Awnings are attractive and functional and add style and color to your deck and patio while providing shade and making outdoor entertaining more pleasant. There are many awning styles available, so here are some tips on choosing the right awning for your home:
Location – Awnings work well on decks and patios and can also be placed over doors and windows. They provide protection from the elements and can safeguard your house’s interior from the sun’s damaging rays. On the deck or patio, awnings provide shade and cooler temperatures and protect your outdoor furniture from weather damage. Awnings over windows and doors can decrease your summer cooling costs.
Colors and materials – There are many awning material options to choose from, including polyester, cotton, canvas, mesh, acrylic, resin, and aluminum. When choosing colors and materials, it’s important to consider the weather the awning will be exposed to, along with the style and color of your home. In most cases, it’s better to have lighter colored awnings because they do not trap heat, reflect sunlight, and look cleaner longer than dark awnings.
Awning styles – There are many awning styles to choose from, including straight edge traditional with open or closed sides, dome-style, waterfall, semi-circular, quarter barrel, gable walkway, and double standard. The edges of awnings can be tailored to the look and feel of your home, in scalloped, serpentine, Russian point, and gothic styles.
Awning operation – With retractable awnings, you can extend them when you need them and retract them when you don’t so you control the sun and shade. Fixed or stationary awnings work well for windows or doors, while motorized awnings can extend or retract with the touch of a button from inside or outside your home.