Prairie Shutter & Shade has been providing outdoor living and security solutions since 2009. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience. Browse the questions and get in touch with us if you have any more questions. Contact us today for more information.
What Are the Main Advantages of Your Products Compared to Others?
We’ve partnered with North America’s leading manufacturers to offer only the best in shade, screen and security products. Simply put, we offer the best selection of products made from the high-grade components all backed by an industry-leading warranty, such as:
Installation and Service
Our experienced team will ensure all products are installed to the highest standards, resulting in a clean, professional finish. Plus, we include a 1-year service warranty with all installations. We also offer year-round service if the need arises.
Do Your Products Help Save Energy and Cut Energy Costs?
Absolutely! A study conducted by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning has proven that an awning over a window can reduce the indoor temperature by as much as 12ºC and heat gain by 55-65% for southern exposure and as much as 72-77% for western exposure. This results in significant savings on energy consumption and, therefore, energy costs.
Installed on the outside of doors and windows, our roll shutters and drop shades are innovative, energy-efficient products proven to enhance the quality of your indoor environment.
Roll shutter and drop shade benefits include:
Our drop shades stop the sun’s intense and harmful heat and glare before it reaches your windows and reduces the solar heat gain by 80% when compared to alternative window treatments, and save you money (NRCAN, 2009).
When installed on the outside of your windows, roll shutters are insulated to absorb heat and cold, and will reduce your costly energy bills. According to a recent study by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCAN), when used with conventional windows in old houses, roll shutters help reduce the window’s U-factor by up to 40%. When closed at night, roll shutters reduce heat loss through windows by up to 20% and reduce the heating energy use by up to 5% compared to homes without roll shutters (NRCAN, 2009).
Are There Many Fabric Options to Choose From?
Our retractable awnings use only the best 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric available in hundreds of different colours and patterns. Furthermore, to assure our awning products are produced at the highest quality standards, our manufacturers use computerized sewing operations, which provide flawless stitching and seams on all awning fabric covers.
Our retractable drop shades are available with PVC coated fibreglass yarns. Fibreglass is more lightweight, stronger, inherently fire-resistant and more dimensionally stable than polyester fabrics. Unlike polyester, fibreglass is not a thermoplastic, meaning it does not stretch, shrink or twist when heated. This means greater stability of the fabric, allowing for an even roll-up of the screen and eliminating side to side travel. Furthermore, because fibreglass yarns are finer than polyester yarns, it provides for a greater outward view.
What Sizes Are Available?
All of our products are available in a wide range of sizes to cover any opening.
Retractable awnings are available with up to 30’ width and 13’ projection in a single awning. Pergola awnings can be grouped together to cover wider applications and can extend as far as 23’ projection.
Retractable screens and drop shades are available up to 30’ wide and 16’ high in a single unit. Multiple units can be grouped together to cover wider openings.
Roll shutters are available up to 18’ wide and 12’ high in a single unit. Multiple units can be grouped together to cover wider openings.
Retractable canopies are designed to cover outdoor spaces of any size. Single section widths available up to 23’ wide and 18’ projection.
Patio covers, louvered roofs and pergolas can cover large areas with no real maximum size. Our team can design the ideal product layout to fit your outdoor space.
How Are Your Products Operated?
All of our products are available with manual or motorized operation. Manual options for our various products include crank rod, pull rod, rope and pulley or pull-down/push-up. Standard motors require power to the motor and switch and are most often used during renovation or new construction projects. Radio Frequency (RF) motors require power to the motor only and are now the most common motor style due to their ease of use on existing buildings. RF motors can be operated with a wireless remote, wireless switch or conveniently with your tablet or smartphone using the latest in technology.
How Long Will It Take to Complete My Project?
Project timelines vary depending on the scope of work involved. In most cases, a building permit is not required and timelines are 4 to 5 weeks from the order date to completed installation. For more complex projects or when building permits are required, your project may take up to 3 months to complete. We work our hardest to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner with extreme care and professional workmanship.
How Much Do Your Products Cost?
There is no easy answer to this question as almost all of our products are custom made with a wide range of options and finishes. We offer free, no-obligation estimates for all products. See our Plan My Project page or Contact us for complete details on how to obtain an accurate estimate for your project.
What Areas Do You Service?
We are a Winnipeg-based company offering installation services in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. For installations, we travel anywhere within two hours of the perimeter, including areas near Brandon, Kenora, the Interlake, Steinbach and the Pembina Valley. We sell supply only outside our service area and, in many cases, can connect you with a qualified contractor that can assist with installation if needed.
Can I Install the Product Myself?
Absolutely. Anyone with basic do it yourself skills and proper tools, accompanied by our detailed step-by-step installation manuals should be able to install our products.
Don’t see your answer here? Contact our office and we’ll answer your questions as quickly as possible.