All posts by Brad

What To Consider When Matching Your Home With The Right Awning

Awnings are a fantastic addition to the curb appeal of your home, increasing its aesthetic appeal as well as functionality. Awnings provide shade as well as outdoor spaces that are more useable in all kinds of weather. Furthermore, they provide a pop of color, helping to embellish your home’s exterior appeal. However, before you fix an awning to your home, you must consider how to match it to your home in the best way. Here are some aspects to consider when matching your home to the right awning.

  1. Material

The material you choose for your awning will determine the amount of maintenance and upkeep it will need over the years. The two main materials used for awnings are aluminum and outdoor fabric. Naturally, aluminum requires less maintenance due to its sturdy nature. However, this material is harder to customize in terms of color and design. On the other hand, outdoor fabric comes in a huge variety of colors and designs, but it requires more maintenance as compared to aluminum.

  1. Type

Awnings usually come in three different types which are stationary, free-standing or retractable. The type of awning you choose should be determined by your budget as well as preference. Stationary awnings are the most common based on the price factor as compared to the other two. Retractable awnings offer the best versatility as they can be adjusted according to the weather. Furthermore, automatic retractable awnings are more advanced now with weather sensors. Free standing awnings are great for business as they can be used for advertising as well as segmenting spaces.

  1. Size

A decorative awning is usually smaller as it has little functionality beyond aesthetics. However, an awning that is more functional is bigger to cover a larger area and offer more shade.

  1. Color

When choosing the color of your awning, remember that functionality overrides aesthetics, while at the same time being careful to match your home’s exterior color. It is advisable to settle on a lighter colored fabric as it reflects light and offers cooler shade. Moreover, it is important to note that your awnings should also complement your interiors.

  1. Style

There is a wide range of awning styles to choose from to match your home’s overall look. From the traditional style with closed and open sides, waterfall, semi-circular walkway, the styles are many and varied. Speak to experts like us to settle on the best style to suit the architectural design of your home.

  1. Angle

This is another important aspect to consider, which most people do not pay much attention to. The angle of an awning determines its overall performance. The side a window is facing will determine the angle at which an awning will drop. Additionally, the side the deck is facing in relation to the sun will determine the angle of the awning. Be sure to consult experts like us for the right advice.

In general, awnings are a great enhancement to any house, and will be sure to increase your home’s resale value. Be sure to talk to awning experts like us to settle on the best and most functional awnings for your home.

 

 

 

Awnings: Manually Operated Or Automatic?

Awnings are more than an aesthetic feature of any house. They have functionalities such as keeping a house cool in the hotter months as well as decreasing your utility bills by regulating indoor temperatures. Furthermore, awnings serve to increase the resale value of your home significantly. There are two varieties of awnings which are fixed and retractable. Retractable awnings can be manually operated or automatic, both of which have their pros and cons. Here are a few comparisons between the two.

Ease of operation

As would be generally understood, automatically operated awnings are usually opened and closed at the touch of a button. Manually operated awnings require you to use your effort to crank them open and closed. Moreover, manually operated awnings do not require electricity or batteries to be operated; therefore they would not be put out of operation in case of an electricity outage or battery failure. However, in case of a sudden downpour and you need to put up your awnings fast, you can guess which awnings would work better and faster.

Cost of installation and maintenance

Installation of manual awnings requires less labor and materials as you do not need a specialized electrical technician to put them up. Furthermore, there is no need to buy extra cabling or batteries for their installation. When it comes to their maintenance, all you may require regularly is to ensure that all the parts are well oiled and moving well. On the other hand, automatic awnings will definitely cost more to install and maintain due to associated labor and cost of materials. Furthermore, the maintenance of automatically operated awnings would usually require a skilled technician.

Structural support

Due to their system of operation, motorized awnings do not have vertical supports as opposed to manual awnings. While they are engineered to work without these supports, the motorized awnings may not put up with high wind strengths. On the other hand, manual awnings have extra support which makes them sturdier in any weather conditions, when compared with the automatic awnings.

Coverage

Manually operated awnings can only cover a small area as compared to their automatic counterpart. This is largely because of their method of operation. Therefore, if you are looking to cover a large deck area, automatic awnings would work best.

Upgrading

Installing awnings is a huge investment, and you may want to start small according to your budget. If you are looking to start small and hopefully upgrade your awnings later, then it is best to install manually operated awnings because you can upgrade them later into electric awnings. Furthermore, installing manual awnings is a more affordable prospect.

In a nutshell, it is obvious that both manually operated and automatic awnings are fantastic features to add to your house. By considering these pros and cons, you will then be able to make a decision on which awnings to install. However, no matter your choice, you will still have increased the value of your home significantly. Installing awnings whether manually or automatically operated is an investment you will most definitely recoup in the long run.

 

5 Different Ways Shutters Increase The Price Tag Of Your Home

Shutters have become a tag on property listings as one of the reasons a house will cost a bit more. Shutters are a premier window treatment that is no longer just viewed as an enhancement to your house’s beauty, but as a functional part of it that increases the price tag of your home. There are various types shutters such as plantation shutters, cottage and wood shutters among others, but all these serve to increase your home’s value. Below are 5 ways that shutters help to increase the price tag of your home.

  1. Enhanced light control

In warmer climates, light control is a huge issue when buying a house. Since the weather tends to be warm throughout the year, shutters plays a huge role in keeping the house cool. Basic shutters control light better than curtains or blinds do, and are more hard-wearing for the same function. The light control function of shutters helps to keep rooms in the house cool, and also lets in light and warmth whenever you adjust the angle of the shutters. It is no wonder shutters increase the price tag of any home they are installed in.

  1. Enhanced curb appeal

Most real estate agents will attest to the fact that a house with shutters sells faster than one without. Most people love the appeal of shutters, but consider them a luxury item therefore they may not want to incur the cost of installation. Additionally, shutters offer a timeless and classic appeal to any home, upgrading its aesthetic look. Curb appeal is a huge plus for any home owner, and shutters raise this significantly.

  1. Enhanced privacy

Well-installed shutters will give you the privacy you desire in your home. At any angle, closed shutters will keep out any observation from outside your home. In comparison to blinds and curtains which may blow open at even the slightest breeze, well-installed shutters give you the privacy you desire in your home. Even when opened, shutters can be kept at angles that afford you maximum privacy.

  1. Versatility

Shutters are a great architectural component in any home. Their different colors, styles and designs can fit into any home décor to complement it. No matter what the taste of different home owners is, shutters can be blended into any interior décor style without a problem, making re-decorating a breeze. This makes the resale value of any home installed with shutters remain high.

  1. Durability

Well-installed shutters can last a house its entire life-time. Well-designed shutters made with durable materials are installed to put up with daily use in the home. Additionally, shutters are installed to be a permanent fixture in the home, making them a better alternative to blinds or curtains. This durability helps to raise your home’s resale value.

Shutters are universally recognized as a premium upgrade to any home – a factor that increases your home’s value. In the event that you are considering installing shutters, then these 5 factors should convince you that you are sure to increase the value of your home significantly.

Domestic Awnings: Stationary Or Retractable?

An awning is a secondary material made of canvas or metal like aluminum usually extended over a window, patio or deck. Awnings can be stationary or retractable, and this is usually decided by the home-owner. Stationary awnings have advantages and disadvantages as do retractable awnings.

Some of the advantages of stationary awnings include;

  • Stationary awnings are usually made of aluminum. Aluminum is able to withstand elements of weather better than fabric or canvas. The weight of snow and hail will not affect the awning in any way as it is firm and strong.
  • Stationary awnings are in place permanently. This means that your furniture, curtains, rugs, and carpets are protected from fading due to being exposed to the sun’s rays. A stationary awning offers protection from the hot sun’s rays, especially during the summer. It also protects deck and patio furniture in the event of a storm.
  • Stationary awnings help to keep your house cooler in the hot months. This will help you to save on energy costs as your house will not need AC to remain cool. The shade offered by the awning keeps the room closest to the awning cool.
  • Stationary awnings can also double up as carports, saving you the cost of building a garage.
  • Stationary awnings made of aluminum have a higher lifespan, which is about 50 years. One installation is all you may need, thus keeping maintenance costs low.

Retractable awnings are usually made of a fabric like canvas. Since you can move them in and out, they are a more versatile choice of awning.

Here are some of the advantages of a retractable awning.

  • Retractable awnings are more versatile. You can choose to have them fully retracted as the months become cooler so that you can catch as much of the sun’s rays as possible. You may also choose to open them up completely to keep out the hot sun in the hotter summer months.
  • Some retractable awnings are fixed in a way that allows you to play around with their angle of extension. You may choose to have your awning fully extended or at a lower angle depending on what you need at the time.
  • Retractable awnings also help to keep your energy bills down. You can adjust the awning to give your house better protection from the sun’s glare or to allow more sun rays into the house. This keeps cooling and heating bills on the minimum.
  • Retractable awnings also give your home versatility. You can have the awning fully extended to have an afternoon party or fully retracted for a cool evening dinner. Awnings also increase your home’s value.

When it comes to making a choice on whether to have retractable or stationary awnings in your home, it is really a matter of preference. Both options offer you different yet important features. It is also important to factor in the cost and to put up an awning that fits within your budget.

 

 

Different Ways Protective Shutters Can Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

For a home that has taken years to acquire, decorate and furnish, you cannot gamble with its safety. Besides, since you are not always present to keep watch, you need a reassurance that your house is safe even when you are away. By installing shutters, you can rest assured that the place looks invincible to would-be intruders. To get a glimpse on how these safety features work, look at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or retail store. They need not look cute, but if you are the stylish type, you can still get material the blends with the interior décor.

Why bother with shutters when you can secure your house in other ways?

They distract an intruder’s motive

An intruder with the intention of breaking into your house will find it difficult. Why? No thief is brave enough to gain unauthorized and forceful entry into a home when he or she cannot see what is inside. If your house is in a busy or crowded neighborhood, you may consider discouraging the prying eyes of a passer-by. For instance, a large flat screen TV is sure to draw the attention of anyone near your house. On the other hand, the sight of your state-of-the-art music system is sure to whet a burglar’s appetite. Installing shutters keeps your home private and does not provoke a robber.

No one knows whether you are home or not

Shutters drawn over the windows or glass paneled doors leave burglars confused. They do not know whether there is someone in the house or not. In that state, no stranger would attempt a break-in. If you like, you can request the installation company to provide you with an advanced system that allows you to simulate scenarios. Before leaving the house, you can set the mechanism to close the shutters automatically and trick strangers into thinking that there is someone in the house. Without knowing it, you protect not only your household assets but also your family.

Creates an anti-burglary barrier

Thieves consider windows and glass doors as weak points of entry. They capitalize on this; all it requires is for one to smash the window using a brick. However, with shutters, robbers will hesitate and think twice before making a move. Take roller shutters, for example; they can be inbuilt into a steel frame with automatic locking mechanism. Besides, by embedding foam material around guide rails, contractors make them difficult to open.

Sturdy material choice

You are at liberty to choose between stainless steel and aluminum. Besides giving you anti-burglary protection, these materials withstand all types of weather.

Burglars always look for weaknesses in your home’s security. Window shutters reinforce your safety layers by acting as a distraction. One can hardly see the items you have inside the house. They also confuse intruders such that they cannot tell whether you are in or not. At the same time, some of the materials used are strong enough to withstand a break-in attempt or harsh weather conditions. All these benefits give you peace of mind.

 

The Other Advantages Of Solar Shades (apart from filtering the sun)

Are you wondering if you should get solar shades for your home? Solar shades are a form of window treatment designed to protect the inside of your building. They help reflect the sunrays rather than allowing them to penetrate through your windows, and absorb heat actively from the outside. These window coverings are a popular choice thanks to the numerous benefits they provide, helping you save money, energy and time. Here are some key advantages of getting solar shades apart from filtering the sun.

  1. They come in a wide range of designs

Although solar shades are a bit expensive compared to regular window screens, the shades are more cost-effective in the end due to the many advantages they offer. Solar shades are available in different shapes, designs and sizes to suit your office or home space. The shades will enhance the look of your living space since they are appealing and attractive.

  1. Reduce the need for air conditioning

By using solar shades, you will reduce indoor temperatures during the hot summer days. Since shades allow minimal heat into your residence during the day, the indoor temperatures will be more bearable in the night. This minimizes the need for air conditioning both at night and during the day. In winter, your heating costs will also reduce due to the energy conserved in your home.

  1. Protect furniture and equipment

Since solar shades are effective in blocking the sun’s heat and filter out UV light, it will be easy to sustain items like furniture and upholstery in your home. Most people experience the need to replace these household items due to fading and other damage caused by the harsh rays of the sun. Fortunately, the lifespan of your household possessions can be increased when you install solar shades.

  1. Increase interior comfort

Solar shades help to block the excess brightness from the sun that tends to be irritating, particularly in the morning or evening. Note that these bright glares will vary depending on your location. Often, direct sunlight hits surfaces and then reflects back. This causes discomfort and could even harm the eyes, making it difficult to watch screens or work under such circumstances. When you install solar shades, you will no longer worry about such discomforts.

  1. Offer a clear outside view

When you install solar shades in your home, you will no longer require blinds and drapes to cover your windows. By using blinds or fabrics to block sunlight, you are bound to experience numerous setbacks like blocking your outside view. With solar shades, you will enjoy the view outside without experiencing excessive light or the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

  1. Conserve the environment

During the summer, solar shades regulate the indoor temperature and reduce the need to rely on cooling mechanisms like air conditioning. It also minimizes your heating needs in the winter. This is beneficial to the environment since you will not rely on air conditioners that emit harmful elements to the atmosphere.

You can always find a reliable solar shades company in your locality that installs solar shades if you want to enjoy all these outlined benefits.

5 Outdoor Spots That Are Perfect To Install An Awning

Do you need to increase the space available in your homestead? Having an awning installed can do this for you since it helps you claim space that was previously unused. However, not many people are aware of the ideal places to install an awning. Here is a comprehensive guide on where to install an awning for perfect use.

What is an awning?

An awning refers to an extension, or an overhanging covering in a home that has one side attached to the outer wall of the house. It is ideally used for the purpose of increasing the amount of space in a home where people can meet outside. Usually, the suitability of your awning depends on its location.

Which is the best outdoor spot to install an awning?

Installing an awning is not something that everybody can do. It requires the input of a qualified and experienced individual as well as consideration regarding the intention of the awning. While the major role of an awning is to create additional space for your home, you can choose any of the following outdoor spots to install your awning:

  1. Along the sidewalk

Does your home have a sidewalk? Having an awning installed there can create an attractive and beautiful area where you can gather with your friends and family members. Sidewalk awnings are also ideal because they provide a shade against harsh weather be it rain, sunshine or snow. As such, you need to be careful on the type of material to choose for your sidewalk awnings since it needs to withstand the impact of the weather.

  1. Poolside

The poolside is usually a great area for you to relax. However, can you really relax when the sunshine is scorching you? Having an awning installed at the poolside can give you a great space for you and your family members to relax since you get to shelter yourself from the hot sun.

  1. Above the door

Did you know you could make use of the area immediate to your door? In most houses, such areas remain unutilized. With an awning above your door, you create a great meeting place away from the coldness of your house.

  1. Above the window

Are you wondering whether there is a way you can get more space outside your window? Yes, there is. The window area is a perfect outdoor spot to gather, especially in the evening, be it with friends, family members, or just alone.

  1. Behind the house

If your house has a large area behind it, you can make use of it by installing an awning. Such an extension creates a quiet section away from the activities of the house. It is a perfect spot for anyone wishing to be alone or even for private gatherings.

Installing an awning creates a great addition in terms of space. However, you need to engage the services of a qualified company to have your awning installed in the best way possible.

Advantages of Shutter Screens Over Traditional Curtains

Shutters or curtains; which are the best window solution for my house? Many homeowners have faced this dilemma at least once. While traditional curtains have been the go-to interior décor solution, modern shutters are fast taking over the industry. In fact, some interior designers are saying that curtains are outdated and shutters are the future. So, what are the advantages of shutter screens over curtains?

Looking for a long-lasting option?

Unlike curtains which wear out within a few years, shutter screens can last up to 20 years and still look good. If you don’t want to keep thinking about buying new curtains every year, choose shutters and they will serve you for generations to come. Most people choose curtains because they are cheaper but the cost of maintenance and changing them every few years is more than the cost of installing shutter screens once.

Want to regulate your home temperatures?

Energy bills can be pretty high if you are relying on your HVAC unit to heat and cool the house all year long. While very thick curtains can act as insulation when it’s cold, shutter screens offer more insulation and can help the house to remain warm during the cold season. During summer, you can just open up the louvers and let some air in to cool the house down.

Why not allow light and protect your furniture?

Light is very important especially during the day. However, you do not want to allow in light at the expense of your furniture. You have to open up curtains to get in some light meaning you will also be allowing in direct rays of sunlight to your house that cause your furniture to fade. On the other hand, shutter screens allow in light all day long whether they are open or closed and they keep the sunrays off your furniture. Even if you have to open the louvers, you can put them in an angle where the sunrays won’t be able to come inside.

Want to reduce the maintenance hassle?

Maintaining curtains is hard work because they collect all sorts of dust and moisture from the environment. You have to take down the curtains every now and then to clean them and some require dry cleaning before putting them up again. Shutter screens require little to no maintenance because they are made of composite materials that do not collect or absorb dust so you can just wipe them or use a dust brush to remove some dust if you have to. Shutters also come in different materials that can be painted so you can change the color scheme of your house as often as you want without taking down the windows treatment.

Indeed, traditional curtains have come a long way over the years and designers are making them more beautiful and elegant than ever. However, shutter screens are slowly taking over in window treatments as they provide versatility, elegance and convenience. If you have professionals install the shutters for you, you can enjoy the benefits for many years.

 

5 Benefits Of Protective Shutters

There is increasing popularity on the use of shutters to shore-up your home’s security. Indeed as a discerning homeowner, investing in anything that offers protection to your home as well as deters theft is a sensible decision. However, while you may decide to make investment in your home security all about deadbolts and screens, you also need to factor in protective measures for your windows.

While deterring burglars may be the primary reason for having protective shutters installed, you will also enjoy many more benefits. For instance, did you know that your house needs protection against harsh weather elements, for energy efficiency as well as special aesthetics?

Benefits of protective shutters

The following are some of the benefits you will get when you install protective shutters in your house:

  1. Protects your investment

The home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It is therefore, upon you to ensure it is thoroughly protected at all times. While installing protective shutters does not guarantee you 100% home security, they go a long way in giving you peace of mind. Indeed with them in place, you are assured of a significant degree of privacy and security.

  1. Boosts energy efficiency

Many people are now considering various ways to achieve sustainable homes. You need to adopt various practices that conserve the environment while at the same time reducing utility bills in your home. Shutters are considered a significant way to achieve these goals since they regulate indoor temperatures, as well as stop 90%, and 70% of heat and cold respectively.

  1. Control natural light

Protective shutters are ideal because they enable you to control the amount of light that gets into your home. They are effective in that you can regulate the glare of the sun without blocking natural light in its entirety. The benefit of controlling the natural light is that your give your interior furnishings a longer lifespan, as well as prevent damage on other indoor pieces such as carpets, flooring shine and color.

  1. Noise reduction

Shutters are used to reduce outside noise. High quality shutters have capacity to reduce noise levels by up to 60%. This implies that you do not have to worry about living in noisy neighborhoods.

  1. Protects windows

Preventing damage to your windows is often a rather tall order but having protective shutters in place can help. Since shutters adjust accordingly, you enjoy a cost-effective solution while shielding your doors and windows from moisture, dust and harsh weather elements.

Choosing the best shutters

Without a doubt, protective shutters are an important element in home security. However, choosing the best types of shutters can be a rather daunting task. Keep in mind that appropriate shutters should meet the necessary safety requirements, they should be UV stabilized, available, and competitive in terms of price.

Perhaps, you are wondering where to get the best and most reliable shutters. PSS will not only give you high quality shutters but also ones that align with all your needs for total home security, contact us.