Did you know that almost a third of heating energy escapes through untreated windows? At the same time, they allow heat (or cold) to enter buildings.

In Southern California, these energy gains and losses are even more evident. The temperature in SoCal, after all, has increased by three degrees in the last 100 years.

So, if you have windows without any covering, you can be wasting a lot of money on energy bills. That’s on top of the discomfort you may experience due to the cooled (or heated) air you lose through your windows.

An awning, according to the Department of Energy, can cut solar heat gains via windows by 65% to 77%. However, the best awnings installation company can further reduce it by as much as 85%!

To that end, we’ve come up with this guide on what you should look for in an awnings installation company. Read on to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck when investing in awnings.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, AND INSURANCE

It’s vital to hire only a licensed awnings installation company in California. Licensure and registration, after all, is a requirement for businesses in the state. With this, you can be sure that you’re dealing with a legit provider of awning services.

Licensure and registration also mean that a company holds adequate liability insurance. This coverage protects you, as a consumer, against possible product and service issues.

Let’s say that during the awning installation, an accident results in property damage. In this case, you can rest assured that the company will pay to repair the damages.

Be sure to check that the awnings installation technician also carries workers’ compensation. This way, in the rare event that the worker gets injured, you’re not liable to pay for their treatment.

FREE, NO-OBLIGATION IN-HOME QUOTE

As you choose an awnings installation company, the first thing they will ask for is the size you need. This is vital as they will base the quotes they provide you from this measurement.

Window awnings are pretty easy to measure, as you only need to take their width. From here, you can add about five inches to both sides. So, if your windows are 30 inches wide, a good estimate for the awning fabric would be 40 inches wide.

It can get a little trickier if you want retractable awnings for bigger spaces, such as patios, though. For instance, with patio awnings, you’d need width and length measurements. You also need to consider angles as well as how much shade coverage you want the awnings to provide.

Because of all these variables, it’s best to have an awnings expert visit your home. This way, the expert can take precise measurements and give you more accurate quotes.

Do note that not all awning companies provide free in-home estimation services, though. That’s why it’s crucial to verify that the on-site assessment is free and non-obligatory.

Accent Awning not only provides both. You can also expect the awnings expert to give you advice on suitable alternatives. Plus, you can feel free to ask as many awnings-related questions as you want.

LENGTHY PRODUCT WARRANTIES

Did you know that there’s a federal law when it comes to product warranties? This is none other than the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

This law gives consumers access to warranty information, both online and offline. Meaning, you should be able to read product warranties even before you buy something. In doing so, you can make better, smarter purchasing decisions.

With that said reputable awning manufacturers and retailers have this info available online. At Accent Awning, you can easily view product warranties at your leisure. You’ll see that most of the items carry at least five-year warranties for labor and parts.

AVAILABILITY OF SHOWROOMS WITH WORKING AWNING MODELS

Even with the rise in online shopping, 65% of US shoppers still like to visit brick-and-mortar stores. According to them, they do so because it affords them a way to see and touch products. This, in turn, helps them determine if they really like the item before they purchase it.

There’s also the benefit of ensuring that the merchant is a legitimate business.

Awnings are some of the products that you definitely want to see in action before you buy them. Showrooms, for starters, let you check out how retractable and motorized awnings work. From here, you can compare them from stationary awnings and see which one works for you best.

You’d also want to visit a showroom to see how awning fabrics look and feel, and if they’re of top-notch quality. By seeing them in person, it will be easier for you to pick a color that you’d love and would complement your home.

Accent Awning has showrooms in Santa Ana and San Diego, California. Here, you can check out working awning models as well as compare over 150 styles of Sunbrella fabrics. You’re more than welcome to schedule an appointment so you can come and visit the showrooms.

SUPPLIES ONLY THE MOST RELIABLE AWNING MOTORS

The best awning installation services carry Somfy motors. It’s the leading and most trusted brand of awning motors not only in the US but worldwide, too. The company provides both hardwired and wireless motorized awning arms.

PRODUCTS BACKED BY AUTHORITATIVE ORGANIZATIONS

As mentioned above, awnings can reduce heat gains or losses by up to 77% on average. However, Accent Awning’s products can do better: they can reduce between 77% and 85% of heat gains. That’s according to the California Energy Commission itself.

By being able to cut heat gains, Accent Awning’s products can also trim indoor heat by 15 to 20 degrees.

DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOM AWNING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Custom awnings are excellent choices for covering larger or irregular-shaped spaces. At home, they’re perfect for patios, open balconies, and uncovered verandas. You can even use them to provide shade for your outdoor office!

However, not all awnings installation companies provide custom products and services. These businesses often only deliver pre-cut or pre-designed awning products.

Accent Awning specializes in delivering custom awnings and canopies. The experts here can help you create unique shading solutions for your home or office. They can guide you in choosing the best type of awning fabrics made for the California climate.

Aside from the size, shape, and color of your awnings, you can also customize them with accessories. Here are a few add-ons that you might want to consider for your awnings installation.

AWNING SENSORS

One of the best ways to customize your awnings is to add sun and wind sensors to your installation. These devices react to changes in heat and wind, extending or retracting the fabric as needed.

With these sensors, you don’t even have to do anything else! They’re also a great way to also extend the life of your awnings, especially during super windy days. Very harsh winds, after all, can still cause damage to even the highest quality awning fabrics.

AWNING TIMERS

You may also want to consider adding timers to your awnings installation. They can help maximize the usage (and convenience) of your awnings. These devices automate the tasks of extending and retracting your awnings.

You can think of timers as a sort of programmable HVAC thermostat. You only need to key in pre-sets to the device, and it will retract or extend based on your selection.

AWNING GRAPHICS

Custom-designed awning graphics are a must for businesses that want to boost branding. They can have their brand logos and even existing graphics printed on the fabrics.

However, you can also have your awnings at home custom-designed with various graphics. This is a fantastic way to further incorporate design elements into your outdoor space. Whatever design you fancy, Accent Awning’s team of experts can help you turn that into reality.

SPECIALIZES IN POWDER COATING AND NEVER SPRAY PAINTING

One last thing: make sure that you choose awning products that use a powder coating. This is especially important for the metal components of the shading structure. Not all manufacturers use this coating method, as it’s more expensive than wet or spray paint.

For one, powder coating is far more durable and long-lasting compared to wet or spray paint. Powder-coated awning hardware doesn’t easily scratch or peel. They can resist outdoor elements way better than wet- or spray-painted materials.

TIME TO SCHEDULE THAT AWNINGS INSTALLATION NOW

There you have it, the ultimate guide on what to look for when you choose an awnings installation company. Feel free to bookmark this page so that you have a reference, and you won’t miss a step.

Or, better yet, give us a call or drop us a line here at Accent Awnings! Our team of awning installation and design experts is ready to answer all your questions. Let us help you turn your outdoor space into a shaded haven so you can spend more time outside.