Eyelids are retractable awnings of a kind, and this shows just how natural and sensible they are. They have been used by people throughout history in both advanced and primitive societies. Fronds and leaves are used to make shelters in some jungles and many roadside stalls in Africa have primitive sacking or plastic blinds that are retracted with a stick contraption.
It was said that the Empress in the Chinese Qing dynasty used silk to protect her delicate skin from the summer sun. Cleopatra most probably had a sunshade too, manipulated by her servants. History is rich with the ingenuity of human endeavors to protect themselves from the sun. Apparently some space craft also carry similar apparatus.
The Coliseum had a complicated system of ropes and pulleys to extend a shade over the Emperor, so that he would be sheltered from the sun as he watched the killing going on beneath him in the hot sun. The horror of it may be why it took two thousand years before similar such were erected over modern sports stadiums.
Various materials may be used to construct shelters. The shade afforded by trees and vines seems to be without parallel but new synthetic material may still be developed to compete with tree shade. Other materials include cotton, polyester, acrylic and aluminium. Those that are water proof have the added use of sheltering people from hail and rain as well as the sun. Since they are not exposed continually to the weather the materials used will be protected to an extent from corrosion.
Aside from keeping the sun from the skin, overhangs may be used to protect shop windows from the rays that damage goods on display in shop windows. At night the awnings may be retracted to allow greater visibility. During the winter months these features may hibernate against the wall, or even withdraw into recesses in the wall. When warmer months come around again the awnings may come out with the spring flowers.
Shelters outside restaurants and cafes allow patrons to enjoy airiness whilst being protected from rain and sun. They are also a means for an establishment to extend its space and business. Because they can easily be removed they do not threaten anyone and are unlikely to provoke opposition.
Homeowners have many choices when deciding how to protect themselves and their homes from the sun. The traditional striped blinds in blue, green or yellow can now cover very light aluminium frames that are electrically operated. The electric motors work silently so that it is a pleasure to watch the shades retract or extend without having to wrestle with recalcitrant ropes and rods. Arrangements may even be made to have them operate from distance. Added to either new or older homes these features can be very practical embellishments increasing the value of a property.
Retractable awnings add fresh and cheerful looks to a building. Businesses may use awnings to decorate their buildings and advertise corporate logos and brands. New patterns and textures are available to property owners. The value of a property and its marketability may be improved immensely.
The use of retractable awnings enhances the appearance of your home and saves on utility bills. Find retractable awnings Middletown area by doing a regional search query on the Internet.