If you’re thinking about work you can have done to your house or yard, you may come across recommendations to install awnings. Awnings can certainly make your home look more aesthetically pleasing, but is that all they do? What is the purpose of awnings? Here’s what you need to know about them and what they do.

What Are Awnings?

Awnings are roof-like structures attached to buildings, usually over a window, door, or above a sidewalk, though there are ones for patios and the like too. There are even freestanding awnings you can install in your yard!

What Are Awnings Made Of?

They’re usually made of some kind of fabric, such as a canvas made of cotton, polyester, or acrylic, stretched over a framing that can be steel, wood, aluminum, or another material sturdy enough to make a reliable, light structure. There are also awnings made of wood and metal and the like, too. They can be made to be retractable, so you can decide whether or not you want them out.  

What Do Awnings Do?

Awnings have multiple purposes. They can extend your roof, offering additional protection from weather to your home. They provide shade and shelter against the elements. Patio, freestanding, and other outdoor type awnings create another living space in your yard because of that shelter and shade. They also improve the overall look and value of your home. Retractable awnings can be extended out whenever wind or rain threatens to protect your outdoor furniture, windows, and doors.

Different Types of Awnings

There are multiple different types of awnings. There are your window and door awnings, but that’s not all. There are also patio, freestanding, carport, and other types of awnings.

• Window and door awnings are the ones that extend over your windows and doors. They generally fit over the top of them.
• Patio awnings go over your patio, made for enhancing an outdoor living space, and can be freestanding.
• Carport awnings are built to protect cars and other vehicles from the weather.

These, among others, ensure that if you’re thinking about adding awnings to your home or business, you can select the right types for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Awnings?

There are many benefits to awnings. One key benefit to awnings is in their very purpose – a means of shelter, protection, and shade. Window awnings shield your windows from rain, hail, and other elements that could cause you needing to get more frequent window repairs. Patio, pergola, and freestanding awnings, in addition to the other types, give a means of shelter from the sun and other weather. Because they’re a source of coverage, they also keep your patio furniture from fading as quickly.

Awnings don’t just protect the outside of your home – they protect the inside of it too. Because they extend out over windows and doorways, they block elements from getting into your house. This makes a cooler home in the summer, and a cleaner home in storm seasons.

Because awnings protect against the elements, they also create a more livable environment. In the heat of summer, people often don’t want to be outside in the blistering sun. Awnings give relief and a space to be outside in the shade. Since they shield from the weather, they make it easier to sit around a firepit, have a barbeque, or simply spend quality time with others outside.

Awnings also increase your home value. They don’t just have good functions – they look good too. Both for aesthetics and for the multitude of ways they can be utilized, they bring up the value of your property.

Can You Install Awnings?

If your home didn’t come with awnings, you may be wondering if you can have them installed. And yes, you can! Because of their structure, awnings can be added to spaces without them. If you want to install awnings, all you have to do is contact a professional, discuss what you would like done, and they can do it for you.

Questions About Awnings?

Here at Kool Breeze Inc, we specialize in high-quality awnings. We can help you with your awning needs. Kool Breeze also provides a range of services from awnings, to windows, and even sells grills for your barbeques! If you have any questions about awnings, would like to have them installed, or wish to know about any of our other services, please contact us. 

“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul”- Alice Walker

As the famous writer Alice Walker writes, creating beauty around you can help you feel better. In this article, we’ll share 10 ideas for your pergola. A pergola isn’t just great for the warm weather; it’s also great for cool weather. In this article, we’ll show you how to design your pergola for all types of weather.

What is a Pergola? Is it like a Gazebo?

At Kool Breeze, we often get the questions: “what is a pergola? Is it like a Gazebo?” The answer to this is complex. To help you understand what a pergola is and how it’s similar to and different from a gazebo, we’ll compare both types of outdoor structures. 

The similarities between a pergola and a gazebo are:

1. Both pergolas and gazebos are outdoor structures. Both also tend to be in the backyard.

2. Both pergolas and gazebos can have roofs. 

3.Both tend to have patio furniture placed inside the structure.

The differences are:

1.Pergolas tend to have roofs that are more open and with less covering. A gazebo tends to have a covered roof. However, at Kool Breeze, we offer different types of pergola roofs. That means each type of roof offers different degrees of shade. You’ll be able to decide which roof you want when you select a pergola. 

2. Pergolas tend to be more modern. Gazebos tend to look more traditional. Think of classical Greek structures and you’ll understand what we mean. 

3. Pergolas tend to emphasize a minimalist look. Gazebos, on the other hand, are more elaborately decorated

So, while there are many similarities between the two types of outdoor structures, pergolas and gazebos tend to have some differences. Consider talking to a professional about the differences and what might work better for you and your home. 

3 Ideas For Designing Your Pergola

Now that you have a basic understanding of pergolas. Here are some ideas for how to design your pergola for warm and cool weather.

Explore your options to pergola roofs and coverings

Sometimes, people worry that a pergola will not offer as much shade and protection from the sun as a gazebo would. The reality is that a pergola can be designed to include different levels of shade. 

For example, a Kool Breeze, we have roofs that offer 60%, 50%, or 40% shade. We also have different aluminum lattice covers that help with ventilation. 

Consider getting an outdoor patio heater for cooler weather

As we get closer to the fall season, it’s important to think about how you can still use your pergola. For example, by investing in an outdoor patio heater, you can heat up your outdoor area so that you’re not as cold. A patio heater will also be useful for sunny days in the winter or when there’s not that much snow. 

Invest in patio furniture that works for all weather conditions

A lot of times, people will get simple patio furniture because a patio is not seen as important as, say, a living room. The reality is though that investing quality patio furniture can help you avoid things like wet seating and cushions. It can also help you avoid rust and other stains. 

At Kool Breeze, we offer a wide variety of patio furniture. You can talk to one of your professionals to find what you’re looking for. One of our professionals will also go over what works best for the environment you’re in. 

Kool Breeze Can Help You Find The Right Pergola

If you have any questions about pergolas, contact us at Kool Breeze. Our pergolas are:

1.Strong & durable

2.Come in a variety of colors

3.Have many end cut options.

We would also like to help you figure out how to choose a pergola that will fit your needs and environment. Reach out to us for more information. 

There are a lot of homeowners who don’t realize the importance of having good quality windows in their homes and the many benefits they can get from it. Not only new windows, but many people don’t realize that windows need to be maintained and repaired as well to prevent the need for early replacement. While it isn’t always easy and for sure not cheap, it is a vital part of keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the years. New and repaired windows can also help with the overall value and appearance of your home. 

Common Signs Your Windows Need Replacement

For some homeowners the signs indicating your windows are due for a replacement are obvious, while they aren’t so obvious for others. In fact, your windows may not show any noticeable signs that they need attention. Some indications to watch for include but are not limited to:

Condensation

Condensation between the window panes is one of the most common signs that your windows need replacement. This moisture can indicate that the seals on the glass have failed and may not be easy to fix, even by a professional. This may be due to the windows and the seals becoming old or it may be a sign that the windows are low quality. 

Drafts

Drafts are a very noticeable sign that you need to replace the windows in your home. Over time windows can become drafty and become ineffective at keeping the hot and cold air out of the house. Along with feeling the drafts while being inside your home you may also notice higher energy bills because your heater or air conditioners (depending on the time of year) have to work twice as hard to keep the living space comfortable. By replacing your windows you can save loads of money over time by keeping your energy bills low. 

Cold To The Touch

Old windows are usually very ineffective at keeping the cold air out during the winter months. They can lead to drafts inside the home as well as being cold to the touch. Modern windows are effective at keeping the outside air out and inside air in and keeping the house well insulated and warm even in the coldest of temperatures. 

Hot To The Touch

Similarly to being cold to the touch during the winter months, older windows are also hot to the touch during the summer months. Replacement windows can keep the warm air out better than old ones can and keep your air conditioning system working longer and not working harder than necessary. 

Cracked Window Frames

Over time, even high quality window frames can become cracked and although this is not an urgent issue it puts the panes at risk of breaking and avoids an entire window replacement if the cracks are taken care of sooner than later.

Broken or Cracked Window Panes

Unlike window frames, cracked and broken window panes is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately to save you more stress and money in the long run. They can spread and cause bigger issues and affect your home’s energy efficiency. While sometimes the individual pane can be replaced, the entire window has to be replaced most of the time. 

Outdated Windows

Even if your windows are working properly and keep your home well insulated they may still need to be replaced so they don’t look old and dingy. The appearance of your windows can make or break the overall attractiveness of your home and lower the value of your home. If your home needs a curb appeal boost we recommend calling your window and door specialists at Kool Breeze for a modern window replacement. 

Why Your Windows Need Replaced

It is understandable why many homeowners avoid replacing the windows in their home because of the cost, however there are many downfalls that come with not maintaining them. Homes can depreciate in value when they have outdated, unsightly, or broken windows and frames. Your energy bill may also increase significantly due to the lack of insulation your current windows provide. There are so many benefits to replacing your windows and the experts at Kool Breeze assure you that they are worth the cost. 

You May Not Need a Full Replacement

Full window replacements are often recommended for most situations because they fix any and all issues related to the windows and the frames. Only fixing one problem at a time can lead to a domino effect where you may fix one frame and another one cracks, and then a pane, and then another pane until you have replaced each individual pane and frame on your home for more than it would’ve cost you to have a full replacement done. Some issues are minor enough to only need minor repairs whereas others require an entire replacement, no matter what your window needs are, Kool Breeze can help you get what you need.