What Is an Awning?
An awning is a structure that mounts to a house to provide shelter from the elements.
- Different awning designs suit different locations.
- Some awnings are fixed and remain in place year-round.
- Different types of awnings provide shade, protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays or shelter from rain.
- Some awnings are retractable and need to be secured in bad weather and the off-season.
We’ll explain these factors and help you choose the best awning for your space.
Start With Your Space and Application
Choose an awning type based on the area you want to cover and the kind of protection you need.
Patios and Deck Awnings
Use a patio or deck awning to create an entertaining area or a shady space to relax:
- Patio and deck awnings are larger structures that cover all or most of an outdoor space.
- Awnings for patios and decks are best for protecting you from the sun’s heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- They protect outdoor furniture and make the patio or deck more comfortable to walk on.
Window Awnings
Use window awnings to keep interior spaces cooler and more comfortable:
- Window awnings help keep the sun’s heat and glare from entering your home.
- These awnings help block UV rays, protecting furnishings from fading.
- Depending on the design, a window awning can shade a small patio or balcony.
Door and Entryway Awnings
Use door awnings to keep you and your guests dry or shaded when you enter your home:
- Door awnings help block heat, rain, sleet and snow.
- They can also help protect your door from heat and UV damage.
- Front door awnings can improve the look of your entryway
Side Awnings
Use side awnings to add a measure of privacy to a patio or balcony:
- A side awning isn’t a traditional awning.
- Side or privacy awnings are retractable vertical panels.
Location and Orientation
Sun exposure is a factor in how you use awnings:
- West- and south-facing windows and outdoor areas receive lots of sun and benefit from the heat and glare reduction of larger awnings.
- East-facing windows benefit primarily from the glare reduction awnings provide.
- For north-facing windows and doors, awnings provide protection from the elements and beautify your exterior.
- Look for features that let you adjust the angle of the awning to change coverage based on the sun's location.
Find the Right Awning for Your Home
Decide What Awning Size You Need
Measure the area you want to protect and compare it to the awning specifications. Pay attention to three awning measurements:
- Awning Width: Width indicates the distance from one side of the awning to the other.
- Awning Projection: Projection tells you how far the awning extends outward.
- Awning Mounting Height: The measurement, typically specified by the manufacturer for headroom, from mounting location to the ground, patio or deck.
Don’t confuse mounting height with awning height. Awning height is the measurement from the top to the bottom of the awning.
Sizing a Patio or Deck Awning
- The width should allow adequate shade without interfering with windows, doors and other features.
- Choose a projection based on the size of the space, the direction it faces and whether you want full coverage or shade for a seating or dining area.
Sizing a Window Awning
- Make sure the width provides the necessary protection from the sun and weather.
- East- and west-facing windows can benefit from a longer projection to provide glare and heat protection when the sun is low on the horizon.
Sizing a Door Awning
- Find a width that ensures a good fit and provides the best protection.
- The projection should be enough to provide protection but should look proportionate to the entryway.
Fixed Awnings
Fixed awnings are most common on windows and doors:
- Fixed awnings are typically more stable than retractable models.
- With no moving parts, installation and maintenance are simpler.
- Shade varies by the location of the sun.
- They can reduce beneficial heat gain during cooler months.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are usually patio and deck models, made with fabric stretched over a frame:
- Retractable awnings adjust to fit your needs and the sun location or roll up for protection from wind and inclement weather.
- They can be more difficult to install and often require more maintenance.
- Manual, motorized and remote-controlled models are available.
- Motorized retractable awnings require nearby access to power.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on when to retract the awning during high winds.
Awning Materials
Fabric Awnings
Fabric awnings, typically made of lightweight polyester, canvas or acrylic material, can be retractable or fixed:
- Fabric awnings offer the widest variety of colors and patterns.
- Most fabric awnings are treated to resist water, mold, mildew and fading, as well as to provide UV protection.
- Fabric awnings typically radiate less heat than solid panels.
- Some types allow for fabric replacement.
Metal Awnings
Metal awnings, typically with durable steel or corrosion-resistant aluminum panels, are common types of fixed awnings:
- Metal tends to be the longest-lasting awning material.
- Metal panels stand up to the elements year-round.
- With high resistance to damage, mildew and fading, metal panels require less maintenance than fabric covers.
Polycarbonate Awnings
Polycarbonate awnings are another type of fixed awnings:
- Polycarbonate panels are lighter than metal panels and highly weather-resistant.
- Polycarbonate allows some natural light through but provides UV protection.
- The material is highly impact-resistant with no risk of dents or tears.
Things to Consider When Buying an Awning
Awning Design
- Sloped awnings have a flat angle with closed sides, creating a clean look.
- Open-sloped awnings have a flat angle like slope awnings, but the sides are open.
- Waterfall awnings have a gentle, outward curve and create a more modern look.
- Crescent awnings also create a modern look but have a gentle, inward curve.
- Dome and elongated dome awnings have a classic, rounded design.
Your Climate
- Polycarbonate awnings and fabric awnings with UV protection are often the best awnings for hot, sunny areas.
- Fixed metal awnings and retractable awnings are often best for windy or storm-prone areas.
- Aluminum awnings, mildew-resistant fabric awnings and awnings with sloped or waterfall designs are often best for rainy areas.
Installation
While professional installation saves time and effort, many Lowe's awnings offer DIY-friendly installation that can save you installation costs.
- Look for models that include installation hardware.
- Follow building codes and Homeowners Association restrictions.
- Follow the instructions for your awning and see our guide to installing an awning for a list of the common tools you need and general steps.
Mounting Requirements
Check the awning manufacturer's specifications to find a surface strong enough to support the structure. Typically, awnings mount to your home’s structural framing:
- Wall mounting is the most common and typically best for DIY installation.
- Some awnings aren’t suitable for some types of siding.
- Roof- and soffit-mounting options work for some awnings when there’s not enough wall space.
- If there’s no suitable mounting surface available, look for a freestanding awning that relies on a weighted base for support.