How To Add Curb Appeal With An Awning | Curb Appeal in the Hudson Valley

September 8, 2014 Comments off

The vast majority of residential awnings which we install in the Hudson Valley are in the backyard of a home, over a patio or deck, or pool side…Perfect application to provide the shade a homeowner wants on those hot Summer days.  A retractable awning or a stationary awning offers protection from UV rays and shields the home from the hot Summer sun. This, in turn, keeps the interior of the home cooler (thereby reducing air conditioning costs).

However, consider a benefit offered by awnings which doesn’t get mentioned too often. Curb appeal!

Of course, the homeowner gets all the advantages an awning has to offer, UV protection and the fact that the house remains cooler, but an awning over a front porch can really dress up a home. Our staff considers the type of architecture and then can recommend the right style of awning. From Victorian to Modern, there is an awning suited for your home. Once installed, you will be able to enjoy your porch all day and not be forced inside because of the strong Summer sun.Window Awnings

Another way to increase the curb appeal of your home is to add window awnings. With hundreds of fabric patterns and colors from which to choose, the placement of window awnings acts much like jewelry on your house. There are several styles of window awnings and you may like a fixed frame or retractable.  A fixed frame remains in the projected position all year long while a retractable window awning (available in several styles) can be retracted in the Winter months, should you want the sun exposure. Some homeowners also have an awning over the front door. Both practical and attractive, it too adds to the curb appeal of the home.

Here in the Hudson Valley, there is a charming cape-style home in our neighborhood which has window awnings and the homeowner changes the fabric with the seasons.  For example, during the winter holiday season, the awnings are red and green. While you don’t have to change fabric, we offer so many colors and patterns, we’re certain you will find one to perfectly compliment your house. The awning fabric is 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarn and is fade resistant and is virtually maintenance free.SunStopper Shade 2

Another option is aluminum awnings. Aluminum awnings are very popular and require almost no maintenance. They too are available in a retractable style and there are many colors from which to choose.

Some homes are better suited for shades.  We install interior or exterior roller shades, either motorized or manual,  in a variety of colors and styles. These shades reduce direct light and glare and provide the shade you need.

Take note of homes in your area and observe how your neighbors have used either shades or awnings to get the shade they need. You may find an example which would suit your home perfectly!

If you want more information or are interested in purchasing an awning please give us a call at 845-226-3039 or in CT: 203-942-2474.  We service the Hudson Valley area and, as always, there is no obligation.

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How To Protect Yourself From UV Rays

August 6, 2014 Comments off

Protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays is something we all should do year round. Both UVA and UVB rays play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancers such as melanoma. They also suppress the immune system, reducing our ability to fight off these and other maladies.how we sunburn

There are protective measures we should take to lessen our chances of developing melanoma. While outdoors, dress to limit UV exposure. There are fabrics especially treated to block these harmful rays. Broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses that offer UV protection are also helpful. Sun screen should be applied often, with a SPF of no less than 15 (although 30 offers far more protection). Did you know that SFP indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using sunscreen, compared to how long skin would take to redden without the product? If a family member has had melanoma, have your doctor regularly check for early warning signs.

Another important factor in protecting ourselves is seeking shade. The most dangerous time for sun exposure is between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. The American Optometric Association advises that the longer your eyes are exposed to solar radiation the greater the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration.

Not everyone has a large oak tree in their yard to create the shade they need. For those without the oak tree, an awning offers important protection. At Dutchess Awnings, we use a woven acrylic fabric such as Sunbrella. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella fabrics in shading products as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin as a part of a complete sun protection regimen.

suns rays

The sun’s rays can penetrate glass, so window awnings may be “just the ticket” to not only offer protection to all living in the home, but also to prevent the fading of carpets and furniture. Also, by blocking the sun, your home will be much cooler and you’ll save on air conditioning costs.

An awning is an important tool available to you in your quest to protect yourself and loved ones. Call us at Dutchess Awnings (845) 226-3039 and in Connecticut, (203) 942-2474 for more information. Visit our website, Dutchessawnings.com or stop by our new showroom located at 1075 Route 82 Suite 7 in Hopewell Junction, NY. We’d love to hear from you.

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The Details Matter At Dutchess Awnings!

June 24, 2014 Comments off

magnif glass details

No matter what you’re buying, details matter. That’s why at Dutchess Custom Awnings we pay close attention to the details of each and every awning and sun shade order. Everyone has heard the expression “it’s the little things that count”. That is certainly true with awnings and sun shades.shaking hands w customer

Let’s start with our initial meeting. When you meet with someone from Dutchess Custom Awnings, placement, size and type of shading solution is discussed before a recommendation is made.

SunStopper Shade 2Screenshot_1

While some companies offer awnings and sun shades of varying quality, Dutchess Awnings only offers the best available. We assemble these  high quality components and the result is an awning or sun shade that will serve you well for many, many years.

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While other fabric companies are available to us, Sunbrella and Sattler, the two best known companies offering woven acrylic awning fabric, are the two companies we use for all our awnings. Durability, water repellency, breathability and beautiful style are characteristics of woven acrylic and there are hundreds of styles and colors from which to choose. The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation has been given to Sunbrella because of the protection this fabric offers.

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The SunStopper Shade System offers interior roller shades, exterior screens and zip screens, using GreenGuard approved fabrics from Mermet with the best warranties available. Once again, only the best!large_0709_ew35_1[1]

Thread is an important component of every awning and we only use Tenera thread. Tenera will not shrink and cause “pulling” on your awning fabric. This thread is such an important component of your retractable or stationary/patio awning that the Gore Company offers a lifetime guarantee for their Tenera Brand thread.

 holding remote   motor placement

When considering a retractable awning, most of our customers opt for a motorized unit. We always use a Somfy motor because Somfy is the world’s leader in the manufacture of motors and control systems for retractable awnings. Somfy motorized controls offer ease of operation and comply with UL safety standards. Also, Somfy has achieved ISO 9001 certification in 1005 and safety approval from Underwriters Laboratory.

At Dutchess Custom Awnings we listen to your needs and concerns and work closely with you to achieve optimum shading results for your patio, deck or pool area. Visit our showroom at 1075 Route 82, Suite 7, Hopewell Junction, NY. We have fifteen different types of awnings on display so you can easily visualize how the awning or shade screen will look on your home or business. If you’re on Facebook, “like us” and, of course, we welcome your calls at (845) 226-3039. We’d love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Awning Prices | Cost of Retractable Awnings | Cost of Awnings

May 5, 2014 Comments off

Price is always a consideration when adding new additions to our home or business. Whether it’s an addition we need, or simply want, price is always our first concern. In today’s blog I want to discuss awning price. If you’re a homeowner, the cost of an awning can mean the difference between enjoying your backyard, patio or deck, or staying inside on hot, sunny days. If you’re a restaurant owner, awning price can make a huge difference between customers sitting outside enjoying their meal or waiting for an inside table…or worse yet, taking their business elsewhere.

Dutchess Awnings

An awning we did in Piermont, NY. Now their customers can enjoy outdoor dining in comfort!

For most homeowners, a retractable awning is a major investment. When a representative from Dutchess Custom Awnings meets with you, he’ll listen to all your needs and suggest an awning that works best for you. Most importantly, we are aware that awning price may influence your final decision, so we’ll work with you to find an awning that not only suits your needs, but your budget.

Some awning manufacturing companies save money by bringing in lower quality units and components from China. These Chinese components will not hold up with everyday use. In the case of retractable awnings, you do get what you pay for. It’s been said, “Shop for price, buy it twice”!

At Dutchess Custom Awnings our retractable awning price includes all components: frame, hood cover, fabric, motor and remote control and manual override crank. Only if an awning must be mounted on a roof is there an additional bracket charge. Some awning companies don’t include hood covers or installation in their estimates – not so with Dutchess Awnings! Unlike some awning companies, installation is included in the awning price we quote.  Dutchess Awning’s estimates are always free and there is never any obligation.

Awning Price: A retractable wall mounted awning measuring between 12′ to 14′ wide with a projection of between 10′ to 12′ will cost the consumer between $3300 to $3800. Our frame components are from Toff Industries located in Milldale, Ct. The awning price quoted includes not only all the components but you’ll receive the best awning warranties in the business.  The only variable is whether or not your home or business requires a roof mount.  The special brackets for a roof mount incurs a small extra charge.

Call us for a free estimate on this retractable awning! 845-226-3039

Call us for a free estimate on this retractable awning! 845-226-3039

There are many awning manufacturers and some offer various levels of quality and price. Since you want to have years of trouble free use, be sure to always ask if you’re being quoted the “top of the line” model.  Ask what model that is. At Dutchess Custom Awnings our quoted awning prices are always for the best awning available – the “top of the line” model.  We want our customers to be happy with their investment.

Awning Price: 12′ to 14′ Wide, Projection of between 10′ to 12′ – $3300 to $3800

Stop by and visit us in our showroom located at 1075 Route 82, Suite 7, Hopewell Junction, NY.  Or call us at (845) 226-3039 and in Connecticut, (203) 942-2474.  Learn more about us at our website: Dutchessawnings.com and if you’re on Facebook, pay us a visit and “like” us!

At Dutchess Awnings, customer satisfaction is refreshingly predictable!

 

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AWNING WARRANTIES | How to get the best warranty

April 11, 2014 Comments off

The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that a warranty is a written statement that promises the good condition of a product and that the maker is responsible for repairing or replacing the product usually for a certain period of time after its purchase.

Each component of our awnings is manufactured by a different company and each one offers its own warranty.

 

Patio photo from TOFF

If you purchase a Toff awning from Dutchess Custom Awnings, the frame is manufactured by Toff Industries. Toff Industries’ warranty includes a lifetime warranty for the frame construction, under normal conditions.

The SolarShield Retractable Awning is Toff’s top-of-the-line model for outdoor mechanical sunshades. This remarkable shade is the only retractable lateral arm awning with a spring-loaded shoulder — designed to withstand the impact of a sudden gust of wind, heavy rains, and intense storms. However, it should be noted that no awning, regardless of manufacturer, is designed to be left open in high winds or heavy rains for an extended time. A retractable awning will shelter you from rain during a shower; it should be retracted during a storm.

The strength and durability of the SolarShield reduces impact on both the awning and your home, decreasing the potential of stress-related damage due to inclement weather. SolarShields come with manual and electronic retraction options, all of which are made from stainless steel hardware and cables. The three-to-one bevel gear makes for smooth manual operation and light and durable aluminum frames are easy to manage by either hand or motor.

 

sunbrella  

 

At Dutchess Awnings we only use woven acrylic fabric.  When you combine the durability, water repellency, breathability and beautiful style of woven acrylic fabric you have an unbeatable combination! With hundreds of colors and patterns from which to choose, there will be one that compliments your home! Certified by the GREENGUARD Institute  and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, woven acrylic offers you, the consumer, the beauty and performance you want and the protection you demand. Our fabrics, such as Sunbrella and Sattler, come to you with a limited 10 year warranty.

controller

As an installer, we receive a five-year warranty on Somfy motors and controls.  This warranty is gladly passed on to our customers. Dutchess Custom Awnings has earned the Somfy Certified Expert Installer designation.  Somfy is the world’s leading manufacturer of specialized motors and control systems. The ease of operation offered by a motorized unit makes a Somfy motor and remote control the perfect choice.

We’re saving “the best for last”!!!!   Dutchess Custom Awnings offers a warranty that no other awning company  we’re aware of offers……the “Mom Warranty”.     My name is Vadi and my son, Joe Monte, owns Dutchess Custom Awnings.   Having raised Joe, he knows what it means to “answer to Mom”.  When I started working in the office, I told him “I never, ever want to answer the phone and have a customer unhappy with our products or service”.  Well, he doesn’t want to answer to me, so I can tell you that he will do his very best to make each and every one of our customers satisfied with their purchase!

Stop by our showroom, meet Mom and learn more about our products and warranties, including the “Mom Warranty”, Our new showroom is at 1075 Route 82, Suite 7, Hopewell Junction, New York 12533 or call us at (845) 226-3039.   You can also learn more about us on Facebook and maybe even “like” us!

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Dutchess Custom Awnings Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

February 20, 2014 Comments off

 Angies List, dutchess awnings

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Dutchess Custom Awnings has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“We are honored to accept this award. At Dutchess Custom Awnings our commitment to quality and superior service is demonstrated by our extensive guarantees on workmanship, materials and installation. All too often attention to quality, detail and service is overlooked; it is our insistence on excellence that sets us apart from the competition.”

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Dutchess Custom Awnings competes with in the Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties area are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Dutchess Custom Awnings is a family owned and operated business with over 25 years of awning experience. We offer exceptional customer service matched only by our commitment to customer satisfaction. We gladly service Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties as well as Danbury, CT and the surrounding area. Our new showroom located at 1075 Route 82 Hopewell Junction, NY offers 15 styles of awnings and hundreds of fabrics on display. For more information call us at 845-226-3039 or visit our website at www.dutchessawnings.com.

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Retractable Awnings, Stationary Awnings & Window/Door Awnings

October 3, 2013 Comments off

The purpose of an awning is to provide shelter from the elements, shade from the hot sun and a canopy to protect you from the rain.  Some homes lend themselves well to a retractable awning, others do better with a stationary or patio awning.

Dutchess AwningsA retractable awning can be mounted on the side of your home or on the roof.  With the ease of a remote control, it will project or retract as you wish.  If you choose a motorized model, we provide a manual override so you can still enjoy your awning  should you experience a power failure.  Manually operated retractables (without a motor) are also available.

Dutchess Awnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your patio or deck is better suited to a stationary awning, our installers assemble a custom built frame of galvanized metal and custom fit the fabric of your choice.  The fabric is placed on the frame every Spring and removed in the Fall, before the first snow storm. This is something you may choose to do yourself or a crew from Dutchess Awnings can do this for you.

Both options allow you, the homeowner, to outsmart the weather.  It can be up to 20 degrees cooler under an awning which makes it the perfect place to be on a hot summer day!  It’s like adding another room to your home.

Dutchess AwningsWindow and door awnings can add charm to your home and certainly add curb appeal.  Both block the sun’s rays and also keep the interior cooler.  They’re available in a variety of styles and we are careful to consider the type of architecture when making recommendations.

An awning prevents the sun’s rays from entering your home which keeps the interior cooler, thus saving on your air conditioning bill.  .  An added bonus is the sun will not fade your furniture or carpeting.     However, in the Winter months, some styles may be retracted, allowing the sun’s rays to warm your room, if desired.  We at Dutchess Awnings feature high quality woven acrylic fabric only so you’re assured of protection not only from the elements but also the sun’s harmful UB and UV rays.

As you can see, awnings offer a wide variety of benefits.  Please stop by the Dutchess Awnings showroom located at 136 Clove Branch Road, Hopewell Junction, New York or visit our website at  dutchessawnings.com.  We look forward to hearing from you and  will be happy to discuss your awning needs.

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Questions For Your Contractor

July 17, 2013 Comments off

Dutchess Awnings

A house becomes a home when the homeowner achieves that “lived in” feeling. Every homeowner wants their home to be attractive and functional. Sometimes, it is the ‘little things’ that make that happen. For instance, converting a sun drenched back yard into a shaded oasis requires an awning, the installation of which should be done by an experienced installer.

As a consumer, one must tread carefully. Ask your friends and neighbors who they used. Visit the contractor’s showroom to see an example of their work. Check references and, if possible, visit the home where the work was performed. Ask how many years the contractor has been in business; you don’t want to hire someone who is here today and gone tomorrow! It is also important to determine whether or not they’re insured and licensed where required. Always request a certificate of insurance for both worker’s compensation and liability.

Have the contractor visit your home and discuss the work to be performed. Ask for a written proposal which should include:

  • Transaction Date-This is the date on which the contractor and consumer sign the contract.
  • Start Date-This avoids misunderstandings about the start date. Determine if the contractor will apply for any permits, order materials and schedule subcontractors – prior to actually appearing on the job site.
  • Completion Date-The contract must include a completion date for the project.
  • Notice of Cancellation-Both the homeowner and contractor retain a copy of the contract which should include the date by which the homeowner may cancel the transaction.

 

Be sure the contract contains the name and address of the contractor. Discuss the payment schedule and be sure it is incorporated into the contract. Finally, be certain the contract spells out any guarantees and warranties.

If you’re in the market for an awning you can visit the Dutchess Awnings showroom in Hopewell Junction, NY or call us with any questions at 845-226-3039. We service the following counties Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, and Western Connecticut.

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcome!

June 19, 2013 Comments off

Welcome to our blog.  In the next few months we’ll be posting content.  Check back with us soon for our first post.

Window Awnings

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