Introducing the Bavona Louvered Roof System

Burlington residents love spending time outdoors in the backyard enjoying a refreshing beverage, time with friends, or simply chilling with a good book. But harsh sun or rain can have you quickly headed back inside if your outdoor space does not offer adequate shelter.

While there are a number of solutions to this problem, one of the most exciting options to hit the market in recent years are louvered roof systems. The Bavona system is an elegant addition to any Burlington outdoor space, and it gives you the flexibility that you simply don’t get with traditional pergolas.

What is a louvered roof?

Put simply, a louvered roof is a form of outdoor shelter that has slats or shades that can be opened or closed at various angles. In recent years, these systems have become popular additions to decks and patios, but they can also be used to cover pools, hot tubs and garden areas. They can even be worked into existing pergola structures if you find that your current system is not providing enough shade. Other names for these systems include adjustable patio cover, opening roof, and motorized pergola.

Unlike awnings, which can only be either open or closed, louvered roofs opened or closed at various angles so that they let in just the right amount of sun. These roofs can also keep out the rain and reduce the wind.

Benefits of louvered roofs

There are many reasons why more and more Burlington homeowners are choosing louvered roof systems like the Bavona. A few of the benefits include:

  • Shade – by far the most common reason for choosing a louvered roof is to add shade to your outdoor space. Not only do these systems help to protect your eyes on bright days, but they can also extend the life of your patio furniture, grills, etc. which might deteriorate over time with constant exposure to UV rays.
  • Temperature control – this goes with shade but is worth its own mention since these roofs also help to control the airflow in the space, meaning it will be easier to keep your space at a comfortable temperature.
  • Privacy – if your deck or patio is at the ground level, then a louvered roof can help provide you with privacy by blocking the view of nosy neighbours who might be watching out their second-floor window.
  • Low maintenance – Made from durable aluminum, these systems are far less maintenance than traditional pergolas.
  • Visual appeal – The Bavona louvered roof system is sleek and modern looking. For Burlington homeowners who are seeking modern elegance, this system may be the ideal addition to their outdoor space.
  • Ease of use – Like other shade systems we offer here at Jans Awnings, louvered roofs use the latest technology to open and close the shades. Automated control means that you can find the right level of comfort at the touch of a button.

Contact Jans Awning Products today

Are you considering a louvered roof system for your Burlington home? If so, we can help. Contact Jans Awnings today to speak with a member of our team.

Pergola Awnings: The Pergolino

If you are looking to add a little shade or weather protection to your deck or patio, but still want to have a sleek and modern design, then you may consider some of the pergola awnings that we offer in our Burlington showroom.

Not only do these awnings protect you from harmful UV rays and light to moderate rain, but they will also give your outdoor space a Mediterranean vibe and help to create the ideal atmosphere for you to relax or entertain friends and family.

Introducing the Pergolino

For creating shade over very large areas, one of the most popular products that we carry is the Pergolino by Stobag. This pergola awning is ideal for homes with large outdoor areas or even for commercial patios for bars and restaurants. It is even possible to put two or three awnings together as well as additional side and front panels to increase the coverage and provide even more flexible shading options.

The support beams and guide rails give the Pergolino a high degree of stability allowing it to withstand high winds and inclement weather. The system is easy to assemble and uses gas-filled cylinders to ensure the fabric stays taut.

The system is made even more convenient as it utilizes an electric drive system for effortless extension and retraction of your awning.

Frame Colours

No matter the style or colours of your home or commercial building, the Pergolino’s frame colours can be chosen to match. The frame is powder-coated allowing it to resist corrosion during all types of weather and remain looking pristine for years to come.

Pergola Awning Fabrics

When purchasing a Pergolino, you will have a wide option of fabric colours to choose from. The Pergolino fabrics are all treated to ensure they offer UV protection and protection against rain. They are made to be easily washable and not to fade in the sun over time.

The huge assortment of available colours helps to ensure that that you can find an awning that is perfectly suited to your home or business. Go with a timeless neutral shade or a vibrant colour that matches your company brand – the choice is yours.

Pergolino Motorization

It has never been easier to get a little more – or a little less – shade from your awning. With a simple touch of a button on your remote control, you can extend or retract the Pergolino’s fabric to ensure that you always have exactly the right amount of shade.

But what if you are not home? What if your awning is out and a day’s outing took longer than expected and a potentially damaging weather system is rolling in? The Pergolino has a solution for that too. Sensors on your awning will detect the wind and roll up your awning in time to keep it protected from the coming storm.

Contact Jans Awnings today

If you would like to learn more about the Pergolino and whether it is the right solution for your Burlington home or business, contact us today. A member of our team would be happy to speak with you.

 

How Awnings Can Help Restaurants During COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, restaurant operations are currently reduced to curbside pickup and delivery only. Although unable to host large quantities of customers inside their walls at present, restaurants should use this opportunity to prepare for when they can fully reopen.

For customers to continue practicing social distancing when allowed to dine at their favourite places, innovation and proactive measures will be needed. Although installing awnings at a restaurant has always been beneficial, they become even more so during our current pandemic.

Awnings Add Seating Options

By enlarging your restaurant’s outdoor space, you can provide multiple dining options to your customers and add value to your restaurant’s ambiance.

Even after restaurants are legally allowed to invite customers to dine on-site, social distancing regulations will likely remain in place. Preparing and investing in more seating space will increase the number of customers you will be able to serve during this period. Awnings can easily divide up an outdoor space and leave distances of six feet apart. Plus, they help keep customers protected from unfavourable weather conditions.

Take Advantage of the Summer Weather

While COVID-19 is currently restricting our ability to gather in large groups, it is expected that we will eventually be able to – with necessary precautions in place.

Summer is on its way, and with it comes the desire to spend time outside while drinking and dining with others. The addition of an outdoor space accompanied by an awning can turn a restaurant into a popular destination. Providing the opportunity to socialize with others while basking in the nice weather is appealing to many.

When done well with an aesthetically appealing design, a restaurant’s awning can be used as a subtle marketing practice. By differentiating your restaurant from ones nearby that do not have awnings, you have the opportunity to attract more customers. When driving by, awnings can make it easier to notice a restaurant and its offerings.

Transform Your Outdoor Space

Creating a welcoming outdoor space is not as simple as putting out a few tables and chairs on a patio. You want your customers to feel relaxed and comfortable in your restaurant environment – especially during a pandemic.

Awnings can offer both protection and beauty to enhance the appeal and atmosphere of your restaurant. Through their creation of shade, they can act as a barrier from the sun’s harmful UV rays and weather such as rain and wind.

In addition to offering protection from the elements, awnings can be used to make a stylistic statement about the restaurant. Not only can they incorporate aesthetically pleasing colours, materials, and designs, but they can work as a statement piece to increase a restaurant’s visibility.

What Awning is Best for Your Restaurant?

If you are ready to investigate your awning options, the team at Jans Awnings is ready to help. We can provide you with guidance when it comes to the design or placement of your awning and can answer any additional questions that you may have.

Contact us today or come visit our showroom for more information about installing awnings at your restaurant.

Why Awnings and Patio Covers Are Beneficial During COVID-19

Because of our current pandemic situation, the majority of us are spending more time at home than ever. Luckily, warmer days are just around the corner – so for those of us with backyards, some of our time can soon be spent outside. Here are some of the best reasons why now is the perfect time to invest in a patio cover or awning.

retractable backyard awning

 

Working from Home While Outside

During COVID-19, many Burlington, Ontario residents are now working remotely from their own homes. In some cases, residents have to make due working in non-office like settings – such as around the kitchen table or in a dark, damp basement corner. How nice would it be to be able to move the office outside, instead?

As long as you have a laptop, you can easily set up a temporary workspace outside. Without a proper covering, however, you are leaving yourself unprotected from the sun’s harmful rays or light rain. Plus, you may find working outside difficult due to the glare created between the sun and your laptop. With a patio cover or awning, those problems disappear – leaving you with an opportunity to enjoy your new work setting at the same time as you enjoy nature!

Keeping Children Entertained

With the closure of schools, playgrounds, trails, and play centres, keeping your kids entertained while inside at home can be a challenge. Spring presents the solution: being able to play outside for hours!

Patio covers and awnings are a great way to stay protected while playing with your kids outdoors. Use an outdoor rug underneath the covering to create a space that young children can safely crawl around or play with small toys. Even during light rain, an awning can provide hours of playtime outside.

An added bonus? Since patio furniture remains protected from the weather elements, its lifetime is also extended.

Getting Fresh Air

During a pandemic, it can be easy to go into hibernation mode and stay inside your home.

As difficult as it may be some days, you and your family members should spend some time outside every day. Spending time outdoors provides your body with a natural source of vitamin D from the sun. Known for improving resistance against certain diseases and facilitating normal growth and development of bones and teeth, vitamin D is an important part of one’s overall well-being.

A patio cover or awning can shield you and your family from potential sun damage, allowing the benefits of vitamin D to be received safely.

Installing a Patio Cover or Awning at Your Burlington Property

Weeks into the pandemic, many Burlington, Ontario residents are starting to go stir-crazy in their homes.

Whether you’re working from home, trying to keep the kids entertained or simply want a change of scenery, having a patio cover or awning can provide the solution. It allows more time to spent outside while keeping you and your family protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

To learn more about installing a patio roof or awning at your property, contact our team today.

 

Patio Roof Types

Your patio is a great place to relax with family, enjoy meals outdoors and entertain guests – when the weather is perfect. When it’s not, we’re often forced to go back indoors to be more comfortable.

hard patio roof

Want to help maximize the enjoyment of your patio even during harsh weather? Installing a patio roof can help make that happen!

The Benefits of Patio Roofs

Besides keeping you and your guests protected from the weather, patio roofs help keep your patio furniture, flooring and other possessions sheltered. This helps reduce wear and tear, maintenance requirements and extends the time until a replacement is needed.

Patio roofs are more stable, too. By being permanently affixed, you don’t need to worry about retracting your awning in high wind or other inclement weather. They do not require being dissembled during the winter months, either.

Aluminum Patio Roofs

aluminum roof

Aluminum patio roofs are commonly chosen due to their durability, lightweight and flexibility in design. Aluminum’s high water and weather resistance make it suitable to tolerate severe weather and dampness without creating any extensive wear and tear. The strong material can effectively reflect heat away from your patio area and does not rot.

Choose from many different designs, styles and colours using our customizable Duraform aluminum patio roof systems. Designed to fit around existing structures such as chimneys or bays, this type of aluminum patio roof is durable and does not attract insects. To create a unique, complementary look, apply a faux finish on the patio roof’s aluminum cover.

Although priced more expensively than other patio roof materials, aluminum’s durability will provide you with years of comfort.  A louvered roof by Stobag might be perfect for your patio needs, as the aluminum slats in the roof are adjustable.

Acrylic Patio Roofs

acrylic roof

Give your backyard a makeover with a long-lasting, translucent patio roof! Able to withstand harsh weather, acrylic patio roofs allow the entrance of natural light while blocking up to 75% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides extreme heat, these roofs are well equipped to handle harsh weather, including heavy rain, sleet, and snow.

Available in a variety of tints and finishes, the acrylic patio roofs we supply are always low maintenance and easy to clean. Highly resistant to damage, they remain aesthetically appealing for many years following the installation.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Patio Roof Material

To choose the best material option for your patio roof, you’ll want to consider your expectations for its performance along with your design tastes.

For example, if you want to see the sky above you while relaxing on your patio, then acrylic material will be more appealing than aluminum. However, it will require more maintenance to keep clean and translucent – and shouldn’t be located near tree limbs that could create scratches.

Both aluminum and acrylic provide a variety of options when it comes to textures, colours, and styles. Choose an option that complements your home and adds to its unique personality.

We can help you find the right patio roof for your home! For more details, contact us today.

Ordering and Installing Your Retractable Awning

For some residents of Burlington, the decision to purchase a retractable awning is an easy one. They imagine themselves enjoying their backyard with a few friends and their favourite beverages, all while being perfectly comfortable since their awning shades them from the hot sun or gentle rain. But once you’ve decided to purchase a retractable awning, there are some essential factors that you will need to consider.

young couple talking to salesman

Where and when will you need shade?

If you want to get the greatest amount of comfort from your awning, you will need to place it where it is going to give you the ideal shade for lounging or dining. The position of the sun is going to vary depending on the time of year.

Therefore, if you are purchasing your awning in the winter or spring, you can’t necessarily go by the current position of the sun if you are thinking that you will get the most use out of your awning in the summer. You need to think about where the sun is going to be when you are using your awning the most.

Height, width, projection, and pitch

Other factors that you need to consider when ordering and installing your new awning for your Burlington home are its height, width, projection and, pitch.

Your awning should be high enough for everyone in your household to be able to stand up underneath it comfortably, but it should not be so high that it becomes ineffective at providing shade.

How wide along the structure or home will you want to utilize? Consider how many people you would like to seat. A 15’ wide awning provides a good amount of shade for six people.

And how far would you like your awning to extend? Do you want it to cover your entire deck or patio, or do you want to leave a section uncovered so that sun-lovers and shade-lovers can socialize together in the same general area?

And then there is the pitch or slope of the awning. The pitch should be steep enough so that rainwater does not pool on top of the fabric. The steeper the pitch, the more your awning will protect you from the elements, but the darker it will feel when you are sitting underneath the awning. You will need to find the ideal pitch for you that still allows water to drain off the top. Our qualified installers at Jans Awnings will set the pitch internally to the ideal slope, which we determine after consulting with you.

Bells and whistles

Finally, you will need to think about what bells and whistles you would like to include when you order your awning. It used to be that retractable awnings had to be extended and retracted by hand – usually with a hand crank. Today, however, motorization has made the use of awnings considerably easier. Today’s retractable awnings can be opened or closed using a switch on the wall, a remote control, or even via an app on your cell phone. Selecting these types of options can be a little costlier upfront, but they will also increase the value and usefulness of your awning.

If you would like to order and install a retractable awning for your Burlington home, the team at Jans Awnings is ready to help. We can provide you with useful advice on style, placement, height, pitch, bells, and whistles and with any other question about your awning you may have. Contact us today or visit our showroom.

The Benefits of Security Shutters and Options Available

Security roller shutters can provide peace of mind whether you are installing them for your home or business. These shutters provide protection from a number of hazards, including storms, break-ins, and vandalism. They are made to order so that they fit perfectly into any space you have in mind.

orange couch in front of closed rollshutters

 

Security Shutter Benefits

Security shutters can be made to fit large spaces or small and depending on the type you choose, provide various other benefits as well. The following are some of the most common benefits of and uses for security shutters.

  • Security – Let’s start with the obvious; they are called security shutters for a reason. They help protect your property against break-ins and vandalism as well as from harsh storms that may potentially break a window or cause other damage.
  • Insulation – In addition to providing you with added security, insulated shutters also help to maintain temperature levels and may even end up saving you money on your utility bills. Insulated shutters have polyurethane cores and therefore help to reduce heat loss.
  • Light reduction – Roller shutters are a great option when you want to eliminate light completely. For example, shift workers may have difficulty sleeping during the day because of too much light flooding into the home from the outside. Using roller shutters might just allow you to get a better sleep in between shifts.
  • Noise reduction – Just like they block out the light, roller shutters can also block out a significant amount of outside noise.
  • Cottage closures – When people think of roller shutters, they typically think about getting them for their home or business. But security roller shutters are also excellent for cottages, helping to keep them safe and secure during the off season. No more wondering if your cottage windows survived that last winter storm!

Security Shutter Options

At Jans Awnings, we provide our customers with a number of security shutter options. For smaller windows and openings, we offer shutters that have smaller slat sizes, meaning they can roll up neatly into a compact box. For larger windows or openings, we recommend shutters that have larger slats and provide full coverage of large windows and/or openings.

Various colours and coatings are available so that shutters can be matched to existing window frames. This means your shutters are not merely utilitarian, but they will look great on your home, business or cottage as well!

Jans Awning Products offers security shutters from some of the top manufacturers. These are custom orders so that you are able to choose the exact features that you need.

If you are considering security roller shutters for your home or business, we would love to help. Contact Jans Awnings today for more information.

The Benefits of Investing in Retractable Screens for Your Patio or Seating Area

If you are looking to get more use out of your patio or seating area, one of the best investments you can make is retractable screens. While many homeowners in Burlington enjoy the ambiance that their outdoor living area provides, they are often unable to make full use of this space due to weather, insects and other factors. Retractable outdoor screens can help to solve these as well as several other issues.

retractable screen on patio

 

Retractable screens are easy to operate and can be custom fitted to almost any area, including windows, doors, balconies and patios.

Benefits of Retractable Screens

Here are just a few of the benefits that Burlington homeowners enjoy when they install retractable screens:

  • Custom fitted to suit any space – whether you want to screen in your patio, front porch or even a pergola or gazebo, a custom screen can be made to give you a custom fit.
  • Provides protection against the weather and against insects – a little bit of rain or a few mosquitos shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your outdoor space or a little fresh air. And in addition to protecting you and your family from the elements, retractable screens can also protect your furnishings and other possessions from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
  • Temperature Control – retractable screens help you to keep your deck or patio at a comfortable temperature. Screens on your windows can even help regulate the indoor temperature of your home.
  • Get more time from your outdoor space – Screening in your patio can extend the time that you are able to use it, essentially transforming it into a three-season room.
  • Increase the value of your home – having a beautiful outdoor area with retractable screens to make it more usable, can be attractive to buyers and potentially increase the value of your home.
  • Energy savings – having retractable screens can also help to save you money on your utility bills. Letting less sun into your home during the hotter months will reduce the amount of work that your air conditioner has to do to keep your home cool. This step helps to make your home more energy-efficient, and it saves you money.
  • Convenient and user-friendly – today’s retractable screens are incredibly easy to use. They open and close effortless at the touch of a button.
  • Long-lasting – At Jans Awnings in Burlington, we offer some of the highest quality retractable screens on the market, so you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
  • Customizable and elegant – retractable screens come in a number of styles and colours and mount options, so you’ll be able to achieve the look that is just right for your space.

If you are considering retractable screens for any space in your Burlington home, we are here to help. Contact Jans Awnings today to speak with a member of our knowledgeable team.

How to Choose the Right Awning Fabric for Your Outdoor Space in Burlington

Before you can benefit from the energy savings, weather protection and aesthetic appeal that awnings can provide, the right fabric must be chosen.

Here are five key factors to keep in mind when choosing an awning fabric for your Burlington, Ontario property:

extended fabric awning

 

The Weather

Here in Burlington, our summers are hot, and our springs are wet. Your awning should protect you from the weather elements without discolouring or ripping prematurely.

Darker coloured awnings absorb more heat and can make your outdoor living space warmer. Instead, choose a light coloured fabric that will reflect the harmful, hot UV rays. Although an awning should be stored in inclement weather, there may be times that it is left extended. Durable, water-resistant, lightweight and humidity-friendly acrylic fabrics can help prevent damage from happening.

Although great for commercial terraces due to their ability to completely prevent water penetration, vinyl awning fabrics trap heat and provide less air circulation.

The Property

It can be tempting to get overly creative with your fabric choice. But before you settle on a pattern, consider your awning’s size and the building it will be attached to.

Fabric stripes and blocks should be matched to the building size; if you have a smaller structure, check out patterns that feature small stripes or blocks and vice versa for larger structures. Lots of angles in your roofline? Keep the awning colour solid versus choosing a pattern.

The architectural style of the building also plays a factor. Contemporary styles benefit from scalloped edges and wave patterns, whereas traditional styles will look best with a fabric with clean lines.

Try your best to choose a pattern that complements your existing deck or patio furniture design.

The Moisture

Anything that gets constantly wet is at risk of developing mould and mildew. Awning fabric is no different! Once mould and mildew develop, fabric damage is not far behind.

To provide resistance to this unsightly damage and to prevent potential health hazards, install an awning fabric that is mould and mildew resistant. Acrylic is a great option!

The Maintenance

There’s already a lot of maintenance that you need to complete outside. Why add a high maintenance awning to your to-do list?

Vinyl-based awnings are known for their easy maintenance and ability to shed water. Whatever residue is left behind can be easily sprayed with water.

Similarly, acrylic cloth awnings are easy to care for, too. Lukewarm water and soft soap can quickly combat any dirt buildup.

To keep your awning in the best condition and to prevent dirt from becoming embedded, hose off the fabric with clean water once per month.

Natural materials such as cotton are the most labour intensive to maintain and keep in great condition.

Ready to reap the many benefits of having an installed awning at your Burlington home or business? The team at Jans Awning Products would love to show you the many fabric options in person. Contact our showroom today to learn more!

Seven Benefits of Somfy Sensors

Smart technology in homes was once the domain of sci-fi movies or at least it was something that was reserved for only the very wealthy. But as technology improves and the price point comes down, we can expect smart home technology to become both more accessible and more common. Today we are seeing smart technology in everything from TVs to home security and climate control – and yes, even window treatments. And if you have never looked into (or perhaps even heard of Somfy sensors), you might want to consider them as they provide homeowners with several benefits.

controlling awning with remote

 

While motorized controls for window treatments are not exactly new Somfy sensors, offer a whole host of other benefits:

remote with awning

 

  1. Remote Controlled

Whether you are sitting across the room or you are out with friends, and you suddenly realize that you forgot to close your blinds, Somfy offers the convenience of being able to control your window treatments with your smartphone or tablet.

And windows that may be hard to reach? No problem, as long as you have your device opening and closing window treatments is easy.

  1. Timed Controlled

Would you rather wake up to natural sunlight gently flooding your room or would you rather wake up to the screeching of an alarm clock? With the use of a programmable app, you can have your window treatments open in the morning and close in the evening.

You can even have them do this while you are away on vacation to help give the illusion that someone is home.

  1. Weather Controlled

Did you know that Somfy sensors can even be programmed to react to the weather itself? If the day goes from being overcast to suddenly sunny, the shades can automatically lower in response to the change in weather. This ensures that your home stays climate controlled and even protects furniture and other items which might fade over time from exposure to UV rays.

  1. Increased Privacy

Ever come out of the shower and realize that you left the window treatments of a street-facing (or neighbour facing) window open? Somfy sensors allow you to discreetly close the blinds without having to belly crawl across the room!

  1. A Green Choice

Of course, there are times when you want ample sunlight in your home, but sunlight, when you don’t need it, can cost you big on your utility bills. Somfy lets you control how much sunlight your house gets, and as a result, there can be less strain on your HVAC system.

  1. Increase Your Home’s Value

As smart technology and green features become more popular, homebuyers are going to look for these things in prospective homes increasingly. Somfy sensors will save you money on your utility bills and could even help you sell your home for a higher price when the time comes.

  1. No Dangerous Cords

Cords on window treatments can pose safety risks for young children and pets. With motorized window treatment controls, these cords become obsolete.

Would you like to learn more about Somfy Sensors and get an estimate for your home or business? If so, contact Jans Awnings today.