A Little Shade Can Go a Long Way

The hot days of summer are upon us. If you’re thinking of ways to reduce your summer energy bills, you might consider investing in a home improvement that will keep your home cool, stylish and comfortable: shade awnings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. You can use awnings to shade individual windows, or you can order an awning custom-made to shade the entire side of your house. If you don’t want an awning all year around, you can order models that retract or roll up when you don’t need them.

 

Types of Awnings

A small, horizontal awning will completely shade a south-facing window during the summer. An east- or west-facing window needs an awning that extends down to cover a larger part of the window. Sideless awnings, called Venetian awnings, can be adjusted as the angle of the sun changes. Venetian awnings, however, are usually not effective at blocking direct sunlight on south-facing windows. Hood awnings are more effective because they come with sides that block out additional sun. Hip awnings project out and down to accommodate casement windows that open outward.

Fabric Choices

In the past, most awnings were made of metal or canvas, which need to be re-covered every five to seven years. Exposure to sun, wind and water wore them out over time. Today, awnings are made from synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and polyvinyl laminates, that are water-repellent and treated to resist mildew and fading. No matter which fabric you choose, you should select one that is opaque and tightly woven. Also, opt for a light-colored awning that will reflect instead of absorb more sunlight.

Adequate Ventilation
Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window. Grommets or other openings along the tops and sides of an awning can provide ventilation. The awning may also open to the sides or top to vent hot air.


Almar Building & Remodeling Co is a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years. As a fulls ervice general constrution company, we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Avon, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Plymouth Ma: Almar's Production Manager's 13th year walking for MS

On April 1, 2012 Almar’s Mark Caruso, along with his family, will join with the rest of “Team Jen” for the 15th Anniversary Plymouth’s MS Walk.

For the last thirteen years Mark, his wife Jean and children Owen (whose 6) and Emilyn (whose 9) and the rest of Team Jen have walked in honor of Jennifer Cook of Whitman Mass, to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

According to the Walk MS (multiple sclerosis) website: “The primary goal of Walk MS is to raise funds to help people who have MS, and their families, through MS education, support, advocacy, services, and research.”

The Caruso's 2012

Walk MS is the signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Walkers who participate in the Walk share a remarkable achievement with over 250,000 other walkers in more than 700 cities across the country. They truly And make a difference by raising essential funds for research and services for people with MS.

Through his participation, Mark helped Walk MS reach their goal is to raise $2.9 million and to have 15,000 walkers in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. According to Caruso, “It’s important to me because Jen Cook is a dear friend who was diagnosed with this disease years ago. Fundraising for MS is a big part of her life and we want to support her and help her in any way we can. Maybe someday it will lead to a cure.”

Jen's Team 2012

Jennifer has been dealing with MS for 15 years with relapsing-remitting MS. According to the 3.22.12 edition of the Whitman-Hanson Express Jennifer’s diagnosis was recently updated to secondary-progressing MS. The paper also mentioned that “Jen’s Team is now a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization, boasting 150 volunteer walkers from Whitman…, Plymouth and several northeastern states.”

Almar is proud to support Team Jen. And Congratulations to Mark Caruso for his 13 years of support to this important cause. We know that with Almar’s help, his participation will make huge strides to the $25,000 team fundraising goal for this year’s event.

*For more information on MS and the efforts of Jen’s Team please visit www.msnewengland.org
* To make a donation to Mark Caruso click here