Awnings Have Been Common For More Than 2000 Years;

Many of the initial reasons were cultural; prevalent open air markets had contributed to a long history of fixed awning use, so it was a natural transition to easier to use and longer-lasting retractable awnings.. Energy shortages and price increases in the 1970s, though, did begin bringing retractable awnings to the popular mind as a functional solution for energy efficiency. Europe has very high energy costs and, because of many old homes and flats, most residences do not have air-conditioning systems installed. Millions of retractable awnings are sold there annually and are found on the majority of homes and businesses, even being considered in the architectural design process.Different Reasons for Using AwningsVarious factors have come into play for why Europe has, for nearly a century, been consistently integrating retractable awnings into architectural plans.In addition to the practical reasons, Europe has had a long aesthetic tradition with awnings, so retractable awnings are a natural part of any home design, and that organically led into creative and adventurous designs, which made using awnings even more appealing. Because awnings had a stylistic influence in European history which transitioned to efficiency uses, European awning fabrics and designs tend to be more dramatic and flamboyant. Now, the retractable awning market is decidedly driven by Europe. In the mid-1800s, shop owners began using movable awnings, which simply bunched up the fabric when it was taken down. For example, European fabric lines average about 400 fabric designs, while American lines average 200. With minor variation, this is the same basic design used today on lateral arm retractable awnings.A Quick HistorySome form of awnings has been around for millennia, starting in Egypt and the Middle East and spreading across the Roman Empire. More and more American consumers are asking about vibrant colors or patterns - like florals and even paisleys - when they look at awning fabrics, and more exotic designs are starting to come over from Europe, at least for high-end use. While the history of using awnings stretches far back in Europe and retractable awnings are commonly used there today, they're rare in the United States - despite the fact that retractable awnings were invented in the US. Most of those were fixed canopies of mats, skins, or fabric bolts hung over poles.Differences in StyleThe different reasons for retractable awning use in Europe and the US have produced different emphases on style. Substantially fewer awnings are sold in the United States yearly - less than 50,000 - so the market, according to the Industrial Fabric Association International, is only about 2% saturated.That is starting to change, though.American homeowners, approaching retractable awnings as a functional addition to a house, without the stylistic background, tend to be conservative, choosing fabrics in blacks and grays in sedate stripes and staying with more traditional frame styles.What the Future HoldsAs energy efficiency continues to be a growing issue for American homeowners, retractable awnings will be a new opportunity to explore.More practically, though, the widespread use of retractable awnings comes down to cooling and energy efficiency. This uneven adoption has led to an exposure of design options in Europe - intricate frames, new types of retractable frames, bold colors, and luscious patterns - while America, treating awnings as a practical afterthought, has stayed more conservative. There's room for a change. As energy efficiency becomes more common, it could become more natural to look for stylish, as well as functional, solutions, which will broaden the retractable awning market even more. The highest quality manufacturers, most innovative new designs, and emerging trends are coming from European companies.Retractable awnings were quick to catch on in.