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Commercial Awnings, Residential Awnings, Uncategorized

Shopping for a Retractable Awning? Here’s What You Need to Know

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A retractable awning is more than just a shade solution—it’s an investment in your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and outdoor living potential. With the ability to extend when you need protection and retract when you want sunshine, these versatile additions offer the best of both worlds. However, finding the perfect retractable awning requires careful consideration of several key factors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase. Finding the Right Fit for Your Space Every home and outdoor area has unique characteristics that influence which awning will work best. When assessing your space, consider: Dimensions and Coverage: Measure the area you want to shade accurately. Standard residential retractable awnings typically range from 8 to 25 feet wide with projections of 5 to 13 feet. Consider the sun’s path throughout the day and seasons to ensure you’ll get shade where and when you need it most. Mounting Options: Your home’s construction affects where and how an awning can be installed. Most retractable awnings mount on the wall above windows or doors, but some models can be installed on the roof or soffit. Each mounting option creates a different aesthetic and functional effect. Ensure your wall or mounting surface has adequate structural support for your chosen awning size. Clearance Requirements: For comfortable use, the front bar of a fully extended awning should be at least 7-8 feet above the ground. Also consider any obstacles like trees, light fixtures, or other structures that might interfere with the awning’s projection. Purpose and Functionality: Are you primarily looking for UV protection, temperature control, an outdoor entertainment space, or all of the above? Clarifying your main objectives will help determine the ideal size, fabric, and features for your specific needs. Durability & Quality: What to Look For The difference between a problematic awning and one that provides years of trouble-free service often comes down to construction quality. Here’s what to examine: Frame Construction: Powder-coated aluminum frames offer the best balance of strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. Look for extruded (not rolled) aluminum with thick walls and reinforced pivot points. The frame should feel solid and substantial, not flimsy or lightweight. Arm Technology: The arms are critical components that bear significant stress. High-quality models feature drop-forged components and gas pistons or multiple steel cables inside the arms for smooth operation and wind resistance. Chain-driven arms typically offer superior strength compared to cable systems. Fabric Quality: Premium acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella® offer the best combination of UV protection, color retention, and water resistance. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics maintain their color throughout the material (not just on the surface), resulting in superior fade resistance. The fabric should be tightly woven with reinforced edges and seams. Hardware Components: Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant hardware throughout the assembly prevents rusting and ensures smooth operation even in coastal environments. Check that connecting points and brackets are substantial and well-engineered. Warranty Coverage: Top manufacturers stand behind their products with comprehensive warranties—typically 5-10 years on frames and mechanisms and 10+ years on fabric. Read warranty details carefully, noting exclusions and whether labor is included for repairs. Manual vs. Motorized: Which One Suits You Best? The choice between manual and motorized operation significantly impacts both convenience and budget. Learn more about manual-vs-motorized retractable awning. Manual Systems use a hand crank to extend and retract the awning. They’re more affordable upfront and don’t require electrical connections, making them suitable for budget-conscious shoppers and locations without convenient power access. Modern gear systems require minimal effort, but you’ll still need to be physically present to adjust the awning. Motorized Systems offer superior convenience with push-button operation. Premium options include: · Remote controls for operation from anywhere in your yard · Sun and wind sensors that automatically extend or retract the awning based on weather conditions · Smart home integration allowing voice commands or app control · Battery backup for operation during power outages While motorized systems cost more initially, they provide accessibility benefits for those with mobility issues and greater protection through automated weather responses. Many homeowners find the convenience worth the additional investment, especially for large awnings or frequently used spaces. Installation Tips & Best Practices Proper installation is crucial for performance, safety, and longevity: Professional vs. DIY: While some homeowners with extensive construction experience can install smaller awnings, professional installation is strongly recommended for most situations. Professionals understand the structural requirements and can identify potential issues before they become problems. Mounting Surface Preparation: The mounting surface must be structurally sound to support both the awning’s weight and the forces exerted when it’s extended. In some cases, additional reinforcement may be necessary, particularly for larger awnings or homes with vinyl siding. Proper Height and Pitch: The awning should be installed at the correct height to provide adequate headroom while maintaining an appropriate pitch (typically 15-20 degrees) for optimal shade and water runoff. This balance is critical for both function and aesthetics. Electrical Requirements: For motorized awnings, work with a licensed electrician to ensure proper power supply and wiring. Consider including a dedicated circuit if you plan to add accessories like lights or heaters to your awning system. Post-Installation Inspection: After installation, thoroughly test all functions and inspect the mounting hardware to ensure everything operates smoothly and securely. Weather Considerations & Long-Term Maintenance Your local climate and maintenance habits significantly impact your awning’s lifespan: Wind Resistance: Even high-quality retractable awnings should be retracted during high winds (typically above 20-25 mph). Many motorized models include wind sensors that automatically retract the awning in gusty conditions. If your area experiences frequent strong winds, look for models with reinforced arms and frames. Rain Management: While quality acrylic fabrics are water-resistant, retractable awnings aren’t designed for heavy rain. A proper pitch helps with light rain runoff, but awnings should be retracted during downpours to prevent water pooling and potential damage. Seasonal Care: Develop a regular maintenance routine: · Rinse fabric regularly with a garden hose to prevent dirt accumulation · Clean thoroughly at least twice yearly with

Commercial Awnings, Residential Awnings

Enhancing Outdoor Dining: The Benefits of Awnings for Restaurants

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In the competitive restaurant industry, creating an inviting atmosphere that extends beyond your four walls can significantly impact your bottom line. Outdoor dining has surged in popularity, with customers increasingly seeking al fresco experiences that combine great food with fresh air and ambiance. Restaurant awnings have emerged as a versatile solution that transforms ordinary sidewalk or patio space into a profitable extension of your dining room. Here’s why awnings deserve serious consideration for any restaurant looking to enhance their outdoor dining experience. Creating a Comfortable Outdoor Dining Experience The success of outdoor dining hinges on comfort. Awnings provide the foundation for a pleasant outdoor experience by creating a defined space that feels like an extension of your restaurant rather than an afterthought. They frame the dining area while maintaining an open-air feel that customers crave. Temperature control is another crucial comfort factor. Studies show that direct sunlight can raise surface temperatures by up to 20-30 degrees—a surefire way to drive customers back indoors. Quality awnings reduce temperatures beneath them by 10-15 degrees, creating a microclimate that remains comfortable even during warmer months. This temperature regulation extends your outdoor dining season, allowing you to capitalize on pleasant weather longer than competitors without adequate coverage. The psychological comfort awnings provide is equally important. Customers feel more secure and settled when dining under a defined covering, leading to longer stays and increased spending on additional courses and beverages. Weather Protection: Shielding Guests from the Elements Nothing disrupts outdoor dining more dramatically than unexpected weather changes. Awnings provide crucial protection from: Sun exposure: Beyond comfort, awnings block up to 98% of harmful UV rays, protecting both customers and staff from sunburn and excessive heat. This sun protection also prevents food from warming too quickly and beverages from diluting with rapidly melting ice. Rain showers: Light to moderate rain no longer means rushing customers inside or losing reservations entirely. With proper awning installation, including appropriate pitch and water-resistant materials, your outdoor seating remains viable through brief showers or lingering drizzle. Wind buffer: While not completely windproof, awnings reduce wind effects by creating a partial barrier that minimizes napkin-flying incidents and maintains a more controlled outdoor environment. This weather versatility transforms unpredictable outdoor space into reliable, revenue-generating seating throughout much of the year. Increased Seating Capacity Equals More Revenue The mathematics of restaurant profitability often comes down to seat count and turnover. Awnings allow you to effectively increase your restaurant’s footprint without the massive investment of physical expansion. Even a modest sidewalk or patio space can accommodate additional tables when properly covered and defined by an awning system. Industry data suggests that restaurants can increase their seating capacity by 20-30% through well-designed outdoor spaces. This expansion directly correlates to revenue potential particularly during peak hours when turning away customers means lost income. Many restaurant owners report that their awning investment pays for itself within a single busy season through increased seating capacity alone. Moreover, the “visibility factor” of occupied outdoor seating creates a powerful marketing effect. Potential customers walking or driving by are more likely to notice and consider restaurants with lively, covered outdoor spaces that showcase your popularity and atmosphere. Custom Branding Options to Boost Curb Appeal Awnings offer outstanding branding opportunities that turn functional coverage into powerful marketing. Your restaurant’s unique colors, logo, and styling extended to your awning creates consistent brand presentation that strengthens recognition and appeal. Modern printing and manufacturing techniques allow for high-resolution graphics, precise color matching, and even custom shapes that make your establishment instantly recognizable from a distance. This street-facing signage works continuously to attract attention in a way that traditional signage cannot match. Beyond branding, the aesthetic contribution of well-designed awnings elevates your restaurant’s overall appearance. The right style—whether classic canvas, sleek modern lines, or custom designs complements your architecture while signaling quality and attention to detail that customers associate with a premium dining experience. Choosing Between Retractable and Stationary Awnings The retractable versus stationary awning decision requires balancing several factors: Retractable awnings offer flexibility to adapt to changing weather conditions and seasonal needs. With motorized options, staff can quickly respond to sudden weather changes with the push of a button. These systems allow you to enjoy open sky on beautiful evenings while providing protection when needed. The initial investment is higher, but many restaurant owners appreciate the versatility. Stationary awnings provide reliable, permanent coverage with lower maintenance requirements and generally lower initial costs. They offer more substantial protection in consistently challenging weather conditions and can support features like integrated lighting and heating elements more effectively than their retractable counterparts. Your climate, space configuration, and typical usage patterns should guide this decision. Many restaurants in variable climates choose retractable options, while those in sun-intensive or rain-heavy regions often prefer the consistent protection of stationary designs. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Restaurant awnings represent one of the most cost-effective investments for expanding your dining capacity and enhancing customer experience. When selected thoughtfully and maintained properly, they provide years of functional benefits while contributing to your restaurant’s distinctive character and appeal. As outdoor dining continues to influence customer choices, the humble awning has evolved into an essential component of restaurant success strategy. Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Dining Space? At Atlantic Awning, we’ve been helping restaurants maximize their potential through custom awning solutions for over 25 years. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process from design and material selection to professional installation and maintenance. Contact Atlantic Awning today for a free consultation and quote. Turn your outdoor space into a profitable, branded dining destination that keeps customers coming back season after season. Call us at 781-665-4040 or visit Atlantic Awning to schedule your site assessment.

Commercial Awnings, Residential Awnings

Manual vs. Motorized Retractable Awnings

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Which Is Right for You? With winter finally behind us and the warm weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for the season ahead! At Atlantic Awning, we’re excited to help you make the most of your patio, deck, or backyard this spring and summer. Imagine relaxing with a cool drink under a beautiful awning while the summer sun shines brightly elsewhere in your yard. With the proper awning solution, you and your family can look forward to countless enjoyable moments outdoors, protected from harsh UV rays but still embracing the beautiful weather. Here are the differences between manual and motorized retractable awnings to help you make the best choice for your home and lifestyle. Retractable awnings are an excellent investment when it comes to adding shade and style to your outdoor space. But many homeowners face the big question: Should you choose a manual or motorized system? Let’s break down the options. Manual Retractable Awnings · Simplicity: With fewer components, installation is straightforward, and maintenance is minimal · Reliability: Fewer mechanical parts mean fewer potential issues down the road · No Electrical Requirements: This system is perfect for spaces where running electrical wiring would be challenging Considerations: · Requires physical effort to extend and retract using a hand crank · You need to be present to adjust the awning · Must be manually retracted during severe weather Motorized Retractable Awnings · Ultimate Convenience: Extend or retract with just the push of a button · Smart Integration: Connect with your home automation system for seamless control* · Weather Protection: Optional sensors can automatically retract your awning when wind or rain is detected · Accessibility: Ideal for those with mobility concerns or hard-to-reach installations * – Motorized retractable awnings require an electrical connection ________________________________________________________________________________________ Spring Installation Special! Book your installation by April 15th and receive: · 10% off any retractable awning system · Free weather sensor with motorized systems · Complimentary fabric protection treatment ($150 value) Call us at 781-665-4040 or visit atlanticawning.com to schedule your free consultation. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Awning Care Tip of the Month As you prepare for the outdoor season, clean your existing awnings with a soft brush and mild soap solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before retracting. This simple maintenance step will extend the life of your awning fabric and keep it looking fresh all season long. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Commercial Awnings, Residential Awnings

5 Reasons You Should Choose Atlantic Awnings Over Any Competitor

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Ready for Outdoor Living! With spring finally in full bloom and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to enhance your outdoor space with a quality awning. As you research your options for adding shade and style to your home, you’ll discover that not all awning companies offer the same level of service, customization, or value. At Atlantic Awning in Melrose, MA, we’ve proudly served the Greater Boston area since 1888, setting the industry standard for quality, service, and customer satisfaction. Here’s why our customers consistently choose us over the competition: 1. No Subcontractors – Ever When you choose Atlantic Awning, the team that arrives at your home is composed of our own highly trained, full-time employees – never subcontractors. This crucial difference means: Consistent Quality Control: Our installation teams work directly for us and are held to our exacting standards. Accountability: There’s no finger-pointing between companies when questions arise. Expertise Our technicians specialize exclusively in awnings and know our products inside and out. Security All our employees undergo thorough background checks and are fully insured. Many competitors cut costs by hiring third-party installers who may work on everything from windows to siding to awnings. At Atlantic Awning, your home deserves better than the “jack of all trades” approach.   2. Included Installation – No Hidden Fees Our quotes **always include professional installation** No surprise fees or charges after you’ve committed Complete project pricing upfront, from measurement to final inspection Post-installation support and service included We’ve heard too many stories of customers being surprised by installation costs that add hundreds or even thousands to their final bill. Our promise: The price we quote is the price you pay – period.   3. Customizable Awning Sizes for Your Unique Space Cookie-cutter solutions rarely work perfectly for any home. That’s why Atlantic Awning offers: Custom Measurements: We design each awning to fit your specific dimensions precisely Unique Configurations: Unusual window arrangements or patio shapes? No problem. Tailored Projections: Get exactly the amount of shade coverage you need Special Applications: From bay windows to unusual doorways, we can create a solution While other companies may try to force you into “standard” sizes that don’t quite fit your space, we tailor every awning to your exact specifications – because your home isn’t standard, and your awning shouldn’t be either.   4. Custom Fabric and Frame Options to Match Your Style Your awning should complement your home’s aesthetic while providing the necessary functionality. Atlantic Awning offers: Hundreds of Fabric Choices: From solid colors to patterns, we have options to match any home style Frame Finish Selections: Choose from various colors and finishes to complement your existing exterior Valance Styles: Select from multiple valance designs to add a personal touch Material Grades: From economy to premium, we offer fabrics to match your budget and durability needs Many competitors limit you to several fabric choices or charge premium prices for custom selections. At Atlantic Awning, customization is standard – not an expensive upgrade.   5. Affordable Cost Compared to Other Awning Companies Quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Atlantic Awning offers: Competitive Pricing: We regularly benchmark our prices against competitors to ensure value Factory-Direct Savings**: As a direct dealer for top manufacturers, we eliminate middleman markups **Flexible Options**: Solutions for every budget without compromising on quality **Financing Available**: Affordable monthly payment options to fit your budget **Price Match Guarantee**: Found a lower price? Let us know, and we’ll match it* *For identical products and services, a written estimate is required   Schedule Your Free Consultation Today Experience the Atlantic Awning difference for yourself. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and quote: Phone**: (781) 665-4040 Email**: [email protected] Website**: www.atlantic-awning.com Showroom**: 123 Main Street, Melrose, MA (Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm)- *© 2025 Atlantic Awning | Serving the Greater Boston area since 2008*

Retractable Awnings Maintenance
Uncategorized

Retractable Awnings Maintenance

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MAINTENANCE and CARE: There is virtually no maintenance to these awnings if you don’t want there to be.  SO, in other words, your awning frame and fabric will last longer if you do a little maintenance, but there is none that is actually required. If you live near the ocean and experience a bit of “salt air”, then it would be a good idea to hose down the awning frame with fresh water once a month or so over the Spring, Summer, and Fall from beneath to get the salt out so it doesn’t get rooted into the moving parts to corrode as badly. This should be done on a calm day and be sure to allow it to dry. If you are out under your awning and it starts to rain, you will need to roll it in unless it is barely a sprinkle – like a mist. Even still, it should be retracted as soon as possible because retractable awnings are designed for shade, not rain. The problem is the weight of the rainwater. Retractable is not designed to hold any extra weight when out, which is what any amount of accumulated rainwater would be.  If you do have to pull it in due to rain – be sure to open it and let it dry completely as soon as you can- ideally by the next day. Remember that mildew grows on dirt, so that if you have any dirt on your awning and it stays wet while rolled up, you could run into a mildew problem down the road. In general, though, retractable does not need to be cleaned. The best care is to use a long-handled nylon bristle brush to sweep away any dust, dirt, or leaves that should land on it. Hosing it down with fresh water usually does the trick. If you decide to use cleaners, use an only mild soap like Ivory Flakes or Draft. If you use anything more toxic than those, then you run the risk of losing the ultraviolet resistance, mildew resistance, and water resistance that the fabric came with.   WIND: Atlantic Awning always recommends that retractable awnings not be left unattended. If a storm comes up or if the wind picks up, you should be there to roll your awning in. Most retractable awnings are not designed for heavy winds but can handle some movement. The usual rule of thumb is that if you can’t read a newspaper outside, you should roll your awning in. Many retractable owners have found that on a windy day if they still need some sun coverage, they can roll their awning in halfway or more and the awning will have that much more wind resistance. We do sell one brand of retractable awnings that have engineered wind loads on them. If a retractable awning is going to be installed in a place that tends to have higher winds, like in a coastal location for example, then we usually recommend the retractable with the engineered wind loads on them.  These tend to be a bit more costly, but you can get more use out of them in a windier location. Another way around it is to purchase a wind sensor along with your RTS motorized awning, and the wind sensor will pull the awning in automatically if it is too windy no matter what location, no matter what brand of a retractable awning. Common Sense is also a good indicator here. If you have your awning out and the wind is blowing it around in such a way that you feel like it’s too much for your awning – then assume it is too much and roll it in.   WINTER STORAGE: Retractable awnings remain were installed year-round. Be sure the fabric is dry and free of dust and dirt before rolling up for the last time of the season. Many people use their awnings for the winter sun too. Many people remove their retractable awning valance for the winter. All you have to do is take the end cap off of the front bar usually with a screwdriver. Then you can loosen the set screws in the fabric locks that hold the valance in place on each end, and slide it on out. Put the end cap back on, and roll up the valance, put it in a bag, and you are done. The valance rolls up to be a fairly small package and can be stored inside away from the elements for the winter. The valance is always exposed, no matter what, and the harsh winter winds especially can really take a toll on a loose hanging valance. By taking it down every winter, it extends the life of the valance by at least two times.   BATTERIES – HELPFUL HINTS: Many people call to say that their motorized retractable awnings are not working. The quick fix for this one is usually to change the battery in the remote. Nine times out of ten, that is the problem. You can call the office for any other troubleshooting if that doesn’t work. Sometimes people that have wind sensors say that their awning is behaving erratically. For example, they put the awning out, there is no wind, and it all of a sudden, it pulls itself back in and this pattern repeats. This is, more than likely, a battery issue in the wind sensor. Change the battery in the wind sensor. This is how it works – when a wind sensor is installed, it is paired with the motor. As long as the two are paired, the motor will be searching for the wind sensor every so often to protect the awning. If the battery is dead in the wind sensor, or even if the wind sensor has been taken off and driven to another country, the motor will not be able to find it, and will automatically pull the awning in. It is kind of a fail-safe situation. If someone has

Uncategorized

Best way to operate your retractable awning.

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Are you the proud owner of a brand-new Retractable Awning installed by Atlantic Awning?  Maybe you are considering purchasing one? Here is some helpful information . . . Let’s start with the type of retractable that we are talking about here. There are actually retractable window awnings, retractable roof awnings, and your basic retractable lateral arm awnings that are frequently used on decks and patios. We are talking about the last one here. Retractable Lateral Arm Awnings are so named because the spring-loaded arms extend and retract laterally – or somewhat parallel to the ground. Somewhere in the early ’90s, these awnings became so prevalent in the awning industry that they started to be called simply: “retractable” or “retractable awnings” even though there are many different types of awnings that have the ability to be retracted by any means. For simplicity’s sake, we will be calling lateral arm retractable awnings “retractable” throughout the rest of this article. When properly cared for, retractable awnings can give years and years and years of shaded outdoor enjoyment. Check out the new Commercial Retractable Awnings and Residencial Retractable Awnings.   MODES OF OPERATION – Manual vs Motorized Many people choose to have a manually operated retractable, while others go for a motor. Why is that? And what are the pros and cons of each? Motors:  No fuss, no muss, just press a button and your awning goes out. Press another button your awning comes in. Years ago, having a motorized retractable meant that the customer would also have to hire an electrician to hardwire the motor to a switch – usually interior. That would happen after the installation, and then our installers would have to come back to set the inner and outer limits of the unit after the electrician was done powering it up (limits to be discussed later on). While the hardwired option is still available, we have found that having an RTS motor (one that can be operated by a remote) is so much better. With an RTS motor, all you have to do it plug it in, and within minutes our installers can get the remote and the motor “talking” so that they can set the limits and be done without having to schedule another trip. One and done. Also – only with an RTS motor can you also get a wind sensor for your awning. It is actually a motion sensor. If it senses that your front bar is moving too much (because of the wind) it will automatically pull your awning in to protect it from damage. Atlantic Awning always sells Manual Override motors on our retractable for the customer’s protection. If a motorized retractable is in the out position, and the power should go out for some reason, the awning can still be retracted via a hand crank with a manual override motor. It is extremely important to protect the awning from damage in case there is a storm, and you need to get your awning in.  A hand crank is provided with every manual override motor. Manual Gears: Having a manual gear retractable is a great way to go too!  These days, cranking up your awning is a breeze. We make sure that we get you a crank handle that is a good length for you and a specific height of your awning for ease of use. We usually recommend a motor once the awning is 20 feet wide depending on the projection because it can get a bit tedious with a hand crank for something of that size. The gear ratios are set for whatever size the awning is for optimal ease of operation. Gear Ratio = how many times the crank handle needs to turn for one full rotation of the roller tube. Note: Retractable awnings can be let in or out, and cranked in or out at any increment you desire. Our installers set the inner and outer limits on motorized retractable so that it always stops at those predetermined limits to protect the awning and the motor. So – the awning can be stopped and started anywhere between those limits. A manual gear retractable can be rolled in and out to anywhere desired, but it should not be rolled out past where the fabric starts to get loose. If that happens, bring it back in until the fabric is taut.   HOODS: A retractable awning hood is an extruded aluminum covering that usually matches the frame and goes over the top of a retractable to protect it from the elements. Many retractable get installed under overhangs and do not require protective hoods.   PITCH: Our installers set at least a 5-degree pitch on retractable, but often up to a 15-degree pitch or more is used. The greater the pitch, the better the wind resistance and the more sun coverage. The specific measurements and architectural features of a building help us to determine exactly how high to put the awning and what to set the pitch at. Usually, the bottom of the front bar is 7ft from the ground, deck, or patio. When Atlantic Awning installs a retractable awning, our installers will set the pitch on the awning before they leave based on their professional expertise, and the customer’s input. Sometimes people may have a view they do not want to be obstructed, so they have the pitch set higher. Sometimes people want a little more privacy, so they have it set lower, and so on. More information about retractable Awnings maintenance.  

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