What Are the Most Popular Types of Awnings in Petersburg & Tri-Cities VA?
When Roberts Awnings was founded in Petersburg, Virginia, back in 1899, long before air conditioning came into widespread use, awnings played a vital role in keeping indoor spaces cool as well as providing shade and shelter at doorways. It wasn’t long before homeowners and shopkeepers alike recognized the added value of awnings as attention-getters, and photos of downtown districts in the Tri-Cities area during those early days illustrate how awnings defined the commercial streetscapes of that era.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and awnings are still delivering an exceptional bang for the buck when it comes to both enhanced curb appeal and protection from weather. What’s more, innovations in the awnings industry have led to a practically unlimited number of options for outfitting your home or business with outdoor shade solutions that look and function exactly the way you want them to.
A Customized Approach to Providing Outdoor Shade
Of course, many things have changed in the decades since we set up shop in Petersburg, and we’ve expanded our product selection to encompass just about any type of outdoor shade you could name. However, we haven’t changed our approach to outfitting homes and businesses with the custom solutions they need. We take pride in being the Tri-Cities’ one-stop shop for all things related to outdoor shade. We custom manufacture our awnings and walkway covers using the finest metal or fabric materials on the market, and we expertly install them to make sure they provide all the beauty and functionality they’re supposed to.
No matter what type of outdoor shade you’re imagining for your home, business, church, or school in the Tri-Cities area, we’ll be delighted to discuss the details and help you bring your vision to life. Contact Roberts Awnings today if you’d like to get started. In the meantime, here are some of the most popular types of awnings requested by our customers, along with a few of the pros and cons for your consideration:
Type of Awnings
Awning Styles
Because fixed awnings have welded frames, they can be shaped in a variety of different styles. Here are a few of the more common options:
Stationary or Fixed Awning
Stationary awnings are permanently attached to the exterior of the home. These tend to be sturdy and stable, standing up to rain and wind. They can be custom made to fit oddly-shaped areas such as curved or wraparound decks.
Advantages
- Built to be sturdy and long-lasting
- Full weather protection
- Ideal for smaller areas like windows and doors
Disadvantages
- Requires more maintenance
- Orientation can’t be changed
- Requires support to cover a large area
Retractable Awning
Retractable awnings roll or fold up. These are great because they give you flexibility. Block out the elements when you want or roll the awning back when you’d like to soak up some sun.
Advantages
- Can be wall or roof mounted
- Can be put away in bad weather
- Frame requires less maintenance
- Ideal for patios and decks
Disadvantages
- Cannot withstand bad weather
- Initial expense is higher
- Repairs are costly
Motorized – Retractable awnings that roll in and out with the push of a button. These are more convenient than manual retractable awnings, which can be a pain to roll up, but they’re also more expensive.
Window Awnings – Awnings that block direct sunlight from coming into your windows. These can be stationary, retractable or motorized. Some people also consider them a decorative feature.
Types of Covers
Awning covers usually come in two different kinds of fabrics, with one of two different treatments.
Polyester
- Designed to withstand weathering
- Blocks UV rays, but allows some sunlight
- Breathable
- Maintenance: Wiping down
Cotton
- Traditional awning material
- Inherently strong and durable
- Water Resistant
- Maintenance: Machine washable
Vinyl or Laminate Coated
- Flame and water resistant
- Prone to fading
Acrylic Coated
- Color is more lasting
- Not flame or water resistant