As we all know, there are certain benefits to basking in the glow of the sun’s rays, such as the synthesis of vitamins within the skin. And as we are finding out, too much of a good thing can be a costly problem. So where do we draw the line? How much is too much and why should we be frightened on beautiful sunshiny days? The answer is by having options, and Great American Awning & Patio of Ballston Lake is just the place to quell your concerns because Great American Awning is committed to providing the ultimate in custom solar protection solutions.

Frank Rafalik, owner and employee with Great American for 11 years, was kind enough to take time from his busy schedule and discuss the ins-and-outs of the awning, patio, and sun room business and Great American's relationship with the surrounding community. 

Great American Awning was created in 1986 by Doug Brown. In these early years, some 22 years ago, the business was based out of Newburgh. Mr. Rafalik joined the Great American family in 1997, when the company put out the call for a general manager. Great American Awning continues to be a family-based business. 

Although based out of Ballston Lake, Great American Awning services a very large radius within New York state. They have completed projects/installations in locations stretching from Lake Placid to Oneonta to the Catskills, and Great American is not limited to this territorial trifecta.

Whether you are a sun-worshiper, a fresh air admirer or like to enjoy the outdoors without the discomforts of the elemental extremes, Great American Awning offers a wide variety of outdoor living products no matter what your lifestyle. “Awnings are hidden jewels,” described Frank, referring to a consumer’s lack of awareness regarding the vast benefits of outdoor sun protection and the ever-advancing market. He reflected that with increasing awareness, the market becomes more competitive, thus bringing more technologically advanced product lines to his store. “We are able to provide superior awnings made with materials that are more resistant to wind and rain,” chimes Frank.

Being in the business for more than 20 years has allowed Great American Awning to establish and maintain strong supplier relationships with the finest, most durable products on the market. 

Great American also offers the most up-to-date technologies in awning arms. For example, Great American purchases top of the line retractable arm parts from one of their suppliers based in Spain. The high quality parts are then shipped overseas to a manufacturing company, Eclipse Awning Systems, where specialized technologies assemble the complicated awning arms.  The big benefit to capitalizing on this manufacturer/supplier relationship is customers will not rely on the manual assembly of critical parts. Oddly enough, Great American still holds true to the roots of its origin, as the specialized assembly at Eclipse occurs in Newburgh.

Another advantage of the suppliers used by Great American Awning can be seen in the types of fabric used to provide shade as well as protection from rain and solar radiation. Great American acquires their fabrics from Blue Raven Mills of South Carolina. Blue Raven is one of the largest fabric suppliers in the world. Blue Raven’s dominance is owed in particular to their specially formatted fabrics which boast the luxurious character of influencing temperatures ten to fifteen degrees cooler under the confines of an awning compared to outdoor ambient temperatures. 

“Our awnings are approved by the Skin Cancer Society,” proudly replied Frank.

What makes Great American Awning such a positive resource for all your consumer questions is their beautiful in-store showroom and their no charge policy for in-home estimates. Great American’s three-thousand square foot showroom exhibits five styles of retractable awnings, two styles of welded awnings, and a 13-foot by 15-foot sun room. With the help of their sales staff who have personal experience installing the various products offered as well as pricing, material specs, and sales rep knowledge, you are offered the opportunity to sit with professional staff and discuss your options. 

If you have a problem with morning sunlight, if you are anxious to turn your backyard or patio/deck into a gathering place for family and friends, or if you are interested in reducing energy consumption in your household, the staff at Great American is more than willing to discuss any spectrum of options for your yard.  “The advantage to our showroom is it takes the guessing out for customers,” said Frank. When someone comes in to the showroom with questions, they are often afforded the benefit of seeing how the awnings operate, reviewing vital product information, and see the overall visual appeal of an outdoor living solution. Their no charge in-home estimates are just as informative, as home estimates allow the Great American staff to determine sun angles and other design logistics important to their high level of quality assurance.

As if Great American couldn’t provide any more help in the solar solutions selection process, consumers are urged to visit the Great American Awning & Patio website (listed below) as a resource for making the right decision for you and your family. Their website hosts an array of pictures and facts pertaining to sun rooms/patio rooms and awning options. Their website has several question-and-answer sections on the design and care instructions for products offered.

Great American’s website also promotes a wide variety of warm and homey Vermont Casting fireplaces and cabinets as well as acrylic bathtub liners and wall surround systems guaranteed not to chip or dent under lifetime warranty.  

Having the pleasure of growing up in Schenectady, Frank remarked that the Ballston Lake area and the entire Capital region provide a wonderful clientele base. He is met with a diverse configuration of customers and curious shoppers ranging from new home owners to remodelers to sun-sensitive senior clientele. Frank also plans on offering a new product line geared more towards Energy Star standards, such as Energy Star-rated entry doors. He and Great American are working together with manufacturers to bring changes in product technology and advances in product performance to the customer.

You can find Great American Awning & Patio at 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake NY 12019. For information pertaining to solar solutions, pricing, and/or questions, call 518-899-2300 or visit their website at http://www.greatamericanawning.com/.