by dulando-admin | Aug 10, 2016 | Aluminum Awnings
When you close your eyes, you can picture it. You’ve got it made in the shade. Relaxing in your backyard, hopefully on your covered patio with an icy drink in your hand. A warm breeze dances across your skin and the beauty of the outdoors is all around you. All you need to make your vision a reality is the… patio cover.
Which kind of patio cover is best for your home?
For homeowners who want a roof for their patio, there are several varieties of a Snap-N-Lock patio cover to choose from. We’ve outlined a few worth considering and outlined their pros and cons.
Aluminum Awnings
Pros: When it comes to patio and porch covers, aluminum awnings are a popular choice. They’re affordable, attractive, last for years and can be customized to fit practically any space. Unlike wooden structures, they aren’t vulnerable to termites or fires.
Cons: While they do provide an impressive amount of shade, traditional aluminum awnings are not insulated so they are not the most energy-efficient. Aluminum awnings aren’t able to keep the spaces they shelter quite as cool as some other options.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
Perma-Wood Pergolas
Pros: The graceful lines and classic style of pergolas lend them a timeless appeal that looks amazing when nestled alongside your home or standing independently in your yard. Choosing an aluminum pergola that is made from Structall’s revolutionary Perma-Wood allows you to enjoy the beauty of wood without the traditional drawbacks. Meticulously crafted, aluminum pergolas offer the look and feel of wood with embossed surfaces that mimic the grain of natural wood. In this case, appearances are delightfully deceiving because the material is aluminum. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about fire, destructive insects or warping, cracking or rot.
Homeowners can choose from several colors and multiple end cuts for beams and rafters, and there are even options for lighting and guttering. Best of all, minimal maintenance is required to keep these durable patio covers looking fantastic.
Cons: Pergolas traditionally have ceilings that resemble latticework. The openness allows sunlight and rain to penetrate the roof. As a result, the area under cover is more vulnerable to the elements than it would be if the roof were solid. Pergolas are a great addition to a backyard, but they don’t replace a patio cover.
Structall’s Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels
A Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels can be used to create aluminum awnings, porch covers and front aluminum patio covers.
Pros: Why does it matter if a patio roof is insulated? An insulated roof does a better job of shielding the space below from the intense rays of the Florida sun. Thus, keeping the area cooler and more comfortable. It also helps muffle sound, so a sudden burst of rain or hail is less likely to disturb anyone sheltering beneath it.
Structall’s Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels have a foam core wrapped in a metal skin. They connect via a patented joint system for a strong durable construction that takes little effort to maintain. The insulated panels come prefinished, but they can be topped with shingles or vinyl siding if a different look is desired. Lastly, they easily accommodate special features like lighting, ceiling fans or skylights.
Cons: A high-quality material, Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels come with an initial price tag that’s a bit higher than some other options.
Additional Reading for Patio Covers
Dulando Screen and Awning proudly serves Orlando, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding areas. We thrive on helping transform backyard dreams into reality. To discover more about the possibilities for patio covers or request a free estimate, contact us today at 407-862-6060. or fill out our online form for a free design consultation.
by dulando-admin | Aug 9, 2016 | Aluminum Awnings
Adding an awning to your home is a good way to protect your home’s doors and windows while adding an attractive accent piece. In addition, outdoor awnings provide constant shade from the heat of the sun, an urgent necessity for any Florida home. Aluminum awnings are a common choice, but you might be considering fabric or canvas awnings as well. Before you make your choice, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both types of awnings. Although all awnings will provide functional shade, you need to consider the cost, durability and maintenance differences between fabric and aluminum before adding an awning to your home.
Durability
Awnings for patios are built to last for years, especially when cared for properly. Unlike the fabric material used for canvas awnings, aluminum will not tear or shred except in extreme weather. The elements are common foes for canvas awnings; when water accumulates, mold may grow and cause unsightly stains. Wind storms and other weather events can also impact the longevity of a fabric awning. Over time, damage from the weather may require the homeowner to replace the fabric of the awning.
Expense
Aluminum Awnings generally cost less than fabric awnings. Due to the longevity of aluminum, the awnings are expected to survive for many years, making them a sound financial investment. No matter which awning you install, however, you can expect some benefit on your cooling costs during the summer. These savings on your utility bills can help defray the costs of installing your awnings.
Maintenance Considerations
Although all choices for your home and deck awnings require some maintenance, aluminum requires the least repair work. Precipitation does not accumulate on aluminum patio awnings and debris is easy to remove by hosing the awning with water or sweeping it with a broom. Issues with fabric awnings, such as a hole, may require the entire fabric to be replaced. Having to replace the fabric repeatedly can make fabric awnings a hassle. Not to mention the eye sore it becomes until it can be replaced.
Withstanding Stormy Weather
An aluminum awning is strong enough to withstand most storm and wind damage, an important consideration when selecting a patio awning for any Florida home. Fabric awnings are not strong enough to take the brunt of a major storm and must be removed prior to a storm’s arrival to prevent irreparable damage. You may not be home to think about it if a storm hits in the summer afternoons.
Style Choices
Fabric awnings do provide a wide range of style options; you can choose between many different colors and prints for your awning. However, selecting a custom color can add to the final costs of your awning package. Aluminum does not have as many color options, but it’s not hard to find a color that will match your home’s exterior. In addition, aluminum awnings offer a clean and classic look that can blend in well with a variety of home styles.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
If you need more help in your search for the ideal Florida awning for your home, contact Dulando Screen and Awning, Inc today at 407-862-6060. We service the entire Orlando area as well as Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and so many other coastal areas. Let us help you figure out the best option for your home and lifestyle.
by dulando-admin | Jul 15, 2016 | Aluminum Awnings
Looking for ways to enjoy the backyard year-round that is also functional and stylish? Consider custom aluminum patio awnings as an option when looking for a solution for a patio cover. There are many types of awnings you can choose for your patio, but permanent awnings will give you the best option for the price.
5 reasons aluminum patio awnings are a great idea for your home:
- Outdoor Shade Opportunities
Florida heat can be relentless, and any possibility of relief is a must-have. Aluminum patio awnings provide shade and protection from the sun’s UV rays. Depending on the size and location, aluminum patio awnings give you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors more during the summer months.
- Budget-Friendly = Saving Money
Another benefit is the cost savings involved with window and patio aluminum awnings. The shade provided by aluminum patio covers substantially reduces the energy needed to cool the interior of your home. This reduction results in less electricity used and hence a lower power bill! Talk about a win-win! Additionally, aluminum awnings tend to cost less than canvas awnings.
- A Host of Styles & Variety
Aluminum patio awnings are available in a variety of styles for any home construction. The only limitation is your imagination. If you already have a patio in the backyard, we can simply add a custom aluminum awning. If not, then decide on your location and size of where you want your patio awning and let Dulando handle the rest! - Ease of Maintenance
Aluminum awnings are easy to maintain due to the type of metal and paint used during installation. Aluminum requires a quick wash just a few times per year and the protective paint ensures there will be no rust issues for years to come. - Extend Your Outdoor Living Space
Lastly, porch awnings let you extend your home’s outside space so you can entertain and enjoy more of your porch/patio area. The combination of shade and relief from the sun’s rays allows you to spend more time outdoors with friends and family.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
Additional Reading – Patio Awning Debate: Fixed Awning vs. Retractable Awning
If you’ve been considering aluminum patio awnings for your backyard, we hope this article has been helpful. Call Dulando Screen and Awning, Inc. to schedule an appointment. Our team will come to your home to discuss the different options and provide a free estimate. Relief from the Florida sun is only a few clicks away. Call us 407-862-6060 or fill out our online form to receive a free estimate!
by dulando-admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Aluminum Awnings
Floridians love the outdoors, yet our infamous afternoon storms keep many residents inside on otherwise pleasant spring and summer days. Building a backyard patio aluminum awning allows homeowners to enjoy Orlando’s tropical climate all year long, as well as provide several other benefits to the home.
In terms of patio covers, building an aluminum awning is by far the most durable, the most economical and the most environmentally friendly option. Here are a few of the many ways a patio aluminum awning can improve life in Orlando all year long.
Low Maintenance Storm Protection
Unlike retractable fabric and canvas awnings, aluminum awnings can withstand Florida’s frequent summer storms without tearing or ripping. In fact, a quality patio aluminum awning can last up to four decades. Given their resistance to storms, rust and termites, aluminum patio covers require very little maintenance. The biggest issue homeowners face is trimming nearby trees so that limbs do not fall on their aluminum awning during storms. All our patio aluminum awnings are constructed using Structall building systems. Specifically, Dulando only uses Snap-N-Lock insulated panels.
Perfect Weather All Year Long
In addition to allowing you the ability to enjoy summer days without getting wet, aluminum awnings can significantly reduce rain damage to your home. Patio aluminum awnings keep you cooler by keeping you shielded from the sun while enjoying the outdoors. During the winter, awnings provide insulation to keep you warm as you sip coffee on your porch. House awnings aren’t limited to porch protection; if you don’t have a garage, an awning can make a perfect aluminum carport to keep your vehicles cool and dry.
Save Money and the Environment
Building an aluminum awning can actually reduce your utility costs by reflecting heat, thereby reducing the strain on your air conditioner. If you have solar panels, a light-colored awning can boost their efficiency. Because aluminum is lightweight, shipping is inexpensive and has a minimal impact on the environment.
Versatility and Customization
Aluminum patio awnings are available in dozens of styles and colors. They can be customized to size so that they look like a natural extension of your roof. You can even deck your awning with lights, a ceiling fan and an enclosure to create your own outdoor lounge.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
Related Articles About Building A Patio Aluminum Awning:
Dulando Screen & Awning has been keeping Orlando area residents covered for over 50 years. Our patio aluminum awning design consultant can work with you to pick out the best fit for your home while making sure you are compliant with all local building codes. We are a competitively priced and full-service business. Dulando can design, construct and install your awning. Call Dulando at 407-862-6060 for a free consultation with one of our design experts to start enjoying your new outdoor area.
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by dulando-admin | Oct 28, 2014 | Aluminum Awnings
Choosing the best patio aluminum awning comes down to more than cost; you should also consider efficiency and functionality.
A patio aluminum awning adds decoration to a home’s exterior and provides needed protection and shade. However, the debate continues about whether you should opt for canvas awnings instead. Both aluminum and canvas have their pros and cons, but you have to look past the material and consider equally important aspects, such as durability and maintenance.
Weighing the Overall Cost
Aluminum patio awnings provide a cost-efficient alternative to canvas awnings for several reasons. For one, canvas comes in a variety of fabric choices, which can increase the cost of a standard installation depending on which fabric you choose. Secondly, if you combine expensive fabric with the framing structure, you pay even more than if you chose patio and window aluminum awnings.
Averaging the Lifespan
With proper maintenance, everything from canvas patio coverings to door aluminum awnings can last nearly 20 years or more. Though canvas awnings come with varying warranties, these awnings often need replacing after five years in some cases. Aluminum is almost a set-it-and-forget-it type of installation since it requires little maintenance on your part.
Judging the Maintenance
The aluminum awning has the advantage here because of its slick surface that allows water to flow easily to the ground. Rainwater collects easier on canvas awnings and also creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Aluminum patio and window awnings require less maintenance while canvas traps dirt, leaves and other debris. You may also have to take down the canvas awning to wash it manually or protect it from high winds during a heavy storm.
Testing the Protection
Florida has its share of hurricanes and other severe storms, which makes it even more important to choose the best awning for hurricane protection. Aluminum offers more protection in dangerous storms, as some awnings can fold down and cover the windows. Canvas awnings leave most of the window uncovered and provide no barrier against wind and flying debris. You also need to take down any canvas retractable awnings during heavy storms to prevent damage to the canvas and its frame.
Taking in the Shade
The canvas versus aluminum debate ends here with the amount of shade each one offers. Canvas and aluminum offer plenty of shade over patios and windows, and both aluminum and canvas window awnings prevent excess light from seeping into a room. Door aluminum awnings shelter you from the rain as you enter your home, and canvas keeps rain out of the pergola. If you go with canvas awnings, you have to pick a darker fabric to create more shade, and darker fabric may cost more and attracts the sun.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
Ending the Debate Between Canvas and Aluminum Patio Awnings for Good
A patio aluminum awning not only requires less maintenance and costs less than their canvas counterparts; they also provide a new look and feel for your home. You can create a new outdoor room with an aluminum awning and have it look as if it is just an extension of the roof. You can also combine it with a screen enclosure to enjoy the outdoors in a sun-free, pest-free environment.
by dulando-admin | Oct 18, 2014 | Aluminum Awnings
Aluminum awnings do more than protect you, your car and your home from direct sunlight; they also add to your home’s exterior design. These functional and stylish exterior accessories offer shade and act as an extension of your home. In addition, patio aluminum awnings look and function even better with a screen enclosure, providing a cozy place to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with pests and the weather.
Major Advantages of Patio Aluminum Awnings
1. Long-Lasting Durability
Aluminum does not tear, rip or shred under heavy winds and rain as fabric canvas does. It stays firmly in place thanks to supporting beams and braces, ensuring it does not buckle, bend or sway in adverse weather. Aluminum awnings also withstand immense heat and do not promote mold and mildew growth. Our aluminum awnings have a wind rating of 130 -140 mph.
2. Extremely Low Maintenance
With long-lasting durability comes low maintenance thanks to the aluminum surface. Water drains easily from the awnings and takes dirt, leaves and debris with it. The smooth aluminum does not trap water against the awning, helping to prevent water damage and leaf buildup over time.
3. Cool Under the Sun
Aluminum awnings come with insulating layers, which absorb heat and promote cooler temperatures in the shade. They don’t just provide shade for patios but also for windows, offering the ideal solution for keeping heat and sunlight out of the home. With their insulating layers, aluminum awnings reduce heat gain by nearly 65 percent according to the U.S. Energy Department.
A lightly colored aluminum awning reflects sunlight even more and decreases solar heat gain by up to 77 percent on westward-facing windows. Awnings also need adequate ventilation to prevent trapped heat; therefore, they have strategically placed openings to vent hot air and keep the shaded area cool and dry.
4. Improved Design and Functionality
Aluminum awnings create an entirely new look for a home thanks in part to their array of colors, designs and styles. They create a new landing port for the driveway, a screened-in patio for outdoor gatherings and added shade for windows. Patio aluminum awnings come in different colors to complement the roof, brick or siding, and they provide added functionality with various attachments such as skylights and ceiling fans.
5. Totally Customizable
No matter the patio size, aluminum awnings can fit the area. From a patio area to a side driveway entrance, an installer can measure and install custom-fit awnings to match the space. Custom aluminum patio awnings enhance the home’s exterior while increasing its overall value. Not only do they promote shade and reduce heat buildup, but they also create curb appeal and add to the home’s aesthetic.
See our Gallery of Aluminum Awnings
The Many Benefits of Patio Aluminum Awnings
From their extreme durability to their energy efficiency, aluminum awnings for patios offer a variety of benefits for the home. They reduce heat buildup, require little maintenance and come in many colors and styles to fit any window and patio space. For added exterior styling and cooler temperatures beneath the sun, invest in a durable, custom-fit aluminum window and patio awning for your home.
For more information about aluminum awnings:
Call Dulando Screen & Awning at 407-862-6060 for a free no-obligation quote for a new patio cover. You’ll be amazed at our prices.
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