Commercial awnings help businesses stand out, but that’s not the only thing they’re good for. Storefront awnings can transform the front of your business into a covered outdoor seating area, providing your customers’ shade and protection from the elements. And thanks to modern advancements in outdoor awning materials, a custom-designed and professionally-installed awning in NYC will last for decades. Here’s a look at some of the material options you have to choose from when designing a new storefront awning .

Vinyl
Although heavier than acrylic and acrylic-coated materials, vinyl awning fabrics are very resistant to UV light and mildew. Vinyl also offers greater translucency than most other fabrics and materials, making them ideally suited for backlit and illuminated awnings. One of the downsides of vinyl is that there are generally fewer styles and colors to choose from compared to acrylic fabrics.

Acrylic
Canvas was traditionally the preferred awning material until acrylic and acrylic-coated synthetic fabrics came around. These materials hold up much longer compared to canvas, and are also much better suited at repelling water. Like vinyl, acrylic fabrics and fabrics coated with acrylic work well in areas with high humidity are resistant to damage from UV light.

Fiberglass
If you’re looking for a more permanent shade structure, fiberglass is a lightweight alternative to steel or aluminum. Fiberglass awnings are molded with color pigments in the resin, preventing the need to repaint. Unfortunately, fiberglass awnings can become brittle over time and may need to be repaired or replaced sooner than fabric sun awnings.

These are just a few of the awning materials you can choose from. If you are looking for a custom shade structure for your business, get in touch with a commercial awning supplier in NYC to discuss your options and determine which type of material (and which type of awning) is right for you.

The right type of awnings in NYC can make your company look good and attract the business of tourists and locals alike. Store awnings can help to cultivate the atmosphere that you want your business to put forth and direct eager customers to your location. Read on to learn more about using awnings to boost the curb appeal of your business.

Creating the Right Atmosphere
If you run a successful business, chances are you know your clientele. You know who they are, what they like, and what would motivate them to visit your store . For coffee shops and health food stores, this often involves comfortable chairs and relaxing music. In the case of skateboard shops and music stores, you might want a more energetic environment. Regardless of what type of atmosphere you want to create, a store awning can help you make it happen. Whether your customers like to hear acoustic crooning or blaring punk rock music, make sure they can hear it while passing under your awning.

Representing Your Franchise
An attractive atmosphere will help to bring a few people off the street and into your shop, but awnings do more than just create an environment. You can also use your awning to represent your franchise. This is particularly helpful in crowded areas like New York City where storefronts may be battling for space. An awning can let people know that they are nearing your store, even if they are still some distance away. This can keep people moving in the right direction: into your business.

Catching Passersby
Awnings can also boost your curb appeal in away that expands your client base. The use of eccentric colors that stand out from the norm may stick out to some passersby. It is important that the way you design your awning reflects your philosophy and style as a business to attract the right customers.