July 29th, 2010 by admin
Many times we hear from contractors or builders that they had a great idea for a building’s exterior design but had to abandon it because of expense.
My immediate reaction is always, why didn’t they call us first?
I may be a fourth-generation contractor, but I’m also an accountant. At Parasol Awnings, we are often able to make suggestions that make seemingly impractical projects practical.
For example, we worked with an architect on a church addition. The addition went over budget, and the contractor thought he would have to eliminate the covered drop-off aspect of the structure. With the church’s elderly population, a covered drop-off was important for safety and comfort.
The original budget for the drop-off structure was $250,000. At Parasol, we were able to create a covered drop-off and walkway for $25,000. That was 10% of the original cost.
A few years later, the church had the funds to replace the canopy structures with a permanent build.
Michael Folk
President, Parasol Awnings
Tags: awnings, building solutions, canopies, materials
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
April 27th, 2010 by admin
On March 2, 2010 President Obama outlined energy efficient improvements that would qualify for the new HomeStar® Program. Sadly, awnings were not mentioned.
Like the home improvements he did include in his speech, awnings reduce energy consumption. A study by the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota determined awnings could save more than 20% of a structure’s cooling costs.
President Obama also referred to the work created for small business through the HomeStar® Program. Many awning companies are like mine, small, family-owned shops that manufacture awnings and canopies on site with local craftsman and then install them using local labor.
At a time when Americans rarely manufacture anything in America, the awning and canopy industry is proof we can.
With an energy credit for awnings and canopies, we could reduce energy costs and create jobs.
Tell your lawmakers you want energy-saving canopies and awnings included in the HomeStar® Program. Write to me at michael@parasolawnings for a sample letter you can send to the people who represent you in Washington.
Michael Folk
President, Parasol Awnings
Tags: awnings, canopies, energy conservation, materials
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
September 29th, 2009 by admin
Most industry outsiders think canopies and awnings haven’t evolved since they were installed on their grandparent’s house 70 years ago. Those of us in the business know better.
Canopies and awnings are continually evolving to answer today’s engineering, design and energy-conservation challenges. Here and across the country craftsmen and designers are pursuing innovative applications, experimenting with new materials and pioneering new processes.
In this blog, I will share with you some of these inspiring projects. You’ll be able to read about the latest advancements in energy conservation, cost savings, extended wear and durability, new fabrication techniques and configurations as well as bold graphics. If you know of an inspiring project, email me the details.
Michael Folk
President, Parasol Awnings
Tags: awnings, canopies, energy conservation, materials
Posted in From the president | No Comments »
