning fabrics with bright and eye-catching colors and patterns.
Para is still our recommended fabric to use because of the wide variety of colors and designs. The special solution-dyed treatment on the fabric also allows it to retain vivid colors even after years of sun exposure and Para offers certifications that no other fabric offers.
Retractableawnings.com® has noticed that awnings shades and patterns may be somewhat dependent on a home’s style
For traditional homes, owners are choosing forest green, navy blue, and neutrals like black, white, and gray in tweeds.
For colonials, owners like to order fabrics in reds, greens, and dark blues with accent stripes.
For cottage-style homes, striped awnings are a popular choice.
For contemporary homes, owners often order brighter colors in yellow and blue.
For Southwest-type architecture, we noticed that owners mostly request salmon and beige solution-dyed acrylic.
Not just colors, awning design and technology matters
Aside from aesthetics, technology and physical design are also major considerations. The folding lateral arm awning is among our best-selling products because it can be slim to cover a doorway and be wide enough to shade an entire backyard up to 52’6” wide using one motor and one piece of fabric. It's popular with both home and commercial owners as they can easily retract the entire awning with a push of a button.
Retractable fabric pergolas and rotating or retractable louver roofs are also popular because of the motorized and easy operation and the ability to easily waterproof, air condition, or heat, and enclose an entire space using sliding doors.
With all the options available, it is our job as Awning Experts to help homeowners choose the right awning. I shared this in the magazine article but I'll echo it here.
Suppliers must help people to determine what size their awning should be. Will they need it to host gatherings or events or is it just for an intimate space?
We should also determine the protection level needed. If the client needs rain protection, do they want a product that is water-resistant or waterproof? Because there’s a difference.
Are they also looking to protect the inside of the house or building in addition to the patio or deck from damaging UV rays, heat, and glare? Will it be exposed and used for protection from light rain or heavy rain or snow?
The information provided will help determine the perfect retractable awning or retractable or louver roof pergola for you or your client's needs.
Retractableawnings.com® has created a proprietary "Choose Your Awning" feature on our website to help prospective buyers with finding and choosing their awnings based on their needs and preferences.
To read the entire article click here.
Before I end, I would like to thank the outstanding team at Window Fashion VISION magazine for the splendid work they are doing. If you're an interior or window treatment designer, architect or landscape architect do yourself a favor and subscribe to their totally awesome e-magazine.
If you’re looking for a trusted retractable awning manufacturer/distributor and canopy shades of the highest quality, simply call us at (305) 628-2424 or toll-free in the USA and Canada (866) 438-2964. You can also contact us using our live chat or send an email at .
Eric M. Scop, V.P. Sales | Digital Marketing
