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Retractable Awning Design: Some Insider Information from Breslow Home Design Center!
We specialize in retractable awning design at Breslow Home Design Center. There are very few things you can do to your house that will have such a big impact at such an affordable price point. The best news our shade systems are extraordinarily versatile, which means you can find something to suit your taste.
For example, if you have a modern home and want to achieve a sophisticated, minimalist look you may opt for a louvered system. On the other hand, maybe a traditional retractable awning is more your style. In that case, you might decide to buy the Aristocrat Estate which looks amazing with a valance.
Honestly, there really is a canopy, awning or pergola to fit your tastes. This is why you should speak to the professionals at Breslow Home Design Center. We know all the ins and outs of the manufacturers and will make sure your shade system achieves your design goals.
Retractable Awning Design Some Insider Advice
There are a lot of choices that can impact the way your shade system works and looks. Our clients are often quite shocked when they see how many options there are. My recommendation? Schedule a free consultation with one of our designers today. They will come out to your home to scope out the site to help you make the right choice for you and your family.
This is a very important step because there are a lot of considerations. I am going to go through some of the issues that will come up:
- How big is the area you want to cover? You may actually need a bigger covering than you think – a lot of customers don’t think about the fact that their guests aren’t static and the chairs will move in and out over the course of a meal. That’s all well and good when the sun is shining but if it rains – well that’s something else altogether.
- What sort of feel do you want to convey? A retractable pergola is very different from a louvered system. Remember you will be using this for years to come so you need to put some serious thought into this.
- What sort of material appeals to you? Bright, muted, opaque and sheer are just a few of the paths you could take. It really all depends on your personal taste!
- Do you want additional drop-down coverage? Solar shades can help you avoid low angle rays and also achieve a bit more privacy.
- How about motorization? You can also add sun and wind sensors to create the ultimate green solution. Your shade system will operate according to the climate maximizing your energy savings – not to mention the convenience.
Whew! See what I mean? It’s not as straightforward as one would think.
If you live in hot climates, strong summer sun will quickly drive you inside, and if you live in colder areas, chilly winds and rain can do the same. So, make sure to provide your backyard with some shelter in the form of a pergola or awning. You can also install a retractable shade to its sides.
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Retractable Awning Highlights
So I’m going to go through some highlights that you may want to think about if you’re looking to buy a retractable awning this Spring. This is our busiest season and I want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row BEFORE you make a purchase. It’s important for me to get the message through that doing a little homework will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
Sadly a lot of people shop for their retractable awning by price alone. Scanning the internet for the lowest possible prices without looking at the whole picture.
Sure, saving some coin is something we all want to do – but not at the expense of your safety or ultimate happiness. One of the biggest warnings I’d like to share is that you get what you pay for. That awning may cost you a few hundred dollars less but it may be smaller, have cheap fabric or not be as strong as it could be. In the long run, the savings will end up costing you MORE money because you’ll have to replace the covering sooner or it may even break down and you’ll have to replace it.
So here are some of our retractable awning design highlights:
Retractable Awning Installation
At Breslow Home Design Center, we pride ourselves on our stellar retractable awning installation process. We’ve been in business since 1924 because we truly care about our customers – which means safety comes first.
Awnings are HEAVY, especially the large ones. I don’t think this is something people think about when they buy one. BUT they should. If you’re in any doubt here are some numbers. A retractable awning weighs 9 – 18 pounds per foot of length. So if you’re awning is 18′ wide it will weigh from 160-320lbs! That’s a lot of weight that you don’t want to have come crashing down on your head.
That’s why we always affix a solid piece of 2′ x 8″ ledger board to the house or structure, creating a solid surface to install the awning. The ledger board is also fitted with a custom vinyl cap to protect it from the elements. This process is what separates us from almost everyone else in our region! We guarantee your retractable awning won’t budge when we’re done installing it.
Here are some pics, so you can see it in action!
Retractable Awning Models
Variety really is the spice of life and we have that in spades. Breslow Home Design Center has over 20 models for you to choose from. We also carry multiple brands so you don’t have to worry that we are tied to a company. Loyalty is good but with all the innovation happening it’s better to have a good selection to choose from. Each manufacturer has its own bright spots and your choice really depends on what you are looking for.
Let’s check out the manufacturers we carry:
Retractable Awning Size
Size matters when it comes to awnings, pergolas, and canopies. As I mentioned above, people often underestimate how much room they will need. Our designer will review the entire area to see what size your shade system should be to give you the right protection.
Once you get into the larger sizes safety is even more of an issue, so you want to make sure that the components the manufacturer is using are top of the line. This means the shoulders and arms supporting your structure are strong and won’t jeopardize you or your guests.
If you’re looking for a retractable awning with a projection up to 20′ the Alutex Maera Giant is the shade system for you! A double torsion bar with very large shoulders is installed to support the weight of the arms. This is the only model in the industry that can make this claim.
Another awning I really like for its strength is Aristocrat’s Estate and Manor awnings. The shoulders are drop forged – which is the same process used to make professional golf clubs. NICE!
Retractable Awning Manufactures
Each manufacturer has a different story. One of my personal favorites is Aristocrat because they offer a 100% American made awning – not to mention the drop forge components which create incredible strength. Their shade systems are made in the US which means if I have any issues I can get assistance almost immediately. This is the kind of thing you should think about when you buy a retractable awning…not to mention warranties.
Each of the manufacturers we selected for our product list is a SOLID choice. It really comes down to what your needs are. If you’re considering less expensive options – beware! Cheaper components don’t have as long of a life as their better-made rivals. That awning that cost you $500 less may actually have to be replaced in 5 years. This is why I always lean toward a company like Aristocrat. They offer a lifetime warranty on their frames because they know they’ll stand the test of time.
Retractable Awning Fabrics
The fabric you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll make and there’s more to this than meets the eye. If you buy a retractable awning from a fantastic manufacturer your frame should last you for a VERY long time. The covering is a different issue. As you can imagine, it has to be replaced once it starts to look worn or when you’re ready for a change. Most manufacturers offer 5 – 10-year warranties so this will give you an idea of the life expectancy.
That being said it really depends on how you treat it. If you purchase a fully cassetted system (which means the fabric and arm are enclosed when they are not in use) then obviously it will last longer. Also if you install sun and wind sensors this is another way to preserve the integrity for longer periods.
This is why we love Sunbrella Fabric. It comes with a 10 Year Warranty, they offer a fabulous array of colors and textures to meet your needs, they’re virtually waterproof while still allowing the fabric to breathe and they protect your family from harmful UV rays. Sadly cheaper fabrics can’t make the same claims. One of the biggest drawbacks of using less expensive “plastic” materials is heat and humidity get trapped under your covered space because the material doesn’t breathe. It really makes a big difference.
Why Buy A Retractable Awning from Breslow?
At Breslow Home Design Center we really care about our customers. You won’t stay in business for 95 years if you don’t provide quality products and workmanship. Our Grandfather Louis Breslow imparted his work ethic to us and we fully intend to pass this tradition down to a 4th generation.
If you’re looking to buy a retractable awning this spring, I can honestly say this will be one of the best purchases you ever make for your home. You will cut your energy bills, add entertainment space and increase the value of your home with a very small investment. All of this and you will also protect your family from harmful UV rays.