Patio Awnings Cleveland Ohio - Cleveland ohio patio awning expert talk about your new awning

Hi there, Kevin Potoczak, of CEI Awning in Cleveland, OH here with some useful tips in buying a fabric patio awning. Summer is already around the corner and you may have a neighbor who has a patio awning or perhaps you are unable to use your patio during hot summer days. Whatever the reason that brings you here, I would like to talk to you about fixed patio awnings. In this video I am going to demonstrate frame features when you are buying a custom “fixed” or “stationary” patio awning. A patio awning typically involves a fixed frame attached to the house or can also be freestanding. The beauty of a custom awning is that it is tailored specifically to your patio. The frame can be built for permanent or year-round use and the cover is stretched over the rafters and laced on tightly to provide a shade cover and protection from the rain. A frame that is designed for a seasonal cover may appear similar, however, the permanent frame is engineered for stronger loads to handle snow and wind. First, thorough field measurements are taken to create your custom patio awning with consideration to the size, slope, and the attachment to the “floor” and/or “wall”. The frame is the support for the cover much like wood rafters provides support for the roof of your house. When in tandem with the cover, the frame and fabric can withstand high winds and a great deal of rain. The 2 most popular designs for a frame are either a slip-fit frame using round galvanized steel tubing with set screw fittings or one with a welded frame typically made from an aluminum extrusion. We prefer using a welded aluminum for a cleaner look, no rust, and the ability to paint the frame for a very finished look. A properly engineered and installed frame can last several years if not forever. Frames should have horizontal rafter spacing around 30”apart and uprights at the front of the awning should range around 8' apart. If the frame is welded aluminum look for radius corners. All welded frames should have smooth corners and all sharp edges ground down with an angle grinder. All welds must be brushed clean from any oxidation. If you wish to have the frame painted or powder coated, the frame will go through some prep work. A durable 2 coat acrylic latex paint system is typically ideal for a cosmetic finish. For some frames powder coating is possible and provides an extra durable finish. Installation is typically coordinated with the customer after the frame is ready to install. Installation is usually done in less then a day for most patio awnings. The installation crew should be advised on where the awning is exactly going being careful to measure, level, and square up the frame to be ready for the new cover. I hope this short video has proved useful information on a fixed or stationary patio awning. For more information, please feel free to contact me or CEI Awning with any questions you may have. You can reach us by calling us at 2 1 6 – 7 4 9 – 2 2 3 3, or visit our website at ceiawning.net, if you prefer email, send one to cei2324@att.net. Your always welcome to visit us in person at our shop just east of Pearl Road at 2324 Denison Avenue in Cleveland, OH. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. I will see you soon. To learn more about the fabric cover please watch Part II.