Energy Conservation It's official - awnings can help you save energy and reduce your summer cooling bill.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says this percentage may be even higher, and that awnings can reduce the heat entering a building by as much as 80 percent.

(Note that in the event of a hurricane, awning covers can be removed relatively easily by the owner. This allows the wind to pass through the frame and avoids serious wind damage. The cover can be professionally reinstalled after the storm.)

For further information, follow these links:

http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/warmwindow_tips.html
http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/windowsbody.html
http://www.fema.gov/library/heatf.htm

Design Benefits

Awnings and similar structures have been used for centuries for their beauty as well as their function.

They offer endless possibilities for enhancing a building's beauty and decor.

They add shape, dimension and color, and can be custom-designed to fit any structure's unique character and style.

Today's awnings can assume a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which makes design options virtually limitless. Awning fabrics and frames are also available in a wide variety of styles and materials.

They can emphasize attractive or unusual architectural features or improve the appearance of a building via a variety of innovative designs.

Awnings can add drama and impact - even turn your front door into a grand entrance. And they can add softness and color to any size, shape or style of structure.

In many instances an awning can dramatically change the look and feel of the entire building.

Practical Benefits

• Awnings are an excellent medium to advertise your business.
• A backlit awning provides excellent night-time exposure for your business while at the same time providing security lighting.
• Also, don't forget how harmful the sun's rays are to your furnishings, art and decorations.
• Not to mention the well-documented health risks associated with too much sun exposure.