Roll Out A Vacation In Your Own Back Yard

The rising cost of fuel is going to hit a lot of Americans hard this summer. According to the motor club AAA, gas prices are 18 percent higher now than they were this time last year - and recent reports indicate we can expect them to go up another 25 cents by the end of the summer.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to anticipate what this could mean to the travel industry - huge drops in earnings. Because they won't be able to afford to travel, people who used to spend their summers at the theme parks, national parks and other tourist attractions will likely spend the summer of 2006 close to home.

While the news is not good for businesses that rely on tourism, those in the home improvement industry are anticipating a banner year. People who would usually spend their extra money on vacations are expected to put it into their homes instead.

Among the projects expected to be popular, new roofs and windows, and additions that allow people to enjoy their backyards more, like patios, decks and awnings. "Expanding your outdoor living space allows you to take a mini vacation every day in your own backyard," says Larry Bedosky of Durasol Awnings, a New York-based company that specializes in custom-made, professionally installed retractable awnings. "Our dealers across the country are already seeing an increase in call volume from people who want to turn their backyards into the ultimate getaway this summer."

Bedosky points out that awnings offer a number of benefits both inside and outside the home. "Outside, they offer both aesthetic value, and a cool place where people can enjoy their yards protected from the harmful rays of the sun," he says. "Inside, they offer substantial savings on your cooling bills. By limiting the amount of direct and indirect sunlight that enters your home, you are able to reduce solar heat gain."

Durasol's most popular line of retractable awnings is its SunShelter series. These awnings are custom made to fit any deck, patio or terrace, and can be mounted on virtually any flat surface, under a soffit or even on a roof when limited mounting height is available. They are created using 100 percent acrylic fabrics and are available in over 200 vibrant colors and patterns, and make a great complement to any dcor.

"Retractable awnings are quick, easy and convenient," says Bedosky. "Sim

ply press your remote control and the awnings roll out effortlessly and stops automatically when fully extended. A SunShelter can be ordered with an extension of up to 13 feet out from the home and can be between constructed in width range of 6 and 50 feet."

To learn more about Durasol Awnings, and to locate your local dealer who can come out to your house and take measurements, visit www.durasol.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content.