
Have an outdoor space that needs a little bit of shade? Maybe an awning will do just the trick in helping beautify your home. Awnings are a popular shading option for many places– you’ve probably seen one adorning crowded walkways, along markets and stores, protecting the patrons dining al fresco in restaurants and cafes, and even in your very own friends’ backyards and gardens.
Awnings: why are they so popular?
An awning, or overhang as they’re also called, are simple shadings made of two parts. The covering, usually made of a fabric like polyester or cotton, and the structure in which the covering is stretched over, usually made of durable yet lightweight materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Think of it like a tent, but one with a roof that attaches to the exteriors of walls or buildings!
They’ve been used by many homes and businesses for centuries, maybe even for thousands of years. This is due to its surprising versatility. Ask any awning supplier in Singapore about your awning options and you’re likely to get a plethora of answers. There are awnings build for rainy weather, some built more for tropical climates, others to ward off snow and hail, and so on. You can even find retractable ones or ones with coverings made of aluminium and metal!
If you’re a business owner, you even have the option of getting a custom awning if you wanted to. There are many roofing specialists in Singapore that can customise awnings for you. They can come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, colours, and even designs. Walk through the streets of your local shopping district and you may find several storefronts adorned with commercial awnings bearing the brand’s logo.
Choosing the right commercial awning for your business
From fashion stores to eateries, every type of business that you can think of use awnings for a variety of purposes, Not only does it add to the aesthetics of an establishment, they’re also used as a marketing tool for relaying messages. Depending on the type and size of your awning, you may very well be able to use it as signage to attract customers.
But buying awnings isn’t just a matter of contacting an awning supplier and choosing anything that fits the exterior of your store. Because of the vast range of choices, settling on the final option requires research and careful consideration. Here are a few things that matter when it comes to choosing a commercial awning for your business.
Step one: What material should you get?
When choosing a material for your awning cover, there are three main types to focus on (unless you’re not looking for a fabric awning). Here are the materials and their properties:
- Cotton-blend canvas: Canvas is the lowest-cost material option out of the three, with the best water resistance. It’s a perfect choice if you’re on a budget, but it’s not as widely used anymore.
- Acrylic fabric: More durable than the cotton-blend option. It’s a popular option in hot and humid countries because of its resistance to mildew and ultraviolet light.
- Vinyl and polyester. The most durable out of the three, this synthetic blend is also highly waterproof and flame retardant. Though more expensive, it’s widely used in many stores.
Step two: decide on the awning’s other design requirements.
How big should the awning that you choose be? What colours do you want your awning to be? What style of awning should you get? There are awnings that can give your store a more refined and sophisticated look, and there are eye-catching awnings that are sure to draw attention to your store. The “right” awning for one establishment may not be fit to be used as an awning for another one.
Step three: get an awning design that’s right for your store’s needs
You should also consider the needs of your store. Do you need shading that can be fixed at a moment’s notice? Decide on the benefits of a retractable vs. a stationary awning. Do you need one that just functions as shading over the exterior of your store, or do you need a custom one to market your brand? Your awning’s price and styles can range depending on your needs.
Shadetimes is a top roofing contractors company in Singapore that provides many roofing and shading options for your home. Contact us now to learn more about the products and services we provide!