Since the inception of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) in 1967, more than 1,700 architectural professionals have passed along the benefits of education to their customers by including awnings in the design of homes and commercial buildings. With increasing attention on energy efficiency, architects and engineers are becoming more informed on the overall benefits of awnings. Many awning companies are helping to create a greater awareness of the benefits of incorporating awning installation into design by. Other than this emerging wave of awning company marketing, there is still very little training for engineers and architects to help homeowners and businesses realize the advantages of installing awnings as part of the renovation or new construction process. Ultimately, when the architect includes exterior shading products, such as awnings in the blue prints, engineers will call on companies like Eclipse Shading Systems® to guide them in the process of installation and textile selection. The building of relationships by PAMA with architects, engineers, and awning companies will enhance design and structure of home and commercial projects.
Additionally, including awnings in the design of new homes and buildings can garner Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points for sustainable structures, since this certification is given to overall projects and not to individual products. With rising energy costs and overall desire to stop wasting energy, optimizing energy performance in new buildings is high on the list of requirements in modern building design. Eclipse Shading Systems retractable awnings and shading products not only protect you from the damaging rays of the sun, they reduce heat gain indoors, providing more comfortable indoor living space, preserving the mechanics of the HVAC system, and prolonging the life of carpets and furnishings with reduced glare.
THE ULTIMATE SUNBLOCK™
