No doubt about it, 2020 was the year of the 'staycation', in which many Australians invested heavily in their properties to ensure they made the most of their outdoor area and created a holiday feel at home.
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While travel restrictions are now easing, people still have a strong sense that home is where the heart is, and as such will be making the most of their property this summer.
"Maximising living spaces with a seamless indoor-outdoor transition is a continuous trend with families who require their homes to be versatile," says Vera Meharg, marketing communications manager at Luxaflex Window Fashions.
"Outdoor awnings offer an extension of your living space as well as advanced sun protection and airflow for a more enjoyable entertaining space. It also provides the added benefit of helping maintain your home's internal temperature."
When tackling intense climates such as Australia's, awning fabrics must fend off the rain and wind while also withstanding the heat and sun.
Two of the main considerations to factor in when selecting an awning is the strength and stability of the product.
The use of a quality awning screen can eliminate most of the solar heat's penetration, making it ideal for improving a home's sustainability and energy consumption, while helping you feel comfortable all year round.
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But what about inside? While enjoying the fresh air is a perfect summer pastime, when it comes to moving indoors, it's important to many homeowners to be able to manage the temperature by keeping hot air out.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the summer of 2019-20 had Australia's second warmest temperatures to date, the rising mercury resulting in an increased desire to manage hot temperatures and keep the heat at bay.
Most of your home's energy is lost through windows, with research conducted by yourhome.gov.au revealing up to 40 per cent of temperature lost and 87 per cent of heat gained in your home occurs through uncovered windows.
Controlling the heat with window furnishings, blinds, and shutters can offer a sustainable solution and enhance the performance of existing windows, helping to keep your home cool this summer, without increasing electricity bills.
Quality sunscreen fabrics will reflect heat and UV rays, drastically helping to reduce a room's heat gain and protect furniture from sun damage or fading. It is also advisable to purchase window coverings that have insulating properties for extra heat defense.