The Changing Face Of Commercial Awnings

Awnings come in a variety of shapes, frames, sizes

, and fabrics. Their contemporary usage dates back to the early 19th century, but early awnings can be found as far back as the ancient Roman and Egyptian culture. Suffice it to say, awnings and the technology behind them, have changed considerably from their simple utilitarian assemblies in the past to the highly their highly customized state today. Heres a closer look at the 'then and now' of awnings in America.

A quick glance at a business awning adorning the buildings and strip malls in your local neighborhood and you wouldnt think much about the way an awning is assembled or manufactured. However, a closer look at the history of awnings reveals that the simple utilitarian stretched canvas assemblies that constitute early 19th century awnings have seen a huge change over the last few hundred years.

Awnings of the early 19th century were mostly static structures, which not only begged for the curb appeal of pedestrians taking a stroll in the local neighborhood, but also allowed for window shopping in all sorts of weather conditions. Although these simple awnings were both appealing and functional, their drawback was the fixed frame, which made closing shop a cumbersome task as coverings needed to be pulled from the frame and rolled by hand. Fortunately, folding-arm awnings were introduced in the late 19th century and, unlike their unmovable cousins, these awnings had vertical hinges, which crossed like scissors and created an easy way to retract the awning, depending upon the weather condition of the day.

During this era, canvas duck, due its affordability and widespread production, was the common fabric used on commercial awnings, and continued to be so until the first half of the 20th century. But for all its benefits, ease-of-use, and utility, canvas duck was susceptible to over stretching and tearing, fading, mildew growth, and even cigarette sparks, which were also far more common than today. Thus, the materials drawbacks drove awning designers to search for fabric alternatives. It wasn't until after World War II that awnings were given a vinyl, waterproof plastic coating that prevented both fading and water damage.

In the post-War years, vinyl resins, acrylic fibers, and polyester materials were used in addition to basic vinyl to ensure an awnings increased longevity and durability. But, as even these beneficial changes were taking place, new trends were rapidly emerging, undercutting their popularity and their chance to revolutionize an industry. Instead, newer styles saw a turn toward more durable aluminum awnings, as well as a general change in the architectural fashion.

At present, awnings are available in all shapes, sizes, frames, and fabrics. Today, local streets display awnings that are fixed, quarter round, and backlit. You can get awnings a company name and logo in any color that you desire. Many awnings can also be made from recycled materials, due to a recent upsurge in popularity, inspired as much by a sense of nostalgia for quaint downtown aesthetics as by energy savings, meaning that awnings are once again adorning our nations storefronts and buildings.

Today, retail shops, restaurants, banks and other commercial chains attract customers with illuminated awnings that have their branded logo on them. Striped awnings are also attractive, as there are many different color patterns to choose from and make for an excellent storefront display that is often seen along suburban strip malls.

The newer fabrics of awnings now include solution-dyed acrylics and acrylic-coated polyester-cotton blended fabrics. The stripes and colors are woven with the fabric, and not painted on to its surface. This weaving not only increases the durability of the awning, but also allows light a certain amount of light to come through. These awnings come with a UV inhibitor that keeps a check on sunlight damage. Moreover, their fast drying properties helps reduce damage from mildew. Also, a thin acrylic layer is used to coat the poly-cotton fabrics, which repels dirt and resists abrasion. Both acrylic and poly-cotton fabrics look a lot like canvas awnings, but are far more durable.

There are many choices of awnings materials and designs available in the market today. Custom awnings, made specifically for a given business, are often the best, most popular approach. This not only gives the storefront or business a unique identity, but also adds to their street side appeal. Awnings have been an extension of structures and buildings for literally thousands of years. Although popularity and construction materials have changed, the basic utility, attractiveness, and simplicity of awnings reinforce their continued use. In the world of high speed internet, digital signage, and the smartphone, an awnings simple but effective technology make them ideal partners in promoting a business locally.

by: Michael Richman

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