What is an Awning?
An awning is a covering made of fabric, aluminum, metal or other material that’s attached to an exterior wall over a window, door, patio or deck. It provides privacy, shade and protection from the elements, and it's either fixed or retractable.
The awning frame supports an awning made with fabric. It’s usually a lightweight structure, made from a range of materials including steel, aluminum, iron, fiberglass or wood.
An awning is more than just an attractive extension of your home. An awning offers:
- enhanced curb appeal
- added value to your home’s property value
- protection from the elements
- more time to enjoy your outdoor space
- safeguarding for your furniture and carpet from the sun
Fixed Awnings
Fixed awnings are stationary and are considered permanent fixtures. They can be found mostly on commercial buildings like restaurants, over office entryways, etc. However, they’re becoming more prevalent on residential homes as well, typically over front and back doors and over windows.
Retractable Awnings
A favorite with many homeowners and the most popular type on the market, a retractable awning wins points for its many advantages. Durable and space-saving, a retractable awning is more than simply good looks. A retractable awning also
- extends your outdoor living space
- protects your furniture from the sun’s UV rays and other elements
- allows you to control the amount of shade with manual (using a hand crank) or motorized (many with remote controls) retraction
- increases your home’s value
- is low maintenance
Patios, Windows and Doors
Patio awnings provide you with shade, shelter and privacy. Since they usually cover a larger area, patio awnings are typically retractable awnings. Other locations for awnings around the home are windows and doors, like the seafoam green awning over the French double doors leading to this patio (right).
Awning Materials
Awnings are made from a variety of materials that differ based on the awning’s intended function.
Metal Awnings
When it comes to durability, metal awnings like those used for windows are the best choice. Made up of various metals including steel and copper, they can withstand rain, high winds and direct sunlight. While they’re minimal maintenance and less likely to fade and sustain damage from the elements, they are susceptible to rust. With proper maintenance, metal awnings can last up to 30 years.
Aluminum Awnings
Close behind metal awnings is aluminum awnings. Aluminum awnings are lightweight and easier to install than their metal counterparts. While they’re corrosion-resistant, they are less durable than metal.
Fabric Awnings
Fabric awnings come in various materials including polyester, canvas and vinyl. Fabric materials are waterproof or resistant to things like mold, mildew and fire because they’ve been treated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) or acrylic. These coatings also make fabrics easy to clean and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Things to Consider When Buying an Awning
You’ve decided that you want an awning. Now the real work begins. It’s time to consider a few things that will help you determine the right awning for your home.
- What size awning will you need? Think about how much sun your patio or deck currently gets and then consider how much shade you want.
- Fixed or Retractable? Sometimes the location dictates the type of awning you’ll need. If it’s for a window or over a door, that helps to narrow down your decision. Typically, window awnings and door awnings are fixed. However, if you’re purchasing a retractable awning for your patio or deck, you also need to decide if you want an automatic or manual awning.
- Is this a project you want to take on by yourself or will you need help with installing it? You may be handy with a few tools, but what you think is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project may turn out to be a job for a professional so keep that in mind.
- Will the awning require a lot of maintenance? Do you want to deal with a lot of maintenance for the life of the awning?
- Do you want an open, semi-cassette or full cassette? This language speaks to the amount of fabric that’s covered on each end of the awning when it’s fully retracted. Open means the awning is fully exposed which isn’t a terrible thing if the weather is mild. Semi-cassette means the awning is partially exposed. This exposure can handle moderate weather. Full cassette means the awning is enclosed completely with the roller and fabric being fully protected from harsh weather.
- What awning style should you get? Consider a style that complements your home rather than one that detracts from it.
- What color awning will look good with your home? Choose a color that complements your home’s style. Suggestions include:
- earthy tones like beige and cream or soft shades of gray for a traditional home
- black and white that create a sharp yet clean look for colonial homes, as well as muted grays, white, soft beige and cream
- neutrals like creamy white, light gray and muted blues with dark accents to enhance a contemporary home
- nature-inspired tones that are rich and earthy like wood brown or muted shades of greens or reds, and creamy whites to beautifully complement the architectural details of a craftsman style home
- What type of warranty will you get with your purchase? Do your research to find out what’s fair in the current market.
Upgrade The Look of Your Home with New Awning
Awnings are a stylish feature whose time has come. When done right, awnings can add value to your home and add to your home's curb appeal. Awnings create additional outdoor living space, add a touch of style and create a more inviting environment. Make the most of your outdoor space with a good looking and functional awning.