Retractable awnings add space without the costly addition

(ARA) - When looking at summer home improvements, many times we think about adding an addition to expand our livable space. But building an addition can be inconvenient, costly and take a long time. A new trend with consumers is to add retractable awnings to their home's exterior.

Awnings can add fun color and stylish design to your home's character while providing an expandable tool that increases outdoor living space.

"Awnings expand homes by turning decks and patios into added living space, combining the comfort of the indoors with the enjoyment

Gardening

of the outdoors," says Larry Bedosky, director of marketing for Durasol Awnings and an expert on outdoor design. "Consumers are looking for new ways to create an outdoor sanctuary so they can fully and safely enjoy the season without the costs of a full addition."

Awnings can add style and flair to your home, too. Today's consumers are no longer satisfied with a set of flimsy patio furniture and a couple of potted plants on their decks or patios. Homeowners are demanding outdoor design elements that really echo the personality of their home. And with the wide variety of styles and designs, you're sure to find one that matches your home's decor.

You can customize awnings to fit other needs as well. For example, do you live in a windy region? An optional wind or motion sensor is available that allows awnings to automatically retract when wind speeds reach a predetermined level, preventing awning damage. Do you suffer from intense sun rays? A sun sensor can also be added to allow for automatic operation determined by the sun's strength. Also, an interior wireless remote control is an option that provides easy-access operation. When not in use, awnings can be easily retracted, safely stored and will subtly blend in with the exterior beauty of any home.

Additionally, awnings help protect us from the sun's UV rays, as well as conserve energy by blocking the sun from entering the home through windows, therefore saving the homeowner money on their cooling costs. According to studies conducted by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, the use of fabric awnings reduces solar heat gain by up to 77 percent - lowering indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Not only do your cooling costs go down, but also your furniture and carpet are protected from fading.

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