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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
SheerWeave fabrics recognized in 2013 WCMA awards competition

May 7, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Industry News

Phifer Inc. has been recognized by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) for best new technical innovation in the green products—sustainability category for its SheerWeave® Style 4000 series sun control fabrics made with Dow Ecolibrium™ bio-based plasticizers. Sheerwea…
Shade sails got you covered

May 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products, Projects

Shade sails on New York City’s Pier 5 park project add visual appeal and sun protection. By Barb Ernster The growing rate of skin cancer, now the most common form of cancer in the United States, and rising summer temperatures have Americans looking for shade and protection from the heat and su…
Improved noise reduction with SheerWeave

May 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

SheerWeave® BASIC 3%, Style 2500 and Performance + Style 2500 interior sun control fabrics show beneficial performance ratings of 50-60 percent as measured by the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) for their ability to absorb sound, and they’re infused with Microban® antimicrobial prote…
Extra wide, less waste with Ennis 1974

May 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Products, Tents

Ennis 1974, a PVC-coated polyester with acrylic finish, is designed to withstand extreme environments for commercial awnings, tents, canopies, tension and inflatable structures. In addition to thermal insulation, superior chemical aging resistance, fire resistance, UV and gamma radiation stability, …