1. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Our job is to help you assess your situation. What
exposure are you dealing with, east, west, etc.? What problem are you trying
to solve? Is security an issue or is sun control the issue?
2. DO I WANT A RETRACTABLE AWNING
OR A PATIO SHADE?
Retractable awnings extend your patio space or create
a patio cover if none is there. Patio shades drop vertically to increase your
living space, cool your patio for year-round use in addition to cooling
your home.
3. DO I WANT INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR
SHADES?
The architecture of your home may determine this for
you. Aesthetically, one product may suit your home better than the other. The
first issue to address is to ask yourself if wind is a problem in the area you
want to install the shades. If the answer is yes, you have two choices. One
is to install interior shades that can be utilized any time. Two is to install
exterior shades with a sun and wind sensor that will retract your shades if
the wind is up. Keep in mind that you may have windy and hot days. Your shades
will be retracted and you may not get the full benefit of the shades on these
days.
4. WHAT TYPE OF FABRICS ARE USED IN
THE RETRACTABLE AWNINGS?
We use only first quality solution-dyed acrylic fabrics.
These fabrics are durable, fade resistant, mildew resistant and come with a
5 year warranty. Unlike the old canvas materials, acrylics have the color dyed
into the fibers before they are woven into fabric making it much more durable
and long-lasting.
5. WHAT TYPE OF FABRICS ARE USED IN
THE SHADE SYSTEM?
We use only the finest quality fabrics in our shades.
Our first choice for exterior shades is a fabric produced in France. It's composition
is fiberglass with a PVC coating. It is available in 86% and 95% densities.For
interior shades we have several choices of fabrics. We use fiberglass and PVC
for solar control, all with several density and color choices. Privacy
or blacout fabrics in a wide variety of selections are also available.
Many projects incorporate a combination of products to achieve both privacy
and sun control.
6. WHAT DOES THE TERM "DENSITY"
MEAN TO ME?
The density of the fabric determines the amount of
heat and UV protection that can be controlled with these materials. The higher
the density, the better protection from UV damage.
7. DO I NEED TO AUTOMATE MY SHADES,
AWNINGS OR ROLLSHUTTERS?
Automation is a wonderful addition to these products.
You may want to add a timer, a remote control, a sun sensor or a sun and wind
sensor. These can all be used on any of our products. We also can group several
shades, awnings or rollshutters together and operate them with one control.
8. IF I HAVE ROLLSHUTTERS INSTALLED
ON MY HOME, HOW DO I GET OUT IN CASE OF FIRE?
If you have rollshutters installed on every opening of your home, doors and windows, first determine if they are manually or electrically controlled. If they are manual units there is no issue. If they are electric, a battery back-up can be added to specific units. You should choose your best exit points and install one at each of those locations. These battery back-ups are continuously recharged. When there is a power failure, the shutter is still operated with a switch but the power is supplied by the battery.