Our Design Process

An awning by Thompson Awning can provide sun protection, and rain protection or just make your home or business more aesthetically appealing. For commercial buildings, it also provides a place for prominent signage or graphic logos to bring attention to your business or increase your seating capacity with an outside eating area.

There are mainly two basics types: stationary and retractable. Stationary awnings will have a fixed metal frame and are in a fixed position on the building. Retractable awnings will provide the capability to move the awning in and out easily either manually or motorized.

A stationary or fixed awning will provide sun and rain protection as well as color and three-dimensional looks to your home or business.

A retractable patio awning from Thompson Awning provides the capability to extend and retract the awning either manually or with a motor. We call it "shade on demand". It can provide sun protection for outside sitting and eating areas and protection for children playing outdoors from the UV rays. There are also retractable awnings made for doors and windows. We do not advise choosing a retractable if you are looking for rain protection as any damage done by inclement weather will not be covered under warranty.

Retractable awnings from Thompson Awning are not meant to be out in high winds and should be retracted when winds approach the recommended maximum levels. Wind or Motion sensors are available on most of our retractable awnings. Stationary awning frames are designed and built to withstand very high winds. The awning fabric cover is typically attached to the metal frame with rope lacing and must be removed if winds are predicted to reach levels of 75mph and above.

Permits are required for some new residential awnings and almost all commercial jobs. Signage permits are also required when any signage or graphics are added to the awning or changed when being recovered. Homes in historic districts (RAP, SPAR, etc.) typically require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Thompson Awning will provide engineered drawings, pull the permit, and acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness if required, for a fee based on the job size and the number of engineered drawings needed.

There are various shapes of awnings (i.e. standard, dome, blade, quarter turn, patio, etc.). See our Awning Styles section of the website for various shapes or call Thompson Awning for a no-obligation free consultation and estimate.

There are several types of fabrics that address each situation. Acrylic fabrics (canvas-like) and vinyl fabrics are most common. There are also mesh fabrics best suited for curtains or trellis covers. There are hundreds of colors to choose from, including stripes and solids. Visit the Fabric and Powder Coating Options on our website to see all the colors available.

Since all our awnings from Thompson Awning are custom made, it usually takes from 4 - 6 weeks up to 8 -  10 weeks to manufacture and install an awning from receipt of a confirmed order. Permit processing time is not included in our lead times. Permitting can add 4 - 8 weeks of additional lead time.

Most ARB's are only concerned with fabric colors. Thompson Awning can help you put the submittal package together, including fabric samples, brochures, photos, and renderings. We can provide a copy of a Florida statute that prohibits local covenants from prohibiting energy savings devices, including awnings.

Thompson Awning has been serving Northeast Florida for over 100 years. Our team specializes in awnings and our staff averages over 20 years' experience in the industry. In these uncertain times, it is important to select suppliers that will be in business to support you and your needs in the future.

It comes down to price versus value. Value includes price as well as other value-added items such as:

• free on-site consultations and mounting considerations
• a local showroom to view products and the manufacturing facility
• free installations - local post-sale service

The cost of a national TV advertising program and lower prices makes you wonder how much they will be putting into the product itself. 

Simply fill out our online form for a free estimate or call us at 904-355-1616.

Valances are the fabric that hangs from the bottom of the awning. A scallop is a decorative cut-out shape along the Valance. Visit our Valance and Scallop Choices section of the website to view them now!