Patio Canopies
By Paul Graham, Fri Dec 9th
Most working individuals with families target a home as theirprimary investment. Since the home is generally consideredsymbolic of one's social status, many exert much effort to maketheir homes a beautiful and comfortable one without sacrificingfunctionality and the budget. This attitude also helps boost theproperty's value and makes the dwelling a personal statement ofthe homeowner.
This motivation drives a multi-billion dollar market for homerefurbishments, fixtures and related maintenance and services.One particular segment that thrives on home building andrenovation is the market for patio canopies, covers andaccessories.
The exposure that patios have to rain, snow, sun and theelements has made canopy manufacturers come up with varyingmodels made of different materials to address this concern. Foradded comfort, canopy makers typically offer waterproof systemswith roof tensioning and related support to prevent wateraccumulation. Made-to-order patio canopies can take 3-4 weeksbefore delivery.
One solution to protect patios from nature is the use ofaluminum patio cover kits and retractable awnings. Such outdoorpatio covers are generally for long-term use, maintenance-freeand comply with standard municipal load ratings and provisionsof the International Building Code. The retractable qualityallows one to adjust awnings depending on the weather condition.Aluminum canopies also come in do-it-yourself models that can beused to augment a current deck, as carports or, for wealthierhomeowners living near the water who have boats - protection fortheir vessels. Extended patio canopies allow homeownerspractically continuous appreciation of the outdoors.
Patio canopies also have use for residences with a swimmingpool, the backyard deck or other large and exposed areas. Theseflexible and pre-engineered structures can be attached to anexisting home, over the target area to be covered or set up as astand-alone unit. Canopies can also be made of steel whilemaintaining their retractability and flexibility. For addedcomfort, privacy or security, some manufacturers even offerscreen attachments to close off a desired area. For wide-openpatios, canopies effectively make them an extension of the houseor a new room - giving the homeowner wider space and morecomfort.
Homeowners have a wide range of options to better protect theirpatios and homes in general, ensuring also that visiting familyand friends can be entertained outside regardless of weatherconditions. Canopies also allow the owner to read a book, havetea or simply relax outside on the patio without any worry. Somecanopy makers offers terms for individuals seeking a custom-madelook with wind-release protection, awning flexibility and otherdesired features.
The US Census Bureau has noted that backyard patios have becomean increasing fixture of new single-family homes: 45% of suchdwellings have them, rising from 37% in 1992. This increase hasfuelled a related jump in outdoor furniture sales: Figures fromthe American Home Furnishings Alliance reported a 129% increasein purchases of canopies, tables and other outdoor items from$1bn more than 10 years ago to $2.3bn in 2003.
That surge in demand has made retailers increase their focus onoutdoor collections, with Hold Everything and West Elm launchingtheir initial outdoor line in 2005. Separately, RestorationHardware covered outdoor entertaining on 52 pages of its summercatalog, more than double the 25 pages it devoted to thecategory in 2004.
Some canopy covers are made from heavy-duty vinyl and areavailable in various sizes, allowing for easy maintenance andstorage. Several makers offer vinyl patio units with limited15-year warranties. As an alternative, companies also offerlattice patio cover kits created primarily for garden settings.
The market already offers patio canopies made from Alumawood, oraluminum material that feels and looks like wood. The productdoes not pose any of the problems identified with wood,including peeling, warping, repainting and termite attacks.
Patio canopies also extend beyond the residential market. EideIndustries, Inc. offers both permanent and temporary or portablemodels, with frames made from aluminum tubing or galvanizedsteel and fabric covers made from an extensive line of canvasproducts, for businesses and other non-residential users.
These exterior and interior products appeal to restaurants,resorts, hotels, retail shops, convention centers, theme parks,and exhibits and trade shows. For businesses fronted by asidewalk, setting up a canopy along the path would help shadepassers-by and also possibly draw potential customers to theshop. Combined with appropriate lighting at night, patiocanopies add to the overall look of a business even duringoff-hours.
About the author:For more great patio cover info and advice check out:http://www.coverseeker.com
