How to Choose the Right Awning for Your Home

Awnings protect your home from sun and rain, create shade for extra coolness in summer, and can even help prevent some water leaks. Below you'll find some things worth thinking through before buying an awning for your home.

TYPES OF AWNINGS

Awnings come in various shapes and sizes, but generally fall into two categories: fixed and retractable. A retractable awning is ideal for balconies, verandas, and windows, wherever you want control over the weather. This way, you can retract it when you want to enjoy the sun, and extend it when rain arrives or when you want shade. Fixed awnings are well suited to building entrances, so that, for example, you can find your keys in the rain without getting wet.

AWNING FEATURES

Think about the climate you live in and where you'll install the awning on your home. Choose your awning with the following features in mind.

Size: Awnings are measured by length and projection. For length, measure between the mounting points (if you already have one and want to replace it), the length of the balcony (if it will cover it entirely), or the width of the window (if it's not on a balcony or veranda). Add a few centimeters on each side to get roughly the length needed for installation. For projection (how far it extends from the wall), measure approximately how far it needs to reach for the best results from your awning.

Awning materials: Your awning's fabric can be cotton, aluminum, polyester, or vinyl. Cotton is a popular choice, usually treated to add color or pattern and to make it more water-resistant. Aluminum awnings are built for very rainy weather and to protect against hail and strong winds. Polyester and vinyl awnings are the most common, since they're already waterproof and available in a huge range of colors and patterns.

Support bases: Awnings are mounted to an exterior wall, the roof, or support posts. Larger awnings will need stronger supports and bases to bear the weight of the awning fabric. Wherever it's installed, make sure the supports can handle the awning's weight.

CHOOSE YOUR AWNING BASED ON WHERE IT WILL BE INSTALLED

Balconies and verandas: Temperatures on balconies and verandas can get very high in summer, so an awning should protect you from both rain and strong sun.

Windows: Awnings and shading systems on windows can reduce the temperature inside your space by as much as 9 degrees, cutting your summer cooling costs. You can also control how much light enters your home and match the awning to your space's decor.

Doors and entrances: Canopies over doors can help you find your keys, check the mail, or grab your umbrella without worrying about the weather. They also add a decorative touch to your home's entrance.

Shading systems can protect you from summer heat and sun, or from rain and bad weather in winter. Look for the one that suits your home, your local climate, and your budget.

Call us to discuss your needs, and we'll recommend the right solutions for your home or business.