Retractable awnings are a great investment for your home by contributing to your outdoor living space. Not only does a retractable awning add aesthetic appeal to your home, but it also provides lasting benefits for you to enjoy, such as allowing you to enjoy the sun or shade at any time. Also, a retractable awning helps to personalize your deck or patio for optimal comfort, but which type should you choose, manual or motorized?

 

Both types will do the job, but there are significant benefits to installing a motorized retractable patio awning. Here are some of the top reasons why many homeowners end up deciding on a motorized system instead of a manual method.

Convenience of Motorized Awnings

The convenience and ease of operating a motorized patio awning can’t be matched since it comes with a remote control that’s a snap to operate. With the push of a button, you can unroll or roll up your patio awning to the desired level instead of constantly cranking a lever to set the awning to the desired position.

With a remote in your hand, you can adjust your patio awning as the sun changes and never even have to get up to set the position, unlike a manual, which requires more time, more up and down motion from you chair and increased manual labor. You get to continue relaxing while the motor does the work for you.

Motorized retractable awnings are particularly advantageous when a bad rain storm whips up. Would you rather stand outside in a downpour with violent winds while physically cranking a shaft to roll in your patio awning or touch a button from the comfort and safety inside?

Finally, seniors, people with arthritis, or those with wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may find manual cranking hard on their joints. Automatic motorized awnings can make a difficult process much easier.

Personalization:

The benefits of motorized patio awnings go beyond being able to retract them automatically. They come with features and accessories that you can individualize, such as synchronizing your awning to sense rain, sunlight or wind. These advanced automated settings not only increase the ease and convenience of managing your patio awning but makes sure that the awning will stay safe during poor weather conditions. These features allow you the freedom from worrying when to roll in your patio awning during inclement weather if it knows when to do so itself.

Final Thoughts on Motorized Awnings:

To some, the benefits of motorized retractable patio awnings far outweigh those of manual ones. With a motorized patio awning, you can have the most modern outdoor living space designed for supreme convenience. If you’re in the market for a new patio awning, you can contact Jans Awning Products in Burlington Ontario to learn more about the benefits of motorized retractable patio awnings.

Awnings are a great way to create outdoor living space perfect for entertaining and enjoying fresh air. Whether shielding from sun, rain, wind or snow, an awning can make many types of weather conditions enjoyable. However, awnings call for particular safety attention, depending on what types of activities are going on in your outdoor space.

 

Barbecues and outdoor cooking:

It is important to consider proximity to barbecues and other outdoor cooking devices such as chimneys or fire pits. In Burlington, residents are allowed to have small, confined cooking fires if they are supervised at all times and used to cooking food on a grill. Outdoor fire pits, chimneys and other portable devices that are intended for backyard bonfires are not permitted without an open air burn permit.

That being said, even small cooking fires require special attention if they are in close proximity to an outdoor awning. Retractable awnings are a higher risk awning because they are made with a waterproof fabric. Suitable for both windows and doors, this type of awning is seen most commonly in backyards. Luckily, the retractable feature makes it easy to tuck away if you plan to BBQ or cook over a small fire. Fixed aluminum awnings are not at risk of catching fire from an unattended open flame. However, they can melt when exposed to extremely hot temperatures.

Prevention is key:

Preventing any accidents are top priority when it comes to fire safety. With this in mind, there are a couple of factors to consider before you choose to barbecue over an open flame.

1. If your awning is retractable, tuck it away before any fire or barbecue is lit.

2. Observe the premises. Are there bushes or trees that easily connect your fire or barbecue back to your awning or home. Make sure that the area is clear above and around your designated area.

3. Weather conditions are important. High winds make an open flame extremely risky, as well as extreme dryness, so try to avoid open air burning in these instances.

4. Smoke is dangerous too. Any fire in an enclosed space can create an uncomfortable environment, and breathing can become a real challenge. Ensure that smoke is not being captured under or around your awning to avoid the dangers of excessive smoke.

We don’t recommend barbecuing under an awning for one main reason and that is carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide is an invisible and scentless gas that can become trapped under an awning.  While you may think the open air would send the carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, it could be funneling it into your home through an open window.  This is how several people died around Burlington during the ice storm of December 2013.  People barbecued or ran generators in their garage, which ended up sending gas into the house’s crawlspaces, and eventually into bedrooms where people died in their sleep.

We at Jans Awning Products want you to have decades of enjoyment under your awnings.  Contact us today to have us install an awning you can enjoy while you watch your food barbecue from a safe distance away.

A little routine care and awning cleaning will increase the durability of your awnings. Awnings require proper maintenance. Some awnings are made of mildew resistant materials. However, this does not mean that they don’t require the occasional cleaning. If you allow dirt to accumulate on a canvas awning, it can lead to the growth of mildew and mould. Mould poses some serious health risk. Also it affects the aesthetic appeal of your awning by leaving ugly stains on the fabric.

 

Clean your awnings once a month

The easiest and most effective way of cleaning your awnings is to hose them with water. This ritual has to be performed every month. Routine cleaning will prevent dirt from getting accumulated deep inside the fabric. If, on the other hand, you allow dirt to embed within the fabric, you will need more robust cleaning strategies.

That said, there is a limit to what you can accomplish by giving your awnings a monthly rinse. They will need a thorough cleaning every 2 to 3 years.

 

How to clean your awnings

Depending upon the type and size of the awnings you have, you will probably have to remove them from their frame to clean them. Some awnings, however, can be cleaned while they are still on the frame. Some awning fabrics can be machine washed. Use mild soaps and lukewarm or cold water to wash the fabric in a washing machine. After washing the fabric, don’t forget to air dry it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully while cleaning the awning fabric.

The awning fabric can be cleaned while it is still on its frame. In this case, start the cleaning process by brushing off the loose debris or dirt. After removing the dirt, hose down the awning fabric with water. Prepare a cleaning solution of mild soap and water. Apply the cleaning solution to the awning fabric. Clean the fabric gently with a brush. Using cold water rinse the fabric thoroughly and let it air dry.

 

How to clean the underside

The top of the awning is constantly exposed to the weather elements. Dirt, cobwebs and dust can also get deposited on the underside. The underside of the awning should be brushed regularly with a broom. This simple strategy will keep your awning in good condition.

 

Repair wear and tear

Canvas awnings should be kept away from shrubs, trees and vines. Plants produce an acid which can damage the awning fabric. Constant exposure to this acid will affect the performance and appearance of your awning.

Check the awning fabric routinely for small tears or rips. Remember that if small tears are not repaired, they will eventually become large. So close the tears as soon as you spot them with a repair tape.

 

Take care when it’s cold and wet

Your awnings need protection from cold temperatures. Canvas awnings may suffer damage when they are rolled or unrolled in winter.

Water pooling can cause canvas to stretch. This will eventually lead to a poor fit on the frame. After a downpour inspect the awning to see if water has pooled in any of its pockets. If so, push the underside of the awning with a broom. This will remove standing water.

A little routine maintenance will go a long way in keeping your awnings in good shape for years to come.

 

Click here for more information on awning cleaning and for specific recommendations on removing a variety of stains.

 

Enjoying the great outdoors this summer is better when you have installed a beautiful awing. It’s a treat to be in the shade during those hot summer days. But what to do when your awning has aged is wearing and faded and now needs to be recovered?  It’s easy! Just contact the professionals at Jan’s Awning Products. A recover project is simple and professionally done when you use modern fabric like that from Sunbrella, Dickson, Symprol and Swela. This modern fabric is durable and sun resistant. It is the perfect candidate for awning recovering.

 

The shade structure made using our recommended fabrics offers more than just extended space. It also protects from the sun’s harmful rays and lowers your energy bills. Overall shade is a smart choice.

An awning can be a way to add a burst of colour to your space. Or if you are looking for your awning to blend in, match the fabric with your home. Also, keep in mind your furniture’s colour palette – both inside and out. Your awning will be visible from inside your home, so be sure your fabric choice looks just as good from the inside.

As long as the frame of your awning is in good condition, recovering your awning is an easy process.  Whether you have a retractable awning or a fixed-frame awning; recovering your awning with new fabric from our recommended suppliers is an excellent choice.

We provide a wide range of incredibly stylish and durable options to recover your awning. This gives you worry-free living knowing that your new awning cover is the best quality available. All of our awning fabrics offer superior fade and stain resistance. The fabrics also clean easily and quickly. This gives you more time for what matters, enjoying your outdoor living.  With over 200 patterns and colour available to choose from, you are certain to find a fabric that suits your tastes and your needs.

Caring for Your New Awning Fabric

Now that you have recovered your awning, how do you care for your new fabric? Your new awning fabric should be cleaned regularly.  Substances such as dirt and pollen can accumulate over time and become embedded in the fabric. That makes regular cleaning important. You can clean the fabric without removing it from the awning. You can easily brush off any loose dirt then clean with luke-warm water and a mild natural soap. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a soft bristle brush to clean. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Then simply rinse thoroughly with a garden hose to rinse all the soap from the awning. If you are using liquid soap it may be necessary to reapply a water repellant treatment such as Fabric Guard. This is available at your local hardware store or through Jan’s Awning Products. If you have stubborn stains you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew.  For roof run-off or other similar stains, a strong degreaser may be required.

If you have any more questions about awning recovery or if you want your awning’s recovered right and last for years to come then Contact Us for any and all of your awning needs.

Since 1982 JANS Awning Products has been providing quality retractable awning products and services. JANS offers a complete range of shade and shelter products, including large commercial awnings & canopies, tension systems, vertical screens, classic canopies, patio roofs, North Star Windows and more.

 

 

Retractable awnings are a great choice when it comes to shading and adding some style to your outdoor space, and it all starts with the awning fabric.

JANS Awning Products is a certified dealer of Sunbrella fabrics. Sunbrella offers quality fabrics and a variety of colours for awnings so that you can coordinate your awning with your garden, outdoor furniture, and accessories. This provides you with the freedom to personalize and showcase your sense of style.

 

 

There are many factors to consider when you’re purchasing your awning. Here are few tips to guide you through your awning purchase:

• The direction that your home is facing will shed some light on your shading needs. If your home is facing south and you get sun all day, you’ll need a wider shade solution. If your home is facing west and you get sun from noon and onwards, you’ll need a shade solution that extends further out.

 

• Have a large deck or patio? you don’t have to cover the whole space. It’s recommended to consider your home’s architectural features or to consider what outdoor furniture you want to have placed in the shade.

 

• Depending on your home’s architecture, an awning could be installed in one of three ways. It could be installed with a wall mount, a roof mount, or a soffit mount. JANS team of professionals will examine the architecture of your home and install the awning accordingly while you kick back and enjoy the day.

 

• Height is the most important factor when it comes to determining the placement of the awning on your home. The higher the awning can be mounted, the more options are available for the slope of the awning. It’s recommended to have a mounting height of 8.5 feet. If 8.5 feet height is not possible to achieve due to your wall space, then a roof mount should be something to consider.

We understand that it could be difficult to visualize how an awning would look on your home. Solair’s Awning Visualizer enables you to upload a photo of your home or use an example they have provided to help you visualize the impact of the awning on the aesthetic appeal of your home.

 

 

If you want to enjoy your outdoor space in the shade this summer, contact us and ask about our awning services.

Awnings are an easy way to update your home, adding value as well as functionality. You can instantly transform your space and a new awning is a smart financial investment which will help pay for itself. Not to mention the other wonderful benefits that come with owning an awning.

Awnings and Energy Efficiency

Awnings over your windows, doors and patios can provide you with a great deal of energy savings. Some statistics show awnings reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 25%. When heat is transmitted through the glass windows in your home, it can cause you to turn up your air conditioner in order to cool your home. By having awnings over your doors and windows you block the UV rays and reduce UV transmission. Because of this you won’t have to pay as much in utilities to cool your home in the summer.

Extra Living Space

Awnings add extra livable space on your deck. Having an awning will reduce the heat on that area of the deck making it possible to enjoy the deck even on the hottest days. It will be a great spot to entertain and relax with friends and family. How many times have you had to head inside due to the heat or rain? With an awning, that rarely happens because you have protection from the elements.

Curb Appeal

One of the main reasons people have awnings installed is for aesthetic purposes. Awnings are an easy way to enhance the look and design of your home. Awnings come in almost endless styles, colours and patterns it’s not hard to find one that fits perfectly with your style and your house.

Money Savings with Awnings

Awnings not only save on energy, but without the constant need to increase the AC from all that heat entering your home through the windows, they save on the wear and tear of the unit itself. That means the also save on repairs and parts for service. Awnings can also help protect furnishings, curtains and rugs from sun damage so you don’t have to buy new items for a longer time.

Great Value

Awnings are very durable. Most will last for a long period of time, roughly 10 years. And the cost savings more than makes awnings a great purchase.

Adding an awning to your home can increase your home’s overall value. Awnings immediately add great curb appeal to your home, and in the event that you put your home up for sale, adding an awning is a great way to attract potential buyers and help make that desirable first impression. Awnings are also wonderful in a neighbourhood that looks the same, giving your home a distinct and unique look and feel that allows it to stand out from a crowd.

Contact us here at Jans Awning Products if you would like to discus the benefits of adding an awning to your home.

Branding is essential for the success of your business. It helps you stand out from our competition. Your logo isn’t the only branding tool that you have at your disposal. Your corporate awnings also play a crucial role in improving the recognition of your brand.

Awnings not only provide protection from weather elements; they are also great branding tools. Even large corporations use awnings as a marketing tool.

How to use awnings to promote your brand

Many organizations use awnings to protect their commercial space from heat and dust. Besides offering protection from the weather elements, they act as excellent marketing tools. Corporate awnings are quite versatile. They offer numerous benefits. They can complement your signage and the exterior of your building. Here are some of the benefits offered by commercial awnings.

Anwnings Create an Impression

Awnings complete the look of your commercial building. They add a signature touch to the façade. Small businesses install awnings above their doors and windows. One way of impressing your brand upon your customers is to use awnings made with your corporate colors and logo. Install them on the exterior of your buildings to brand your business.

Create Landmarks with Awnings

Some businesses occupy historic buildings. This is done to distinguish them from their competition. However, in cities most buildings look more or less the same. You can make your corporate structure stand out from the rest by having unique awnings installed on them. This will differentiate your building from other similar looking buildings in its surroundings. This is a great branding method. In addition, the awnings will enhance the look of your building.
The same awnings can be used to cover your side entrances and parking areas. They provide a consistent look to your commercial property and also offer protection from the weather elements. To make your business look modern and smart, you have to work on your branding efforts continuously.

Awning Permits

You need a building permit to install an awning on your commercial structure in Burlington. You have to follow certain norms. There are also restrictions regarding the kind of materials that can be used.
• All awnings installed over your commercial building have to be supported by metal rods. They should be attached to the building and leave the sidewalk unobstructed. All awnings have to be installed at least seven feet above the sidewalk.
• The awning fabric should cover the supporting structure properly. There should be no unsecured/loose edges.
• The colours as well as the materials should blend well with the surrounding structures. Make sure that you choose awnings that complement the overall design theme of the street.
• The awning has to be installed in such a way that it does not extend into public sidewalk.
• The awning has to be installed below the signage that represents your company.
• Lighting and other materials attached to the awning should be fixed to the supporting structure properly.

As we have already seen, commercial awnings are great branding tools. If you need help with choosing the right kind of awnings for your business, get in touch with us.

Patio shade structures are of different kinds, shapes and sizes. They can be used to cover a small patio or a high-rise terrace. They can also be used to cover larger areas. Most types of patio shade structures are seasonal for Ontario. Most are not supposed to stay in place throughout the year. You have to take them out during the off-season and store them safely.

By winterizing your patio shade structures, you can enhance their durability and also keep them looking attractive for a long time.
 

How to winterize your patio shade structures

It is easy to winterize your patio structures. You only have to follow these steps.

Inspect the shade structures thoroughly

Your awnings and canopies wear out over time. Accidents may also cause damage to them. Inspect the entire structure carefully. Look for signs of damage. See if the fittings and fabric are tight and snug. If you find loose hardware, tighten it.
Look for tiny tears or worn spots in the fabric. Make sure that the stitching is not coming unraveled. If your awnings have a valance, they should be inspected more closely. As they flutter in the wind, they may wear out easily.

Fix problems

If you spot signs of damage, you have to make repairs right away. If you wait until the spring to fix them, the problem may get worse. Before you even realize it, a tiny hole may metamorphose into an unsightly rip. A simple repair will not burn a hole in your pockets. Replacements, on the other hand, are quite costly.

Clean all parts carefully

Do not use abrasive materials or harsh cleaning agents to clean your shade structures. Wash the fabric using a soap solution and rinse thoroughly. Dry it well before storing it away.
Dust off any dust or dirt that may have accumulated over time. Debris may leave scratches on the metal or fabric while you clean it. In any case, you cannot allow debris to settle because it can stain the fabric.

Dismantle the structure

You have to fold or roll the framework in the right way to protect the parts. Most seasonal canopies support compact storage. If the structure does not have a carrying case, wrap it in a sheet so that it does not get dirty.
Retractable awnings will stay in place during off-season as well. They have a permanently mounted housing to protect them from harsh winter elements.

Store them properly

If you have been using these shade structures for several years, you should know how to store them properly. If you are not familiar with these structures you should seek the help of a good awning company. They will be able to answer all questions you have about winterizing your shade structures. They will also be able to give tips on caring for them.
Winterizing your patio shade structures is easier than you think. Also it doesn’t take too long. If you set aside some time for this, you can prolong the life of your shade structures.

Winters in Canada can be extremely severe in Southern Ontario and everyone likes to prepare their home for the long and frigid days ahead. Fireplace installations will be serviced & window and door insulation will be re-checked. Those who have awnings always worry about how they should protect them in the winter.

If you have manual fabric awnings, you might want to dismantle them & store them till spring. This is the best way of protecting the fabric from any kind of damage that the snow, ice, windstorms and cold temperatures causes. Doing this will give you “use-ready” awnings when you want them. Before dismantling, call whoever installed your awnings to see if that is the best course of action.

Winterizing Steps For Awnings

• Brush -off the dust, debris & all the leaves from your awning, and move in one direction- from its upper edge to the bottom edge
• Hose-off the awning & remove any dirt/debris that is stuck to it. Use a soft-bristled brush to carefully remove all the stains & dirt spots
• Dissolve a little bit of mild soap in a bucketful of warm water and scrub the awning clean with it. Make sure that the brush does not dry out while the cleaning is in progress
• Thoroughly rinse the awning with a hose
• Air it completely out and ensure that there is no dampness before you store it as this can result in moss & mildew growth
• If there is a hanging valance, remove it & hose that down well. Use a bit of mild-soapy water & clean-off all the dirt & dust from it with a very soft-bristled brush
• Let it dry out completely
• Roll it up properly & store it in a dry spot – this will prevent mildew/moss growth
• Just cover the valance lightly, but don’t use any plastic cover as it will trap the moisture
• In case you have a retractable awning and are not removing it from the frame, use a specialized awning cover. These functional covers provide effective protection. They entirely cover the awning installation and will ensure that there is no mildew or moss formation

Things to Remember with Awnings

• Test the mild soap properly on a small hidden area of the awning & ensure that it isn’t causing any damage
• Read the recommendations of the manufacturer and check which cleaning agents are best for your awning & check about the best care methods

High Quality Products

We provide very high-quality products that will give you trouble-free service for a number of years. Under regular use, Jans Awning Products remain waterproof for a long time. But, over years the elements may wear away at the waterproofing. If, upon inspection, you find that there is some moisture or water inside or any sign of water-penetration, apply a reproofing agent to the awning. Check manufacturer recommendations about the agent that should be used.

If you are looking for the highest-quality manual/ motorized awnings across Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Brantford, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Brampton or Grimsby, call Jans Awning Products on 905.335.3733. If you have any queries about winterizing the awnings, please contact us via this online form.