Could an Awning be Exactly what your Home or Business Needs??

Not sure about adding an awning to your home or business? Here are just a few reasons an awning could really be what your house or commercial establishment needs and some tips on how to choose the right one for you!


* It protects the window frames from the rain, sun and snow. Most window frames and windowpanes are made of wood. We all know how wood responds to environmental changes. Even with sufficient wood coating and polish, wood deteriorates faster when exposed to the harshness of the weather conditions.

* Your house may have a porch or a patio and you have some furniture there, where you relax as you read a book or have a cup of coffee with your friends. Such furniture, regardless of the material, wears out faster when exposed to the sun and rain.

* When it's raining, you normally keep your windows shut, blocking fresh air from coming in through the windows. If your house has awnings, during rain showers, you can keep your windows open and still prevent rainwater from getting in.

* When you are watching TV or using the computer, you usually have the windows shut, or the curtains or blinds down to reduce the glare. If awnings were fitted, you wouldn't need to block natural light from the rest of the room since the awnings will reduce the glare on the monitors positioned near the windows.

* A major effect of having awnings, according to a study, is that it can reduce summer heat increase by 65% for windows facing south, and 77% for windows facing east and west.

So if you are now convinced that you would like your house or your building to have awnings, don't just go out there and get one. There are things that you need to consider.

* Material

The most commonly used materials for awnings are outdoor fabric and aluminum. Those made of outdoor fabric come in a variety of color and shapes; however, these require more maintenance than aluminum ones.

Those made of aluminum are sturdy and require less maintenance. These awnings, however, have limited design and color options.

* Angle

It is recommended that for windows facing east or west, the size of the drop should be 65-75% for the best efficiency. For a window facing south, the drop can just be 45-60% since less coverage is needed, as the sun has a higher angle from this direction.

* Side panels

Side panels may alter the architectural feel of the awnings. Side panels are also beneficial in adding coverage in a different direction.

* Stationary, Retractable or Freestanding

Roll-up and retractable awnings allow you to permit the sun to shine into the house during winter.

Retractable awnings are also good for patios or decks. These awnings have a mechanism that allows it to be extended as far as necessary. 

Retractable awnings can also have motors and switches for ease in retraction. Some also have sun and wind sensors to automate the retraction.

Retractable awnings are not for heavy rains, high winds and snow, though. So make sure these are properly protected from such weather conditions.

Freestanding awnings may also be used for patios, decks or terraces. Business establishments, as these also double as an advertisement, usually use these.

* Size

Small awnings are used for their decorative effect. If you would like to maximize the protective function of awnings, choose the bigger ones.

* Style

The most popular styles are traditional with closed sides, traditional with open sides, dome style, double bar standard, waterfall, quarter barrel, gable walkway and semi-circular entrance.

To check the most applicable style for your house design and the direction of your windows, consult an architect.

* Color

Apart from considering what color goes well with your house or establishment, if possible, choose a light-colored awning since it does not only block direct sunlight light other awnings, but this also reflects sunlight. By doing so, it lessens the amount of heat that comes in.

Also to minimize the heat that comes into the house, make sure that there is a gap between the side of the house and the top of the awning to prevent the heat on the awning to be transferred to the house.

If you still have questions or are convinced you NEED an awning for your  home or business, give us a call today. 866-644-6540



For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/32706/home_improvement/how_to_choose_awnings_for_your_home_or_business.html

Smart Windows are the Window of the Future!

WINDOWS OF THE FUTURE

New technologies are producing increasingly energy efficient windows. Already on the market are "super-windows," boasting triple layer designs, with two low-E coatings and spaces filled with mixtures of argon or krypton gases.

A new generation of windows, however, is being called "smart windows" because they adapt to changing conditions.

A few "smart windows" are already commercially available, and others are being developed in research labs. These windows change properties -- like their shading coefficients and visible transmittances -- in response to either an electric charge or an environmental signal such as a change in light level.

Depending on the mechanism that initiates the change in the window, these "switchable glazings" fall into four categories: electrochromic, liquid crystal, thermochromic, and photochromic.

Electrochromic Windows

Flip a switch and an electrochromic window can change from clear to fully darkened or any level of tint in-between.

The technology has been suggested for cars, where with a touch of a switch the driver can tint the mirror or sunroof. In buildings, the changeable windows allow for privacy, to cut down glare, and to ward off increases in solar heat.

The action of an electric field signals the change in the window's optical and thermal properties. Once the field is reversed, the process is also reversed. The windows operate on a very low voltage -- one to three volts -- and only use energy to change their condition, not to maintain any particular state.

To make an electrochromic window, a thin, multi-layer assembly is sandwiched between traditional pieces of glass. The two outside layers of the assembly are transparent electronic conductors. Next is a counter-electrode layer and an electrochromic layer, with an ion conductor layer in-between. When a low voltage is applied across the conductors, moving ions from the counter-electrode to the electrochromic layer cause the assembly to change color. Reversing the voltage moves ions from the electrochromic layer back to the counter-electrode layer, restoring the device to its previous clear state. The glass may be programmed to absorb only part of the light spectrum, such as solar infrared.

Early research indicates that the technology can save substantial amounts of energy in buildings, and electrochromic glazings may eventually replace traditional solar control technology such as tints, reflective films and shading devices.

Liquid Crystal Windows

The first commercially available "smart window," liquid crystal windows are used for privacy control. They do not provide energy savings.

In this window's normal "off" condition, the glazing is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied, however, it turns slightly hazy clear. The switch between the two states is nearly instantaneous.

The technology works this way: two layers of film enclose a layer of tiny liquid crystals. This assembly is laminated between two pieces of heat-treated glass. Both faces of the film are covered with a transparent, electrically conductive metal coating. These conductive coatings are wired to a power supply.

When the power is off, the liquid crystals are randomly scattered. Light entering the glazing does not have a clear path out, and the window is a translucent milky white. When an electric current is applied between the two conductive coatings, the liquid crystals align neatly and you can see through the window.

Other than the diffusion of light, the optical properties of the two states are nearly identical -- the window lets in nearly the same amount of light and solar heat whether it's on or off. Because there is little change in performance properties and because it requires constant energy to maintain its clear state, this liquid crystal window provides no energy saving benefits.

Thermochromic Windows

As the prefix thermo- implies, heat causes thermochromic windows to alter their properties. In response to changes in the ambient temperature, clear thermochromic glazings become diffused.

Several thermochromic technologies are being explored, but gel-based coatings seem to be the most promising. "Cloud Gel, " a product now on the market, is a thin plastic film that can be incorporated into almost any window assembly. The response temperatures of "Cloud Gel" can be adjusted depending on need and location.

In addition to automatically changing from clear to diffused in response to heat, the glazings also turn white and reflective, reducing the transmission of solar heat. That can reduce air conditioning costs significantly when it's hot outside. Because you can no longer see through the window once it loses its transparency, this glazing is probably best suited for skylights rather than view windows.

Photochromic Windows

Still in the development stage, photochromic windows respond to changes in light, much like sunglasses that darken when you move from a dim light to a bright one.

While this type of technology may seem like a good idea, it has its drawbacks for saving energy. Photochromic windows work well to reduce glare from the sun, but they don't control heat gain. That's because the amount of light that strikes a window doesn't necessarily correspond to the amount of solar heat it absorbs. Because the sun is lower in the sky during the winter months, for example, its rays may strike a window more intensely in the cold season than in the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky. In this case, a photochromic window would darken more in the winter than in the summer, although winter is the time when solar heat would be beneficial.

Another problem is that, while this technology works fine on small, eyeglass-sized pieces of glass, it has yet do be done successfully on a large-scale, commercial level for window-sized pieces.

Despite some problems, "smart windows" hold the promise of reducing energy demand and cutting air conditioning and heating loads in the future. They offer the next major step in windows that are increasingly sophisticated and energy efficient.

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/windows/windows_future.html

Tips on Picking a Gazebo Design

Gazebos have been an integral part of garden designs and apart of patio enclosures since ages. The royal gardens were particularly known for their shocking gazebos, where the kings & queens spent free time. Since then, a lot has changed in the garden designs, but gazebos still stand strong ( though with a makeover look ).

A gazebo brings you the exhilaration of getting welcomed with nature from all sides, while you sit and get a room-like comfort in the outdoor.

Gazebos come in numerous shapes, designs and sizes. The gazebo material also varies widely. With such a massive number of options to choose from, selecting the most suited one can be a large amount of exercise. Nonetheless knowing about some basic things can turn out to be of good help.

You need to have a fair enough notion of the space available in your garden for setting up a gazebo. Whether the available space allows you to set up the size you are planning for or not- is a vital point to think about.

Another decision that has to be taken is regarding the gazebo material. Markets give you a multitude of materials to choose from – red cedar, pinewood, redwood, bamboo , metals such as wrought iron, steel for example. Be sure to pick the one that goes well with the weather conditions of the location where gazebo is to be set up. Unless you’re looking for a strong gazebo which can stand for around 20-30 years, avoid going for permanent materials like concrete.

Coming to shapes and designs, one the option is going for classic shapes with 4, 6, eight or even 12 sides. You’ll also consider shapes such as square or round. You are presented with several interesting and innovative shapes in the market these days. Square shaped gazebos come in 3 well-liked designs – Montpellier, Japanese and French.

Montpellier gazebo could be a good choice for a pool side setup in the garden. The Japanese design could be chosen in case of huge garden spaces. French design does not demand much space and so can be easily homed in smaller gardens, keeping the look easy yet sweet.

Leading edge folding designs are also among the choices now. Relying upon your need, you can go for portable and compressable gazebos. Netting can also be included as a side of design. Choose whether you would need your gazebo to be covered with net or not, while finalizing on the look. If bugs often make their presence felt in your garden, it’s better to go for a netted gazebo.

Always bear in mind that the best gazebo and any covered patio idea is one which suits your pocket best! If your position allows, go for the best possible option available. But in case budget is an inhibition, it’s miles better that you build your own gazebo. This would not only protect you from spending heavily, but would also give you the opportunity to design a gazebo with your own creativity.

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://patiodieas.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/how-to-pick-a-gazebo-design/

People are choosing sunroom additions now more than ever. Read here to see which design fits you!

Sunroom Designs

Is there anything that brightens up a home, and lets you enjoy the outdoors year round, like a sunroom? People are choosing to add sunrooms to their homes more so now than ever. The addition of a sunroom allows natural sunlight to come into your home, regardless of the season. They are a perfect way to enjoy the scenery of your back yard, while avoiding the heat and bugs of the summer, the cold chill of the winter, the wet rain in the fall or the allergy season in spring.

There are many fabulous sunroom designs to choose from. In fact, the choices are such that you can find a room in almost any shape and dimension. Therefore, your new sunroom will easily fit into any space you choose, cleverly blending in with the rest of your home.

One of the most popular sunroom designs is the studio sunroom. People like this design because it easily adapts to complex or simple home styles, offering a natural extension to most existing roof designs. The studio is one open room, with a flat roof design.

Another favorite is the cathedral design. This style adds height and appeal to the sunroom, while offering a stunning vaulted ceiling for increased spacing and design features, such as front trapezoid transoms.

The California sunroom offers a unique design. With this sunroom, the roof is at an angle with one side peaking higher than the other side, thus allowing additional light to enter.

For all out exposure to the outdoors, the Solarium is the way to go. With the solarium, total sunlight is allowed in. The roof has curved eaves, and is totally transparent (windows on top), thus allowing for full sun as well as beautiful star filled night views.

When considering a sunroom for your remodeling project, choose the style that best matches your current home and roof design. Then choose how you wish to use your sunroom, since the use may indicate which style may fit best. For example, many use sunrooms as a family room, with couches and televisions. Others use them as an enclosure for a hot tub or pool table. Still others will use them as a studio with an art easel, or a comfortable chair for reading, or simply having a comfortable couch and soft music playing. Because this room is so full of light year round, it is the perfect place for live plants to thrive. Whatever your interests, the addition of a sunroom is one that will always be useful to any family situation. Work with an experienced sunroom contractor to help you make your decisions and construct your sunroom with expertise, giving your home years of outdoor comfort, indoors

For more information on this topic, visit the source of the article at http://www.homeimprovementcorner.com/sunroom_designs.php

Do Your Windows Need Some Sprucing Up? Here Are Some Window Treatment Ideas!

Shades and drapes

Shades make for a fresh-looking companion to drapes. Roman shades offer a second layer of color or pattern. With any drapes, hanging the rod higher than the top of the window makes for longer drapery, creating additional height in the room.

Café curtains

This room's most striking feature is the window treatments, which run along three walls and extend all the way to the floor. Hung from a continuous iron rail, the sunny, yellow-checked drapery is an inventive cross between café curtains and wainscoting. Not only does it make for a unique look, but the horizontality of this treatment balances out the height of the room.

Loose roman shades

A loose roman shade makes these French doors feel more window-like and adds another note of softness to the cozily upholstered room.

Café blinds

Café curtains aren't the only way to leave the upper reaches of windows open; blinds—such as these in bamboo—can also be hung lower in the frame. This works best with blinds that have a plain upper edge rather than a flap or valence built in.

Roller shades

Roman shades come in a variety of styles and can be fashioned from any fabric to complement any room. Here basic roman shades help maintain the sleek lines of a chic, modern bedroom.

Patterned sheers

Floor-to-ceiling sheers, patterned with chenille dots, filter the sunlight ; the light, in turn, makes an art piece of the drapes.

Billowing curtains

The dining room's focal point is not the chandelier, as is often the case, but the window treatment. Ivory over a charcoal stripe, with a charcoal ribbon dividing the two, the curtains are so heavily gathered that they resemble a billowing gown.

Bamboo blinds

Bamboo blinds are paired perfectly with a palm print in marine blue in this boy's room. Bamboo blinds provide texture to any room and allow for the greatest control of light and privacy.

Casual café curtains

Café curtains are a good solution where full-length curtains are either impossible or impractical, or where the upper part of the window—and the view—are especially appealing. This extra-short version consists of a single panel of fabric, with the rod threaded through a series of grommets.

Valence and café curtains

This little girl's room is decorated the way little girls like to dress—in a riot of colors and patterns. The polka dot valence has a beaded fringe detail, and the café curtains feature pinks, greens, and yellows in a fun floral print.

Ruffled valence

Classic window-length curtains, with a ruffled valance, are perfectly suited to this sunny laundry room. The combination makes the room feel as if it's straight out of the 1950s.


For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/window-treatment-ideas-curtains-drapes-valences-and-blinds-00418000072537/page14.html

The Scoop On Solar Screens

How Solar Screens Work
Solar screens replace conventional window screens and like the conventional kind, they don't block out the view and they allow air to come in the room. Unlike conventional screens, they block out the sun's harmful rays. Most solar screens keep out 80 to 90 percent of the sun's heat. Solar screens also come in a variety of colors and can be pet-proofed for patio doors and windows.

Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to having solar screens. They protect people from the sun's energy and shield eyes from its harmful glare. Moreover, they help keep homes cool. These shades also block out ultraviolet rays.

Economic Benefits
Solar screens also help homeowners save money. Though traditionally more expensive than traditional blinds or shades, these pay for themselves with the money they save the homeowner on electric bills. By keeping homes cooler, people save money by not having to use their air conditioning systems or fans as often, thus reducing energy costs. In the winter, they keep houses warmer so homeowners don't have to set their heating systems as high.

Other Money-Saving Benefits
Along with helping people save on energy bills, solar screens also help people save money on having to replace furniture. By blocking the sun's rays, the screens keep furniture from fading. Solar screen companies suggest people install these screens in rooms people use the most and in rooms with valuable furniture.

Additional Benefits
These screens can be custom-fit for any window or door. In addition to all the benefits noted, these screens also keep insects out and, depending on the color, provide increased privacy.



Read more: Solar Screen Benefits | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5118106_solar-screen-benefits.html#ixzz2N9atWmp6

How Window Awnings Help You Save Energy

A hundred years ago, window awnings were common on hotels, office buildings, and the grandest of houses, for a very good reason: they shaded the window and kept the heat of the sun out. There is nothing complicated about window awnings; the principle is really quite simple – shade keeps things cooler.

The energy savings from using window awnings are significant. And today most awnings are retractable, which means you can allow the sun in during the winter months when you welcome the sun’s warmth in your home.

Retractable window Awnings save energy by reducing direct solar heat gain through windows. Heat gain through windows and sliding glass doors is the primary reason your home gets so hot in the summer. You can reduce your need for air conditioning if you install window awnings to block the sun coming in through the glass in your home. Your house is simply cooler without the sunlight pouring in – some sources say that your house will be anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees cooler.

According to James Dulley, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist who writes about ways to save energy, “Awnings are very effective for blocking the sun’s heat from coming in through your windows and doors. Not only will your air-conditioning costs be lower, but your carpeting, drapes and furniture will fade less.”

The strongest rays of the day occur between 10 AM and 4 PM. As more people use awnings, the overall energy use of a community is decreased. This saves the utility companies money; which in turn means savings for consumers.

Window awnings fell out of favor when the preferred method of dealing with too much solar energy became the application of electrical energy through air conditioning. But what about today, when air conditioning is costly and long lasting mechanical awnings are available? The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association funded a study covering cities such as Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, and Phoenix. It found that window awnings can reduce household cooling energy by as much as 26 percent in hot climates, and 33 percent in cold climates.

Awnings used to be high-maintenance item, according to Andy Stone, president of Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Company in Souderton PA, where Aristocrat Retractable Window Awnings are made. “It probably took quite a few workers to put them up every spring on some of the bigger installations. But with the lateral arm retractable awnings manufactured today, there are no removal or storage costs. The awning retracts up flat against the house, and there are no unsightly poles to look at.”




Visit the source of this article at http://www.aristocratawnings.com/blog/home-energy-savings/how-do-window-awnings-help-you-save-energy/212/