Energy efficiency and sustainability

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures, Features

Is more heat in a home or office a good thing? It depends on the season, of course. As more people turn to solar and geothermal systems to heat and cool their homes and places of business, ambient heat gain can be a challenge—one that can, to some extent, be addressed by well-designed shade struct…
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Building business with LEED

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Features

Awnings and solar shades can boost energy performance and contribute to LEED certification points. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a family of rating systems that recognizes building or renovation projects for improvements in energy efficiency, water conservation, habitat…
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Fabric, flexible, photovoltaic

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Features

Solar energy-collecting fabric products offer major potential to impact energy use—and make businesses in the industry hugely successful. Coal and oil have superbly fueled and helped enable the extraordinary growth of modern civilization. Their supply is reaching its peak, though, and will soon st…
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Beating the heat with shade

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Projects

Temperature extremes in Japan are leading to greater reliance on fabric shade structures. By Kikuko Tagawa Japan has been experiencing extremely hot summers in recent years. The summer of 2013 was especially fierce, according to a statement issued by the Tokyo Climate Center (TCC) Advisory Panel on …
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Design and function meet

October 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Graphics, Markets, Projects

Renovation of a seaside resort included custom awnings, shades and canopies for an elegant finish. By Maura Keller Situated on the bluffs of Watch Hill, R.I., overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean House is an iconic New England seaside resort. Because of its location amidst sand, sea and wind, O…
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New tools, old school

September 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Management

A long-term family business embraces new methods to set the stage for future growth. By Jarrett Schechner Awning Works Inc. serves customers throughout our home state of Florida and nationwide. We recently expanded into general contracting with a new start-up firm called ABuilt Inc. Using today&rsqu…
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Win/win success through teamwork

September 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Industry News, Management, Perspective

Andrea Lampson and her husband Mark join with employees to retool a struggling business into a solid and vibrant enterprise. By Sigrid Tornquist “I remember the first time I walked onto the production floor and thought: ‘Oh, my.’ There was no water cooler, no refrigerator and no air conditioni…
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Weathering report: long-lasting synthetics

August 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

New technology can create more resilient, longer-lasting synthetic fibers. By Larry Campbell Synthetic turf has evolved dramatically since garnering mainstream attention for its use in the Houston Astrodome in the 1960s. Once used almost exclusively on playing fields, turf is truly changing the game…
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Cost-effective sun control with Solair Comfort awnings

August 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Solair® Comfort retractable awning features a sleek, modern style and enhanced functionality, redesigned to offer improved shade solutions for outdoor spaces. The Comfort awning allows construction professionals to increase a home’s useable square footage, while enhancing comfort and energ…
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New video explains energy advantages of fabric awnings and solar shades

May 17, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies

Saving money, enhancing curb appeal and reducing your carbon footprint are just a few benefits to retrofitting homes with awnings, according to a new video released by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). The animation provides a simple overview of how awnings benefit homeowners…
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