Awnings are very important installations that can help you transform your outdoor spaces into comfortable relaxation rooms. They have been around for a long time and can be installed in both residential and commercial places. These shades protect your area from various elements like sunshine and heat, rain and water. There are different types of awnings that you can choose from depending on your needs and specifications. From retractable awning to canopies, laminated (tampered glass) to polycarbonate awning, you will definitely find one that meets your requirements.
Awnings can be installed on windows or be used as sun shades. It should not be a daunting task to find such products in the market as there are many businesses that specialize in offering them. However, not all awnings and installers you run into will depict desirable quality. It is therefore advisable to keenly review the offer before spending your money. Polycarbonate and canopy awnings are the most common for obvious reasons.
Here is a detailed description of both and how you can land reliable quality as well as installation organizations:
What is the difference between polycarbonate and canopy awnings?
Polycarbonate awnings are not in any way anew idea in the market but have only resurged for their many advantages. These awnings are made from fabricated Lexan panels (a type of thermoplastic polymer). The unique properties of the panel allow production of transparent, translucent and even opaque awnings since it can be colored. They are very durable, lasting up to 15 years and can withstand strong winds like hurricanes. Polycarbonate also absorbs 99% of the UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun making it the ideal sunshade for your doorways and windows. It also has a low impact on the area as you do not have to cover your beautiful stones or change the visual impression of the area. These awnings will perfectly blend with your existing colors. Since they are tough solid panels, these awnings are usually installed and fixed on the areas. Canopy awnings on the other hand offer incredible versatility. In addition to protecting you from sunshine and rain, they can be motorized for remote control which means you roll them out when needed. They form the shape of a canopy and can be fixed, pop-up or retractable. They are made of different materials and can either be a light translucent polymer sheet or fabric-like. These awnings absorb much sunlight and will also last for a long time when properly maintained.
Which is the best offer?
When searching for the best awning, your requirements and spaces should guide your choice. Some people will find polycarbonate panels more effective for their needs while others prefer the canopies. Both offers are ideal for different situations. However, polycarbonate panels offer a durable long-lasting option that can be fixed on your doorways and windows. They are perfect for commercial places or those who own homes. If you are in a rental apartment or need something you can used to create an outdoor shade when needed, then canopy awnings are probably the best choice for your needs. Like any other product, they both have advantages and disadvantages. Polycarbonates tend to be more expensive when compared to other materials used. However, they offer more value and protection. Canopies have the best aesthetic beauty and you can even print the brand name of your company to achieve customization.
What to consider
As aforementioned, there are several businesses that provide and install awnings in residential and commercial places and while finding one should not be a problem, it requires keen examination of the offers. Not all awnings will meet your requirements. While some are low quality materials that will get old too soon, others are simply unattractive and will do little to the aesthetic beauty of your areas. Fortunately, reliable products and services have several hallmarking attributes that can be used to distinguish them from the rest. Some of the things to examine before spending your money on an awning include the following:
Reputation and experience
The easiest way to tell if any given company or product will meet your needs is through gauging reputation. Companies and products/services that have consistently met client needs will definitely have a good reputation within the area. You can always look through reviews, comments, opinions and testimonials of previous clients to learn from their experiences. It is also advisable to choose long-serving experienced businesses that have provided and installed awnings for a long time. While some new companies may still offer high quality services, the experienced ones probably have streamlined frameworks and are better suited to serve you. Nonetheless, there are many other aspects to consider since not all long-serving companies are known for reliability.
Material used and requirement
Different materials are used when making awnings and the range includes plastic polymers and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is less durable. Some materials are easy to scratch and mar while others offer more resistance. Others are also quite sensitive to alkaline cleaning agents that can cause abrasion and destroy its visual beauty. If you want fixed shades for commercial outlets, then polycarbonate awnings is your best bid since they offer durability and unparalleled heat protection.
There are other minor considerations to make such as affordability and price competitiveness, quality guarantees and warranty, ease of cleaning and maintenance. When looking for awnings, it is always recommendable to use services from credible licensed companies that are allowed to operate within the region. They should depict exceptional customer service, flexibility and quality services. In fact, they should offer provisions to redo the assignment in case they fail to meet agreed standards the first time.
Conclusion
Finding awnings and installers should take a short time since most businesses that specialize in this area already own professionally designed websites where their offers are listed and described. Once you have a few potential businesses, simply use the above insights to compare their services and then narrow down to one that meets all your needs for quality at the most affordable price. Always make sure you use professional services and high quality materials that will give you many years of service. If you choose retractable awnings, ensure the frames and reels are properly fixed and lubricated.