The Best Shade Options for Rooftop Decks and Patios

During the summer months, rooftop patios and decks are the place to be. And while they offer expansive, beautiful views as far as the eye can see, they can quickly lead to discomfort without the proper shade protection. Avoid that from happening by installing one of the amazing shade options listed below.

Louvered Roofs

A louvered roof is a convenient, safe and highly stable shade option that uses integrated technology to enjoy the outdoors. From spring to fall, louvered roofs provide reliable and safe weather protection while incorporating natural light.

Known for their stability in wind and low maintenance requirements, louvered roofs are fully customizable. The hardtop option uses variably inclining aluminum lamellas to provide natural air circulation whereas the soft-top roof system features integrated folding awnings. Various colours, mounting variants and additional options including LED lighting, sliding glazing system and aluminum floor system are available.

STOBAG terrace pavilion BAVONA

Acrylic Patio Roofs

Acrylic patio roofs are a great shade solution that allows natural light in while stopping harmful UV rays and harsh weather. Constructed of durable acrylic sheets strong enough to support fans, lights and plants, quality acrylic patio roofs have warranties to protect against yellowing.

Compared to other shade options, acrylic patio roofs allow the highest light transmission, while being strong enough to support heavy snow loads. Energy savings, heat control and an even light distribution can also be experienced.

acrylic patio roof

Retractable and Specialized Awnings

Awnings have been used for years to easily add shade to rooftop decks and patios.

Retractable awnings are available with manual or automated operation systems and lack poles that hinder your view. Available in numerous opening styles including semi-cassette, full cassette and narrow, retractable awnings are a dependable shade source that also offers style, function and durability.

Due to their large space capacity, terrace awnings are a great solution for providing both shade and rain protection to rooftop patios and decks. Terrace awnings offer excellent UV protection and are available in a range of top-quality, long-lasting textiles. Additional fabric options are available that feature water and dirt-resistant coatings.

Mobile awnings provide a freestanding shading source that can be used in countless domestic and commercial settings. Using jointed arm technology and either a crank or motor, mobile awnings cover large areas of up to 40 metres squared with complete UV protection. Lacking middle posts, your view is not hindered in any way. Many different support options, fixing systems, fabric options and colour combinations are available to create a secure, fashionable shading solution that fits your space.

mobile awnings

 

When it comes to choosing the best shade for your deck or patio, we can help! With our wide selection of awnings, patio roofs and more, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy your rooftop patio or deck in no time at all. To learn more about our awning products, contact us today.

How to Protect Your Awning from Birds

Sitting outside in the summertime under the shade of your awning and watching the birds can be a beautiful thing. But when you have an awning, watching the birds is something you want to do from a distance. After all, the last thing you want is messy bird droppings on and around your awning. These can be corrosive and cause permanent marks. And you really want to avoid having birds build a nest in your retractable awning as they are not only messy, but the birds will start to become aggressive with people once their chicks hatch.

bird nest

 

So, what can you do to ensure that you can enjoy your awning while also enjoying the birds from a safe distance? Here are our top five tips for protecting your awning from birds.

  1. Use bird spikes.

Bird spikes are painted metal or plastic spikes. Attach them to your awning, and they will act as a deterrent to keep birds from landing. While it might sound a bit mean, bird spikes are widely considered to be a humane deterrent for birds. The tips of the spikes are blunted to help avoid any actual injury.

  1. Apply a non-drying repellent.

If you don’t like the idea of attaching spikes to your awning, there are non-toxic repellents that can be applied to your awning. These repellents do not fully dry and take on a sticky texture that birds do not like. The main drawback to this method is that you will have to spend a little extra time cleaning your awning before you bring it in for the winter.

  1. Use a scare device.

Another tactic to help keep birds away from your awning is to use a scare device such as a plastic owl or rubber snake.  If you use this strategy, you should be sure to move the device every once in a while, to keep birds from becoming accustomed to its presence. And if plastic animals are not your thing, a moving wind device or something that catches the light may also be effective.

  1. Use bird netting.

Placing bird netting over your awning will make it difficult for birds to land and help to keep them away from your awning. If you do choose netting however, it is very important to make sure that it is properly installed so as not to trap birds and make the situation worse.

  1. Use a motion activated sprinkler.

Another idea is to purchase a motion activated sprinkler from your local hardware or garden store. These sprinklers can detect the presence of a bird and send out a short burst of water which should scare them away. Just be sure to place the sprinkler in a location where birds will activate it, but people won’t!

Remember, by taking good care of your awning you will be helping to ensure that it brings you and your family enjoyment for years to come. And taking care of your awning includes protecting it from birds.

For quality awnings in Burlington, Contact Jans Awning Products today!

Should I Replace or Recover My Fabric Awning?

From UV protection to home cooling, you’ve come to enjoy the many benefits that your retractable awning offers. But over the last couple of years, your awning has started to look its age. Whether it’s started to rip or fade, you’re beginning to wonder whether an awning replacement is in the near future or not.

Before you rush out to purchase a new one, it’s worth looking into whether a repair can be made. Here’s how to best determine if you should be recovering or replacing your fabric awning.

large yellow retractable awning

How to Make the Decision to Replace or Recover Your Awning

There comes a time when recovering an awning is no longer a feasible option. Although an awning’s aluminum frame is typically very durable, external pressure or heavy weather can sometimes create damage. If your awning’s metal frame becomes bent or damaged, you’re most likely looking at having to replace the entire awning.

But if your metal frame is still in like-new condition, then you should be able to recover your awning. Although you could always choose to recover it in the same fabric as it was originally, this could also be a good opportunity to choose something new.

Choose from Hundreds of Colours and Patterns for Your Awning Recover

The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a fabric for recovering your awning!

At Jans Awnings, our wide variety of quality fabrics can withstand the fluctuating weather conditions in the Burlington area. By partnering with only the best fabric suppliers, we can confidently offer you the best acrylic and solution-dyed fabrics available. Following the right care, your newly recovered awning will last for many years to come!

The acrylic fabrics we use are known for their ability to remain bright, even after hours in the sun. Choose from our selection of hundreds of colours and patterns of these superior acrylic fabrics.

Solution-dyed fabric is another popular option to use when recovering your fabric awning. During its manufacturing process, colour and fibre become one so that a long-lasting colour fabric is created.

Located in Burlington, Jans Awnings is the area’s leading company for awnings and shade products. Be sure to contact us at Jans Awnings for all your awning repair services. If you already have an awning frame in great condition, we can easily replace the fabric using our awning recover services. Contact us today for more information!

Shade Improvements That Will Create a Breathtaking Backyard

Awnings offer homeowners both style and beauty while bringing valuable shade to your home. Awnings protect your family from harmful UV rays as much as 94%. They extend the living space of your home, so it’s like adding a low-cost room extension. They can add charm and personality to your home and transform a plain façade into something special. Awnings can set your home apart from the rest.

 

awning shade for your backyard

 

Fabric & Colours

There are numerous sleek, innovative fabric designs known for their durability. Sunbrella® and Dickson manufacture the fabric used in most high-quality awnings. Their materials are recognized for their superior fade and stain resistance plus it’s easy to clean and maintain.

Along with the many benefits of installing a residential awning that protects your living space from the blazing sun, your awning will also contribute towards making your home more stylish by choosing an awning colour that blends with the exterior colour and décor of your home. By picking an awning colour that complements the usage of the covered area, you will add a touch of panache to the exterior.

Shade Coverage for Outdoor Kitchens

If you love cooking and entertaining outdoors while surrounded by the sounds of nature, then a functional, custom-built outdoor kitchen is the ideal renovation. It will improve your outdoor living space, create a stylish atmosphere of relaxation, enhance your outdoor experience and increase the property value of your home.

By adding an awning over the built-in-kitchen, not only will you get much-needed shade from the hot sun while preparing meals, you will be adding a breathtaking splash of colour to enhance the cooking, dining and entertaining area. You can add planters of flowers with matching colour tones for a spectacular visual appearance that will delight everyone.

Window Coverings

You can transform your backyard to be a breathtaking visual location by adding awnings to your windows in addition to your deck or patio.

Custom awnings can be designed to fit any window sizes. Window awnings are great additions to residential properties because the custom awnings are available in a variety of awning fabric colours and fabric weaves to enhance the visual appeal of your residential property and provide better value for your home. You can choose the same fabric for the windows or mix it up with contrasting colours for your windows and patio awning.

With your retractable awnings or fixed awnings, you’ll have better control over window shades and level of glare protection. You’ll have the opportunity to protect your home and furniture from damaging ultraviolet rays. Awnings function better than interior blinds when it comes to window shades and ultraviolet ray’s protection as they protect your home before the sun reaches it.

Make Your Backyard Your Visual Paradise

Awnings offer you so many options for making your backyard come to life with a breathtaking visual effect that is stunning. Whether it is a patio awning or an awning covering your windows and doors, your backyard will become a showplace for you, your friends and family to enjoy.

Looking for an awning for your backyard? Contact us at Jans Awning Products at 905-335-3733

The Many Health Benefits of Awnings

Awnings offer homeowners both style and beauty while bringing valuable shade to your home. Awnings protect your family from harmful UV rays as much as 94%. They extend the living space of your home, so it’s like adding a low-cost room extension. They can add charm and personality to your home and transform a plain façade into something special. Awnings can set your home apart from the rest.

Striped retractable awning

 

Awnings have proven to substantially lower air conditioning bills plus protect your furnishings and carpet from fading. In addition to their attractiveness, awnings keep your home much cooler during the heat of the summer months. They help reduce air conditioning costs by decreasing the amount of heat that infiltrates the inside of your home by as much as 77%.

In addition to all of these attractive features and benefits to the interior and exterior of your home, awnings offer another valuable advantage for improving your health and lifestyle.

Protects your skin from damaging UV rays

If you’re protective about your health, it can be tempting to stay indoors when the sun’s rays are known to be at their strongest. However, by installing a retractable awning, there is no reason not to take full advantage of the summer weather.

Awnings are a beautiful and unique shading product that aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. Sunbrella® fabrics have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. This seal means the fabric meets specific criteria, making them a safe and effective product for sun protection. Awnings will reduce your risk of skin cancer and keep you looking younger longer.

Creates a relaxing place to unwind

With the hustle and bustle of today, where many of us are stressed out, awnings can help to reverse the stress that affects everyone.

Awnings can create a cool, comfortable space that is stress-free for relaxing and enjoying your backyard. Your deck or patio will turn into a refuge of calm relaxation and a serene place to escape when life becomes too hectic.

Defines an outdoor area for socialization

Awnings allow you to extend your usable outdoor space and make it the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. Spending time with family and friends leads to a more fulfilled life. Awnings create a comfortable place to gather outdoors to talk and laugh with family and friends.

Summertime is the most opportune time to have barbeques, outdoor lunches and dinners with family and friends. Awnings provide a comfortable, shaded area where everyone is comfortably protected from the heat of the sizzling summer days. Because sunset takes longer to occur during the summer months, awnings provide a greater amount of valuable time outdoors, so spend time with family and friends and enjoy.

Let’s you enjoy the fresh air

When you get out in the fresh air, you are getting away from the pollutants and germs that might be lurking inside your home. Breathing in fresh air from the outdoors is not only healthier, but it also increases happiness and reduces stress, improving the quality of your life.

According to one source, installation of an awning can also reduce the temperature of shaded exterior areas by nearly 20 degrees as compared to those areas directly in the sun’s rays. This makes retractable awnings an energy-efficient investment for many years to come.

Enjoy the benefits of better health

Whether it’s the protection from the harsh summer rays, a protected outdoor area for family and friends to gather, a respite for calm and serenity or all that fresh air that makes being outside worthwhile, the health benefits to installing an awning are tremendous.

How to Use Solarium Type Enclosures to Maximize Your Porch Space

Do you enjoy your porch space during the summer but wonder how to extend that enjoyment into other seasons as well?

glass pation enclosure

 

Solarium type patio enclosures provide an effective way to utilize your porch during the majority of Canada’s seasons. Here’s what to know about installing one at your residence.

Increase Your Property’s Useable Space

No longer will rain, wind or bugs keep you from enjoying your porch or patio! Porch enclosures provide shade from the sun and protection from rain and more. It won’t take long at all to see how much more use you get out of your outdoor space after installing a porch enclosure!

Solarium porch enclosures, available either fully glassed or screened in, help to maximize the natural sunlight received. Being surrounded by glass is ideal for people who love to stargaze, but want the protection from the weather elements.

Solarium porch enclosures are also ideal for gardeners. Sun-loving plants enjoy maximum sunlight from the glassed-in enclosure, and seedlings get a great start before the planting season. They also provide a great location to get a light tan for yourself!

Reduce Stress Naturally

Experience the many positive benefits of spending even just a few minutes each day in your solarium type enclosure!

It’s been long proven that the sun has an amazing effect on reducing our stress levels. Enjoying your solarium porch enclosure – even if you’re sitting and drinking a coffee within the space – can have a profound effect on your anxiety level.

You’ll also receive benefits from receiving the sun’s vitamin D. Increase your body’s natural disease-fighting abilities, improve your mood and avoid the risk of seasonal depression!

Add to Your Property’s Value

Easily recoup the installation costs associated with installing a solarium porch enclosure when you go to sell your home. Solarium porch enclosures can increase your home’s value and become more attractive to potential buyers.

They also provide added security to your home by providing a safe spot to store bicycles, sports equipment and more.

Entertain More Easily

Plans for entertaining friends and family can change drastically depending on the weather and nuisance of bugs. Not so with a porch enclosure!

By increasing your living space, you’ll have more space to entertain guests while staying protected. You may even find that you start hosting family and friends more due to having the extra protected living space!

Numerous Material Options Available with Porch Enclosures

Choosing the type of patio enclosure material depends on how you want to use your patio all year long.

Besides glass or screened in solarium type enclosures, there are vinyl and aluminum options, too. Available in a wide variety of styles, choosing a porch enclosure that will only add to your home’s aesthetics is easy.

Contact us today to learn more about the many options available with installing a patio enclosure.

The Benefits of Patio Enclosures

Many homeowners who have a porch or deck wish that they could get more use out of it. If you happen to be one of them, you may want to consider adding a patio enclosure to your home. Whether you would like to enclose your porch fully or add a screen system, patio enclosures can be custom designed to meet your specific needs.

Patio Enclosure

 

Not only do patio enclosures provide you with a renovated appearance to your home, but the addition also helps to rejuvenate your life with more options about where you might spend your time. Whether you’re looking for something modest or extravagant, patio enclosures are manufactured to meet your needs, budget and lifestyle.

For homeowner’s custom-building a home, an attached sunroom can be erected during the construction, or it can be integrated into the home as a later addition if you already own a home. Either way, a three season room allows you to enjoy spring, summer and fall!

These beautiful additions are specifically designed to collect sunlight for warmth and extra daylight. You also get the bonus of viewing your scenery all year long. Imagine enjoying the beautiful outdoors without having to worry about bugs or unpredictable weather!

In addition to their practicality, patio enclosures also provide more privacy from your neighbours. Adding an enclosure to a new or existing porch offers additional solitude and protection to your home while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Types

The walls used during construction can be made from a variety of materials including vinyl and aluminum. Depending on the amount of time you want to use your enclosure, there is glass or screened in solarium type enclosures.

Each type will help to give you the maximum amount of natural sunlight and protection from the elements. A fully enclosed glass patio offers both protection from the elements and convenience to use the room all year long.

Benefits in a Nutshell

  • Patio enclosures provide sun and shade protection while offering protection from the elements.
  • They offer additional protection from snow getting to close to your home as an additional barrier.
  • They provide pesky pest protection while allowing you to enjoy fresh air and a breeze.
  • They help to extend your outside living space.
  • Patio enclosures provide added security for your home.
  • They offer additional storage space.
  • Patio enclosures are a great, safe space for children and pets.
  • They offer the benefits of feeling your outdoors but protected from the elements.
  • Patio enclosures provide you with an outdoor view of your gardens, property or scenery on a seasonal basis or all year long.
  • They provide an ideal location for sun-loving plants, even during the winter months.
  • They add value to your home and property.

Extended Living

Enclosing your new or existing porch is a great way to maximize its use and square footage without hurting your wallet. Jans Awnings will work with you to custom design a sunroom that fits your needs and your budget. You’ll get all of the benefits of extended living while still enjoying the great outdoors all year long from the comfort of your patio enclosure.

Benefits of Having a Permanent Patio Roof

If you are looking for a little more coverage and protection for your patio, then you may have considered installing a permanent patio roof. At Jans Awning Products we provide a number of types and styles of these roofs including aluminum, acrylic as well as custom designed patio roofs.

permanent patio roof

 

But what are the benefits of a permanent patio roof?

Protection

Like retractable awnings, these permanent roofs protect from wind, rain, sun and snow. Because of this, they can potentially help you increase the amount of time that you spend outside. When the hot summer sun is at its most intense, you won’t have to worry about becoming sunburned, because you’ll have a nice shady location where you can chat with a friend, sip a refreshing beverage or curl up with a good book.

Likewise, when the weather gets a little unsettled and rainy, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and scent of freshly fallen rain.

Patio roofs not only protect people. They also protect your patio furniture and any other items you might keep on your patio. Over time, the elements can cause patio furniture to look old and worn. But with a permanent roof protecting your possessions, you can help to extend the life of these items.

Another benefit is that less debris is likely to get on to your patio, so that means you won’t have to sweep or hose it down as frequently.

Less Maintenance

Some people prefer permanent patio roofs to retractable awnings because there are no moving parts. This potentially means less maintenance. With a permanent patio roof, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you remembered to retract the awning.

Convenience

These roofs are convenient and very durable. Some styles can be custom shaped to fit around structures of your home such as bays or chimneys. They can have built-in gutter systems to channel rainfall away from your patio.

Style

Furthermore, there are many different looks and styles to choose from. We can help you pick out a patio roof that will look beautiful with your home.

Whether you choose to go with a retractable awning or a permanent patio roof will ultimately come down to your personal preference and lifestyle. One will offer you more options for sun or shade while the other has the potential to provide a more considerable amount of convenience.

Both, however, will give you greater control over your outdoor space and can look beautiful with your home. Furthermore, with protection from the elements, these roofs can make entertaining guests more enjoyable because you won’t have to worry about whether you’ll have to move people inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

If you would like more information about patio roofs, or would like to speak with one of our experts to determine whether this would be a good option for your home, we would be happy to chat with you. Call the Jans Awning Products team today at 905-335-3733.

Roll Shutters vs. Retractable Screens

You might have heard the terms roll shutters and retractable screens thrown around when looking for window treatments, but has anyone stopped to tell you the difference? Do you know which one is right for you? These terms might be used interchangeably by some companies but they are not the same thing, so before you make a large, potentially custom, purchase here’s what you need to know between roll shutters and retractable screens.

Roll Shutters

roll shutters

What are they?

Roll shutters are window treatments, like retractable screens. But unlike retractable screens, they are installed on the outside of a window or your home. They are offered in a variety of colours and are custom fit to the size of your windows to ensure that it looks as if they were meant to be there. Roll shutters are incredibly durable and come with manufacturer’s warranties but be sure to check out exactly what is and isn’t covered in the warranty.

How do I know if I need them?

Roll shutters are usually more for protection purposes. They are installed on the outside of your window to ensure the glass doesn’t break, and they help prevent damage to the frame. Many people who own cottages or cabins install these so that during the off-season they can protect their property from any inclement weather or hazards that would potentially damage or break windows. Often, retail shop owners with windows in the front of their property also use this style of window covering while business is closed to prevent robberies. Overall these are a great, decorative option to protect windows and frames from damage as you cannot always be at your cottage or business.

Retractable Screens

rollscreen

What are they?

Retractable screens are a decorative option that you can add to just about any window in your home. They are retractable so easily removed – either manually or automatically with a remote. These screens are installed on the inside of a window and act to provide privacy and even help make your home a little more efficient keeping the heat/cool in, depending on the season.

What’s so great about them?

Retractable screens give privacy without completely blocking your view like traditional blackout curtains would. They roll up into a 5” box, so they are easily out of the way if you want to let the light in, and you’ll save money with the added energy efficiency. These can be customized to the size of your windows. What’s great is that they work for areas even without windows – decks, patios, gazebos and even garages! These screens provide shade to enjoy the warm weather without having to sit out with the hot sun. These screens are best for those who enjoy spending time outside during the warmer weather but don’t necessarily want to be exposed to the sun’s rays for hours on end. Or, they could be used in a sunroom where the shade is occasionally desired.

Roll shutters and retractable screens will add so much to your home, cottage or business – you simply need to decide which option best suits your needs. Both provide privacy and protection from UV damage and can be customized for your home.

7 Benefits of Roll Shutters

Among homeowners, roll shutters have become a popular choice because they are incredibly versatile: they come in a variety of colours, and they can be fitted over existing windows and doors. With this versatility, it means that no matter what style of décor your home has or what size windows were previously installed you can find roll shutters that will work for your home. If you still aren’t sold on the idea of roll shutters here are some benefits to help you decide if they are a good choice for your home.

living room roll shutters

 

Keep it Quiet

If you live in a busy neighbourhood, or maybe the kids in your area just make a whole lot of noise, you might find yourself wishing for a quieter home. Roll shutters – when closed over the windows and doors – can help keep noise out of your home and give you a more relaxing and calm environment.

Lower the Bills

Having roll shutters can increase the efficiency of your home by keeping the heat inside during the winter, and outside during the hot summer months. By keeping the temperature controlled and even, you will notice a decrease in the utility bills since your home’s heating and cooling won’t have to work as hard to heat up or cool down the same area.

Keep the Windows for Longer

Having roll shutters will help to maintain your windows which means a noticeable amount of time will extend the lifetime of your windows. They will also keep them looking super clean by keeping dirt and debris off the windows.

Options, Options, Options

Roll shutters are designed to open and close to let a lot or a little light in, but how you achieve that is totally up to you. Some roll shutters are operated via remote; some are done automatically (on a timer), and others are controlled manually. The options for how you achieve your desired result are completely endless – plus the styles and colours to choose from make it that much better.

Affordable Window Covering Option

Sometimes drapes and curtains can be incredibly expensive, depending on the size of your windows and the style you’re looking for. Roll shutters are an affordable option to many of the window treatments available out there, especially if you prefer to not have any drapes or curtains on your windows when you want the sun shining in.

Control the Light

Sometimes you want the sun shining in, and sometimes you don’t. You might even want to have a little bit of light during the day without the full sun shining in. With roll shutters, you can control the amount of sun you allow into your house at any given time.

Protect Your Home

In areas that are prone to harsh weather – storms, hurricanes or blizzards – roll shutters can work as protection. By closing the shutters, they will prevent windows from being shattered or debris coming through the windows.

Roll shutters add both style and function to your home, and they can replace expensive window treatments should you decide you don’t want that as an option for your home. No matter what your style is, there are so many options for colour and type that will suit your home.