Over the centuries, commercial awnings have evolved from being simple, cheaply made fabrics to high-quality, attractive awning applications. Although modern commercial awnings are made with much higher-quality materials and designs, they still offer the same purpose as awnings did in ancient history.
Below, let’s take a few moments to discover the beginnings of commercial awnings and how they progressed to the awnings we have today.
Awnings have a rich history that dates back as far as ancient Egyptian and Syrian civilizations. Made of woven rugs, these awnings provided shade for marketplaces as well as residential homes.
In the Roman Empire, awnings made of large fabric were used to cover the seating areas of stadiums and amphitheaters, including the Coliseum. Over the next 2,000 years, awnings continued to be one of the most important features of commercial businesses.
By the 19th century, simple utilitarian awnings began to appear on American storefronts. These awnings were built with timber or cast-iron posts that set along the sidewalk edge. The covering was a type of fabric known as canvas duck, a versatile material used for centuries to make sails and tents. Because canvas had a short lifespan, however, awnings had to be packed away for the winter months.
After the Civil War, awnings became a common application for commercial businesses. During the second half of the 19th century, an assortment of materials and patterns became available. Additionally, awnings became more affordable, allowing more business owners to deck out their building’s facade.
One important change that took place during the 20th century is the introduction of more durable fabric. As mentioned, awnings in the early days were made of canvas. Although canvas was a cheap fabric option, it lacked durability and sturdiness. As new production techniques arose, canvas awnings were replaced by acrylic, vinyl, polyester, fiberglass and aluminum.
During the 1970s and 1980s, awnings began to take on a new look as well. Rather than displaying standard hinge-armed awnings, businesses began installing mansard awnings, concave awnings, quarter-round awnings and awnings with rounded dome ends. Moreover, commercial storefront awnings began featuring bold lettering and colors that advertised businesses.
Since the last century, awnings have been improved and redesigned to not only be functional but attractive. The look, feel and function of modern commercial awnings are much different than early-day awnings yet still offer the same purpose as they did centuries ago.
Below, let’s explore the variations of modern commercial awnings.
Modern commercial awnings come in a range of designs to spruce up commercial businesses. In addition to the array of fabrics and materials, modern commercial building awnings are built with structures designed to last for years.
Unlike the early days, commercial storefront awnings are no longer solely used for sheltering customers. Instead, commercial awnings are also used for advertising and improving business visibility.
Modern commercial awnings have not only seen an improvement in appearance but expanded functionality. A modern commercial retractable awning can be operated with just the push of a button on a remote control. Other common features of commercial awnings include an adjustable pitch, integrated cover housing system, double cable arms and an adjustable slope.
Each one of these features improves the operability of an awning and allows you to retract the awning quickly if a storm should pop up suddenly.
Modern commercial awnings take many different forms. Here at Marygrove Awnings, we have experience in creating a large variety of awning designs.
Marygrove Awnings has designed commercial retractable awnings in all shapes and sizes. From small restaurant patio awnings to retractable awnings for large establishments, we can create an awning that perfectly suits your business.
Whether you are looking for a versatile retractable awning or a permanent metal awning, Marygrove Awnings offers a plethora of commercial awnings to choose from. Contact us today to start the process of creating your dream awning to give your business an added boost!
By the early 20th century, awnings were revamped to improve operability. Hence, new folding-arm awnings as well as lateral-arm awnings were introduced to commercial businesses. Scissor-arm awnings also began to appear on storefronts. This type of awning featured a pair of vertical, hinged arms that supported the front bar.
A commercial retractable awning makes a fantastic addition to just about any business. Whether it be a restaurant awning, manufacturer awning or a storefront awning, retractable awnings are the perfect option for businesses.
Marygrove Awnings has created commercial metal standing seam awnings in numerous shapes, colors and designs. From restaurants and hotels to golf courses and stores, our experts have created metal awnings for a number of businesses. Our metal panels are available in a selection of widths, gauges and colors, allowing you to find the perfect design to complement your business. Regardless of the size of the building, we are capable of creating a metal awning that will fit your needs.