Retractable Door Screens

Roll shutters have come a long way from the industrial-looking steel still common in some city's storefront windows. Modern roll shutters can be made to work with virtually any home or commercial property's décor, and they provide substantial benefits when it comes to security. When it comes to preventing unwanted heat and light entry, the solid barrier provided by a roll shutter simply can't be beat.

Security is important for homeowners and business owners alike throughout the Edmonton and Grande Prairie area. Roll shutters are a great security tool, and whether you install manual or motorized roll shutters, you'll find them simple and easy to use.

• Lower your roll shutters while you're away at work. Most home break-ins actually occur in the mid- to late-afternoon when people aren't at home, not at night; roll shutters are a visible barrier that few burglars will feel is worth the bother.
• Keep your roll shutters down and locked when you're away from home for extended periods. Again, the barrier works as a major deterrent to potential criminals and vandals.
• Roll shutters can greatly increase privacy, and that can increase security, too. What potential burglars can't see through a roll shutter can't give them an incentive to break in.

Reducing your cooling and heating bills might not be your primary reason for installing roll shutters, but it's a great added value! Here's how roll shutters can help you conserve energy and reduce your seasonal expenses:

• Keeping your roll shutters closed on hot summer days, especially when windows are receiving direct sunlight, can dramatically reduce heat gain and lower your reliance on air conditioning.
• Closing your roll shutters on winter nights and when windows are not receiving direct sunlight (sometimes even when they are) can create a stronger "heat envelope," making your heating more efficient
• Do NOT keep roll shutters closed and latched when you've built an open fire, and always have several easy exits planned when your roll shutters are down.

Our umbrellas and shade shelters are made with the best materials on the market, but nothing can stand up to Northern Alberta's weather forever. Follow a few basic tips for keeping your umbrellas and shade shelters clean and well-maintained, and you can stretch the life of your application years beyond the average.

When your shade shelter is attached to an existing, permanent structure, keeping it maintained is as simple as keeping it clean. Preventing debris from building up and collecting water will ensure the longevity of your shade shelter's fabric or acrylic covering, and will also prevent undue stress on the shade shelter's frame.

Retractable shades can be stowed away when they're not in use, which offers better protection against the elements. Constant opening and closing is tiring and will wear out your shade shelter's moving parts faster.

• In general, stow your retractable shade shelter when not in use for the best protection.
• If you expect to come and go from your shade shelter's area frequently, go ahead and leave your shelter deployed.
• When you're not planning to use your shade shelter for a long time, such as over the winter, keep it stowed. You can even purchase covers for many shade shelters to increase their longevity even more.
• Keep your shade shelters clean and debris-free

Most of the above tips for fixed and retractable shade shelters apply to free-standing shade umbrellas and portable shade shelters too. Keep them clean and stow them away when they're not in use. When convenient, moving shade umbrellas and portable shade shelters to protected areas—into a garage or shed, if possible, is the best way to protect them during the winter season.

Shade solutions for your windows and doorways can do more than make for comfortable lighting. Used effectively, they can cut cooling costs by as much as 25%! Here are a few tips to help you turn down the heat and turn up the savings using shade and screen solutions:

• Lower shades and screens before they are hit with any direct sunlight to see the biggest impact on your cooling bill.
• For windows receiving direct light first thing in the morning, lower screens or shades the night before.
• Awnings are an affordable shade solution that won't block your view, and they'll provide some cooling benefits as well. You'll get more heat prevention and energy conservation from screens and shades that fit directly over your window, though.
• Exterior shades are more effective than interior shades, because they stop the heat before it even gets to your window. Heat gain can be reduced by as much as 53% with an effective exterior shade.
• These tips can reduce your reliance on your air conditioner and also help prevent fading of furniture, books, and artwork.

Fixed-position shades and screens need very little maintenance. A quick cleaning every now and then- especially for exterior screens and shades, is recommended, but little else is needed unless accidental damage occurs. For retractable shades and screens:

• If your shade or screen is not on a track, pull gently in the natural direction the shade or screen deploys, not at an angle.
• For motorized/manual shades and screens on tracks, clean the tracks regularly and oil or lubricate occasionally (a service we also offer our customers)
• If you experience a problem with your retractable shades or screens, call a professional. It's often a quick fix that can turn into a bigger problem if left unchecked.