But did you know that removing the hanging valance for storage during winter will help keep it fresh and clean! And it will protect it from damage by whipping winds, ice and snow.

If your awning has a hanging valance, remove it by sliding it out from the front bar. Put it in a well ventilated dry area where it won’t be bothered by squirrels or mice. Don’t store it in a plastic bag, as this will trap moisture and could produce mildew.

The only tool required is a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

Here are 10 Easy Steps to Remove your Awning Valance for Winter Storage

1. Extend the awning and remove the front bar end caps by gently pulling on the caps. If necessary, use a rubber mallet or block of wood along the edge to tap it off. The end caps are left/right specific and will only fit in their assigned side. In order to avoid damage to the tabs, pull the caps off straight, not at an angle.
2. With the end cap removed, remove the secondary end cap. (The primary and secondary caps may come off in one piece.)
3. Remove the two screws and two mollies (black plastic screw inserts) from the valance track. (See illustration)
4. Slide the valance out of the front bar by gently pulling the valance until removed.
5. Do not fold the valance, as this will result in creases – coil the valance and store in a safe spot.
6. Do not remove the black PVC spline inserted in the top hem of the valance
7. Replace the two screws and two mollies so they are in place when you install the valance in spring.
8. Replace the secondary end caps, and then the primary caps, by snapping them into position
9. Retract the awning
10. Store the valance in a well ventilated, dry area

Store the awning valance in a paper bag or pillow case to keep the valance clean and dry. Do not store the valance in a plastic bag – this could trap moisture.

Come back to this blog in the spring – for instructions on how to re-install your valance! Thank you for choosing an Aristocrat Awning – to save energy and lower your utility bills!

Cleaning Your Deck with Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are extremely popular – and like shoes – they come in all different sizes and the end of the spray wand can be equipped with different tips that concentrate the high-pressure stream of water. A pressure washer can clean a wood deck faster than you can do it by scrubbing by hand. But a pressure washer has drawbacks. It’s noisy, it uses gasoline or electricity and lots and lots of water – and used improperly can deteriorate the wood surface – leaving it rough after it dries.

Cleaning Your Deck with Non-Toxic Cleaners

There is a more environmentally friendly way to clean a deck. Tim Carter, who writes the popular Ask the Builder website, is a big proponent of using non-toxic cleaners and scrubbing by hand. He recommends using oxygen bleach- not chlorine – that is not toxic to you or the plants around your house.

According to Carter, the oxygen bubbles in the oxygen bleach solution does most of the work done by the pressure washer – but without the noise pollution and without using gasoline OR electricity. The solution soaks into the dry wood and the oxygen ions deep clean the wood by breaking apart dirt, algae and mildew molecules. The solution is not toxic to you or any of the plants, bushes or trees around your deck. “You can’t say that about chlorine bleach,” he adds.

But the con about using a green cleaner is time and elbow grease. You will have to do some additional mechanical agitation by using a scrub brush on a pole to get your deck squeaky clean. However, you will be pleased to discover that the wood will not be fuzzy, and there will be hardly any erosion of the soft wood.

There are many different oxygen-bleach products on the market, including Natural Choices, Exterior PROx Deck & Patio Cleaner, and Stain Solver.

From an energy-saving standpoint, the size of the awning is more important than the material. It should shade your window or door from the direct sun’s rays, usually mid-afternoon when it is hottest. Even though the sun is most intense and direct around noon, since it is very high in the sky at that time, the roof overhang is often enough to shade windows. If you remember your high school trigonometry, it is possible to calculate the size (projection from the wall) of a fixed awning needed for shading windows and doors. The size depends upon the latitude of your area. As your location is farther north, the sun is lower in the sky so a larger awning is needed. If you are not a math whiz, just make a test awning from cardboard to determine the proper size for a fixed awning.

Fixed, hood-type awnings with sides are a good choice because they increase the shading period throughout the day. An adjustable awning is often the best choice because its projection can be changed with the seasons of the year and actually throughout the day if needed. Keep in mind, you probably want the sun to shine in the window during winter for free solar heating. The awning can be adjusted high enough to allow the sun’s rays in yet still provide protection from rain.

The two most common materials used for awnings are aluminum and cloth fabric. Aluminum awnings are extremely durable and, unless they are damaged from an impact, can last a lifetime. Fabric awnings are generally more attractive and offer more design, color and styling flexibility. Another advantage of fabric awnings is the adjustable ones can be lowered almost flat against the window. This provides protection from harsh weather and driving rains. Adjustable aluminum awnings typically cannot be lowered as far, but their strength provides excellent protection.

A complete archive of James Dulley’s articles on saving energy at home can be found at www.dulley.com

1. DO NOT position your grill directly under an awning.
   The biggest safety hazard is having an open flame near anything flammable, including trees, clothing and even retractable awnings. We recommend that there is a 10 feet difference between the grill and anything above it. Our standard front height of a retractable awning is 7 feet. Below are a couple of photos from a homeowner who grilled under his awning. We do not recommend grilling under your awning, since the fabric is flammable. If you do have the desire to grill under your awning, the smoke from the grill can create dirt and soot on your awning fabric. 

   

2. Shade your entire picnic or buffet tables during your party.
   Since your Labor Day parties can last for several hours and even into the dark hours of the night, it is really common to leave food out all day, from pasta salad to uncooked meat to dips. Having shade from your retractable awning over your food table can lower the temperature as much as 20 degrees. This makes it safer to leave food like meat and salads out and keep lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles crisper and fresher.
3. Arrange seating on decks and by swimming areas under a retractable awning.
   Most sunburns are first degree burns, and any sunburns with blisters are second degree burns. Water from swimming heightens the effect that the sun has on your skin and also washes off much of the sun block. Position seating areas under an awning on your deck or around a pool provides needed protection from the sun. Awnings aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to skin; and most awning fabrics have earned the skin cancer seal of approval.
4. Clean off your retractable awnings with cool water from a garden hose.
   If your retractable awning becomes soiled from the smoke of your grill, simply rinse off with a garden hose. But be careful not to spray the end of the awning with the motor. For more tips on how to clean your awning, check out our blog – 8 Tips to Help You Clean Your Awning. Remember never use undiluted bleach on your awning!

Here are five recommendations to cool your home without touching the controls of your air conditioning:

1. Using Appliances – Reduce the heat and moisture within your home during the warmest part of the day. Run home appliances like ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or in the evening when it is cooler outside. Also, microwaves and outside grilling are a great way to cook during the hottest parts of the day.
2. Use Shade Products – Keep your shades, blinds, and curtains closed during the day to reduce the amount of heat coming through the windows.   Window awnings are also a great way to block the sun from coming through you windows.  They can reduce the heat gain in your home up to 75%.  Retractable awnings can reduce the amount of UV rays that hit your deck or patio during the day.  This can make your deck or patio cooler during the day and reduce the fading of your deck or patio color.
3. Keep Openings Closed – Keep the doors leading to the outside, garage or attic firmly closed to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
4. Use Fans – Fans evenly distribute cool air throughout your house. This can help you keep your home cool without turning up the air conditioning.
5. Turn Off Unnecessary Devices – Turn off any unnecessary devices, including lights, appliances, and electronics, to reduce the amount of heat in your home and save electricity.

These five recommendations will help you keep your home cool during the rising temperatures that the summers bring without touching the controls of your air conditioning.

The first unexpected danger that can be caused to your home is the wind.  Before vacation, you are checking the weather at your destination to make sure you are packing the proper outfits.  But it is important to also check the weather where you live to make sure that your outdoor furniture and retractable awning is secure to reduce the potential of any damage caused by the wind. Make sure to put away your outdoor furniture and close your retractable awning to protect them from any strong winds that might happen while you are away.

The second danger can be water damage caused by a broken pipe leading to your washer.  Nowadays, many homes have their washer and dryer either on the first or second floor.  When a water pipe leading to your washer breaks, it not only causes damage to the pipe, but can also causes damage  to anything that might be in the way of the cascading water coming down from the first or second floor.  According to Barlow, “The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety found that the average cost of a claim involving a washing machine loss is $5,308.”

Another potential danger is break-ins.  In Barlow’s article, the Crime Doctor says that the housebreakers are most likely teenagers who live within walking distance.  Also, break-ins usually happen during the day, around 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Many teenagers know that the house is empty with the help from you and your children updating statuses and pictures on social media sites.  Wait until you and your children get home from vacation before posting information about your whereabouts on these sites.  Also, make sure that your privacy settings are secure, so no stranger can see your information or the things that you post.

To avoid break-ins, the Crime Doctor suggests that you:

• Close your drapes around your house
• Make sure all windows and doors are lock
• Have exterior lights that vary throughout the day
• Don’t leave garbage cans outside
• Stop your mail and newspapers
• Arrange to have your grass cut
• Have inside lights on timers
• Make sure your neighbors know that you will be gone for an extended period of time

If you are going on vacation, make sure that your house is secured so no surprises await you upon your return.  Even if you don’t have any plans to go on vacation this summer, you can still have a mini vacation in your backyard with an addition of an awning.  By putting an awning on to your house, it gives you the shade needed during the hot summer days for you to enjoy the outdoors.  Awnings are also great during summer parties to provide shade for your guest.  If you have no plans for vacation, splurge on an Aristocrat Awning so you can enjoy your deck or patio during the summer days.

Fire pits are also a great way to serve dessert during your party.  Instead of baking all day or buying an expensive dessert from the store, have guests create s’mores or camp pies around the fire while continuing to enjoy the evening.  Give the traditional s’mores a twist by adding strawberries and bananas.  Also, peanut butter cups are a great addition to a s’more instead of the traditional piece of chocolate.

Before inviting your friends over and buying the items to make s’mores, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before building your own fire pit.  Many communities are restricting outdoor fires or have zoning regulations for building an outdoor fire.  Make sure you meet with your local officials to see the type of rules they have for an outdoor fire pit.  Also, consult your local fire department’s fire-prevention officer.  He/she might be able to give you some great tips so no mishaps happen when having a fire.  Make sure you have the necessary fire fighting tools in case of a roaring fire.

According to AsktheBuilder.com’s Tim Carter, homeowners make two enormous mistakes when building a fire pit.  The first mistake is where the homeowner decides to place the fire pit within their backyard.  Many backyards have a naturally beautiful area.  When deciding where to place the fire pit, make sure that you’re not hiding your guest from the natural beauty of your backyard.  For example if you have an open backyard, make sure your fire pit does not hide your guest from looking out into the sunset.

The second mistake is placing your fire pit with respects to the prevailing winds.  For the most part, homeowners are looking for a smoke-free sitting area around your fire pit.  Test out the direction of the wind before your guest come over.  Place your chairs around your fire pit strategically, so your guests are not directly in front of the smoke.

By adding a fire pit to your backyard, it allows you and your guests to enjoy another area of your backyard during the evening.  Depending on the type of fire pit you want, they tend to be inexpensive.  Make sure that your fire pit is not under your retractable awning or any other covering that may cause any unnecessary fires.  Instead of having to bring your party inside on a great summer evening, you can now sit back and relax throughout the night around your fire pit.

Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or soil appear. A regular cleaning schedule starts the first year in which the awning is in service. Ask your awning dealer if they offer a maintenance contract. Also, remember that your awning is an exterior product. In the same way you wouldn’t leave your automobile outside without washing it for very long, you’ll also need to clean your fabric awning to preserve and extend its good looks and service life.

The Professional Awning Manufacturer’s Association (PAMA) offers these recommendations for your retractable fabric awning.

• Before cleaning any awning fabric, consult the fabric manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions.
• Brush off all debris.
• Clean from the bottom and work up.
• Gently scrub the awning and valance with a soft bristled brush and a mild soap such as dish washing liquid.
• Wash all parts of the awning. Missed spots show when dry.
• Thoroughly and completely rinse awning. Film left on the material will leave marks and a chalky residue.
• About once a month rinse your awning down with a garden hose and keep the underside clean by simply brushing with a clean household broom.
• Keep shrubbery and vines trimmed away from your awning, they contain acid that can damage fabric. In addition, check awning frames for rust. Though rust is not likely, it can cause deterioration of the frame and lead to fabric stains.

You can also choose to have your awning cleaned by a professional. Ask your awning dealer, or research on line. As with any home service, be sure to check for referrals, insurance, and the Better Business Bureau rating.

1. Wrought iron furniture has a charming appearance. Add cushions that match your retractable awning and you’ve combined durability and elegance.
2. Rain, sun and heat can damage some fabrics and framework, so remember that your awning will not be in use all of the time.  Check before you buy.
3. Watch the weight. If you plan to move your furniture around to accommodate parties, extra guests, or just for cleaning your deck, you want pieces that you can handle – but are still heavy enough to leave out in the wind and rain.
4. Choose pillows and cushions that are UV, fading and mildew resistant…it should say so on the label!
5. Splurge on a hot tub! If you have the space – create a luxury spa at home.
6. Coated wicker furniture is great looking and can be washed off with a garden hose
7. utdoor carpet doesn’t have to look like astro-turf – there are loads of sophisticated designs in the stores – it defines the living area under your deck or patio awing – is so much nicer than walking on concrete or wood.
8. You’ll be sitting under your retractable awning a lot – so be sure to include side tables or coffee tables for drinks and snacks.
9. Consider choosing an awning with a light bar – add ambient lighting for nighttime atmosphere
   A vario-valance for your awning adds extra shade under the awning to block glare from the rising or setting sun.

But, my mid-morning coffee break refuge on the back deck is sun-baked by 3:00 in the afternoon and the blinds are drawn in a furtive attempt to block out the hot summer sun – blocking the view of my springtime labors.

We put a lot of time and money into creating beautiful spaces that expand our living areas for the summer months but, by this time of year, our sun-drenched backyard havens are often just plain too hot to enjoy.

Solution: A Retractable Deck Awning.

With today’s retractable deck awnings, those outdoor spaces we’ve worked so hard to create can be enjoyed even on the hottest of summer days. Instant shade is available at the touch of a button and hot summer fun is tempered to warm and inviting summertime relaxation to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Made popular in the 50’s, awning design has come a long way. No longer a springtime chore of wrestling a shriveled canvas cover over an unforgiving aluminum frame followed by the end-of-summer ritual of scrubbing and taking them down for storage over the harsh winter months, today’s awnings offer instant sun protection at the flip of a switch. Electric motors, remote controls, and even sun and wind sensors in self-storing closed cassette systems that are left mounted on the house year-round leave more time for you and your family to enjoy the days of summer.

“Awnings provide shade, protect the interior of our homes and add hours to your deck-time” says Andy Stone, President of Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Co., the manufacturer of Aristocrat Awnings. “A quality product and a well planned installation also look nice adding color and aesthetic interest to the house as well as reducing cooling costs and providing protection to the home’s contents from the sun’s harmful rays.”

Used over a deck, patio or even partially shading the pool, a retractable awning can create an outdoor living space that is up to 20 degrees cooler than areas in full sun says Stone. By blocking the harmful UV rays of the sun, awnings provide protection for your family and friends as well as protecting furniture, draperies and even flooring materials inside your home. Studies have shown that the shade provided by awnings can also result in a savings in home cooling costs.

Aristocrat’s aluminum frame retractable awnings are custom made for each application. Available in widths from 5’1″ up to 41’ and projections up to 16’5’, the aluminum frame is sprayed with a baked-on enamel protective coating for added life. Fully retracting arms are hidden from view, running along the line of the fabric cover and when not in use, the awning retracts into a closed cassette system that protects the fabric and the mechanisms adding years to the life of the awning and allowing it to remain mounted year-round.

With over 200 fabric choices in solids, stripes and prints there’s sure to be a color and pattern that will compliment your outdoor living space and enhance your home’s value. Mold and mildew resistant fabrics won’t shrink or rot, preventing costly replacement.

Choosing a Retractable Awning for Your Deck

“When choosing a retractable deck awning, it’s important to look for a quality product and quality installation. All of our retractable deck awnings are custom configured to meet the homeowner’s specific needs and tastes, manufactured for their specific application” says Stone. This assures that the awning will properly fit the space and add to the aesthetics of the home.

Push-button convenience is yours with options like electric motors and remote controls. There’s even a Sun and Wind Control sensor option that measures the amount of sun exposure and triggers automatic projection and retraction depending on the exposure sensed. Leaving the retractable awning unattended on breezy days is risk-free with the Wind Control sensor that retracts the awning if the wind should pick up. Even the basic hand-crank models are simple to use offering easy one-hand operation thanks to gears that do almost all of the work.

Also available is the Vario Valance. It’s a transparent vinyl mesh screen that rolls down from the face of the awning to the ground filtering out the late afternoon and evening sunlight and adding comfort to your outdoor living space. The optional motorized screen is activated with the flip of a switch and creates a cozy enclosure to enhance your outdoor relaxation.

No matter how hot the summer days ahead may be, you’ll have it made in the shade with a retractable awning! Visit our website to learn more about our retractable awnings, canopies and solar shades.