Flip-up awning protects boat from the elements

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Projects

[Lake Gaston Awning] Bracey, Va., U.S.A. Lake Gaston Awning created a flip-up awning for a client who wanted to protect his boat from sun and weather, and provide a protected spot for friends and family to enjoy his dock. The company designed and fabricated a unique hinged panel to meet both of the …
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Jim Miller unleashes innovation

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Features, Marketing, Perspective

Jim Miller experiments with improbable concepts until they become a reality. By Sigrid Tornquist “We love working with architects because they often have great ideas and challenge us more than anyone else,” says Jim Miller, president of J. Miller Canvas Inc. in Santa Ana, Calif. “Sometimes I t…
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Packaging shade solutions

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Markets

Despite challenges, the retractable shading industry remains optimistic about the steady growth in consumer awareness and sales. By Holly O’Dell The retractable awnings and shades/screens industry comprises many layers that make it an attractive market, with natural appeal to consumers, yet it…
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How to market retractable awnings

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Marketing

By Jamie Swedberg Some shops make a good living selling retractable awnings. They have managed to make retractables their bread and butter, while others simply maintain a thriving retractable awning trade as part of a larger custom awning or patio furniture business. Yet across the specialty fabrics…
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Controllable awnings and exterior solar screens

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Features

High-tech automation guides retractable exterior solar shading. By Jamie Swedberg Custom retractable awnings and exterior solar screens have particular appeal for a high-end clientele—a savvy group of consumers who expect to be able to control the environment in their homes and work spaces wit…
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Fiber optics provide visibility for awnings

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Shedding new light in historic districts. By Art Allen and Janet Preus When you have a business in an area of the country as historically rich as the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania, there are many rules to follow about what you can and cannot do. Historic preservation boards are notoriously s…
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Mobile solar shading in building construction

November 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business

The European Solar-Shading Organization is working to gain recognition for the merits of mobile solar shading in building construction. By Dick Dolmans A couple of months ago, the fuel bill at my nearby Shell filling station here in Brussels hit the 100 (euro) mark for the first time. In dollars, th…
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Shade sail software

October 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

MPanel Software, St. Louis, Mo., now offers the MPanel Shade Designer, developed specifically for the shade sail industry that uses HDPE knitted fabric. This standalone software requires no CAD system and provides a step-by-step wizard interface that walks the user through the process of creating a …
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Made for the shade: Tsuga canopies with WeatherMax fabric

September 13, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Portable shade canopies are great for the beach, tailgating and other outdoor gatherings, but many canopies are heavy and awkward to store, fade and fall apart. High-end canopies from Tsuga, Boone, N.C., fabricated of lightweight WeatherMax LT from Safety Components, combine extreme durability with …
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Andy Morse builds a successful business

September 1, 2011  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Andy Morse uses opportunities other companies overlook. By Sigrid Tornquist “The business atmosphere right now demands change,” says Andy Morse, IFM, owner and president of Ohio Awning and Manufacturing Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. “You’ve got to constantly be looking for alternatives, innovation…
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