subject: What A Consumer Should Consider Regarding Retractable Awnings [print this page] Retractable awnings are a good investment for many reasons. They can be easily installed, folded away when not in use, and have a longer lifespan than a fixed awning. The protection that they provide against glare, sun, Ultraviolet (UV) rays, and heat is a definite plus. That they do much toward enhancing the exterior of any home or business building can be considered a bonus.
Awnings that are retractable are more durable because of the fact that they can be folded away in adverse conditions. Conditions such as snowfall, heavy winds, and rain. In fact there are some that come equipped with automatic motors and sensors to fold them away when damage to the frames and fabric that it consists of is likely.
The question then becomes what should a shopper look for in a retractable awning? There are five important features that should be looked at when considering an awning purchase. These are a fabric that is an acrylic that has been solution dyed, an aluminum framework that is durable, strong fasteners, sewing that is done by a pneumatic machine, and a frame that has a finish that has been applied by an electrostatic means.
The finding of a good frame material is essential for the durability of the awning a consumer buys. Wood is prone to rotting, PVC and plastic are brittle, and steel, even if galvanized, rusts thus the lifespan of the framework is considerably shortened. Assembly hardware that is cheap will eventually stain the fabric and break thus ending the useful life of the awning sooner than it should.
The elements that the awning fabric ends up exposed to are what is considered the biggest threat to its integrity. For instance certain fabrics eventually rot or mildew which creates a smell that is not exactly pleasant and unsightly stains. The UV light of the sun often causes a weakening of the awning fabric. Thus fading, thread and seams end up being weakened, and the material will end up frayed and torn. Fortunately, with the help of recent advancements in the awning industry, these problems seem to have become obsolete.
Solution dyed acrylic fabric is a specially made woven fabric that is quite durable in contrast. It dries quickly because of its weave so it does not rot or mildew as other materials do. The dying process makes the color a part of the fiber itself thus it is resistant to fading and sun damage. Thus if this type of fabric is used in conjunction with a UV resistant thread and the pneumatic sewing technique the awning looks better as it ages and lasts much longer.
Choosing to use retractable awnings is a wise investment for any property owner, whether commercial or private residence. Cooling and electricity costs are lowered as the use of an awning allows one to use their air conditioners less.
