Commercial Awnings And Canopies Discussed: Two Similar Shade Structures With Different Jobs

By Author: Michael Richman
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Commercial awnings and canopies are popular shade structures with similar, but different purposes. Often the terms are used interchangeably, but that is a mistake. Whether used separately or combined, they can each have a great benefit for your business establishment, but it’s important you’re using them for their intended designs. The good news is that awnings and canopies will help you create an identity that will capture the attention of potential customers drawing them to your premises. Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities of these two important structures.

Awnings are important architectural projections that are designed with the intention of providing protection from unfavorable weather conditions, saving on energy bills as well as adding to the decoration of the structure and provide it with new identity. Today, commercial awnings add a new and unique dimension to local businesses because they allow business owners to infuse their specific style preferences as well as branding. Canopies, however, have different uses, but still mirror many of the same benefits of awnings.

Commercial ...
... awnings and canopies at a glance:

Awnings are lightweight and are made of rigid skeletal structures, including steel or aluminum, in which their fabric covers are fastened to provide shelter to windows, doors, walkways or even decks. They offer shade, a dry area for window shopping during unfavorable weather, and they help reduce heating and cooling costs. By extending a store’s outdoor footprint, more goods can be showcased outside.

Canopies on the other hand are made using either light, medium or heavy-duty galvanized aluminum or steel tubing. More similar to tents, canopies are not fixed to permanent structures and are instead intended to be taken down. They’re also more portable, meaning that business owners can use them like an entirely new outdoor retail space, promotional community gatherings where you want your business to be a sponsor, and other outdoor events. Whether for walkways, entrances, or outdoor gathering places, like awnings, they’re ideal branding and logo vehicles. Remember though, canopies also protect individuals and wares under them, but they do not reduce physical structure heating and cooling costs.

Reasons why you should start using commercial awnings and canopies:

1.Both will allow you to create extra space to expand your business premises.

2.Both are available in different designs and colors meaning that you will be able to select the awning that meets your expectations in terms of styles and also matches you color preferences.

3.You will be able to make significant savings from your energy bills once you successfully install awnings and rolled up curtains or shaded structures. Canopies help cool a specific outdoor area. If used frequently they can indirectly help reduce energy costs as your permanent business structure is used less often. That means lower electric bills and even reduced maintenance costs as more business and foot traffic occurs outside.

4.Using commercial awnings and canopies you will be able to accentuate the existing style as well as the architecture of almost any building especially the one you intend to use the awnings on. This way you will be able to create a very distinct image for your business.

5.Awnings are available in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. This means that you will be able to easily customize your business image (whether bright, classy, flashy or even traditional) to match your desires and in the way you feel will be appealing to you target clients/customers.

6.Commercial awnings will help you create an identity that will capture that attention of potential customers drawing them to your premises to find out more about your products or services and in the process helping you promote the business.

Taking into consideration the current emphasis on green building certification as well as the need to conserve resources and significantly reduce energy costs, commercial awnings and canopies serve as the best option for office buildings, factories, restaurants, apartments and generally for business as they are designed to meet the special requirements of your building or restructuring needs. In fact, they have proven to be a very good way to communicate your business character as well as a method to expand and add beauty to your working environment. In short, commercial awnings and canopies create and ideal complement to your architecture. So, while different, canopies and awnings are two shade structures that work well together, depending on your business needs.

It is important that you choose your supplier of commercial awnings and canopies carefully. They can ensure you of quality supplies.

The writer is associated with Academy Inc., a Los Angeles based canopy and awning manufacturer. They supply customized items to businesses throughout the United States and around the world.