A commercial awning does three jobs at once. It keeps customers and employees comfortable, it makes the building more attractive, and it puts your brand where people can see it. For a Connecticut business, that combination is hard to get from any other single improvement to the exterior.
Here is a closer look at each benefit and how to get the most from it.
Function: Comfort and Protection
Shelter From Sun, Rain and Snow
An awning shields the people who visit and work at your business from direct sunlight. On a rainy or snowy day, it gives customers a dry place to pause before they come in. It also gives people who are leaving a chance to open their umbrellas before they step out into the weather.
A Cooler Interior
A commercial awning reduces the amount of sunlight that enters the building through the windows. The interior stays more comfortable when the sun is bright, and you do not have to rely as heavily on air conditioning on hot summer days. That can help keep utility bills down.
Protection for What Is Inside
Sunlight streaming through windows can damage furniture, flooring, artwork and merchandise. By cutting the amount of direct sun that comes in, an awning helps protect the contents of your business from fading and other sun damage.
Usable Outdoor Space
A covered area gives you room to do more. In the service industry, that might mean tables and chairs for outdoor dining, a place to enjoy a purchase in nice weather or a shaded spot to wait while an order is completed.
If you run a restaurant with outdoor seating, an awning makes the space look inviting. Patrons know they can enjoy a meal and conversation without worrying about harsh sun or rain. Some businesses also use the covered space for product samplings or demonstrations that customers remember.
Beauty: Better Curb Appeal
If your business is in a building with a lackluster facade, an awning can improve its curb appeal right away. A bright color or an attractive design changes the look of the building and creates a positive impression among customers and among people who walk or drive by.
Instead of blending in with the buildings around you, you can add a pop of color or choose a design that complements the architecture. The exterior starts working for you before anyone walks through the door. For ideas, see our post on commercial awnings that grab attention.
Branding: How a Commercial Awning Markets Your Business
It Helps Customers Find You
Customers can only visit your business if they can find it. On a busy street surrounded by other businesses, a distinctive awning makes your location easy to spot. It helps first-time visitors who are not sure of the exact address.
It Draws In People Passing By
An eye-catching awning also captures the attention of people who were not looking for you. It may make them curious enough to stop in and see what you have to offer.
It Reinforces Your Brand
An awning with your name or a distinctive logo complements your other branding, such as print and online advertisements, company vehicles and business cards. If your business has several locations, awnings with the same design give them a consistent appearance.
A good experience under that awning strengthens how customers think of your company. People who enjoy visiting are more likely to come back and to tell others.
Styles and Options
Aladdin Inc offers many awning styles, including slant, concave, waterfall, convex and dome. Our awnings can be made for doors, windows, patios, balconies and more, in the color and design of your choice, with or without graphics.
Retractable and stationary styles are both available, whether you are adding an awning for the first time or replacing an outdated one. Businesses with outdoor seating may also want to look at aluminum and fabric patio covers for larger areas, and smaller door canopies work well over secondary entrances.
Request an Estimate for Your Business
Aladdin Inc is a family-owned company that has been working on Connecticut buildings since 1949. We can install an awning over a door, window, patio or balcony at your business. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to learn more or to request an estimate.