Awnings are offered in a multitude of styles, shapes, sizes and colors. They are
much more than just an easy way to add decorative appeal or accents to your home.
Today's awnings are able to effectively combine functional elegance with distinct
style to enhance the overall appearance of your home. Regardless of whether you
are shopping for window, door, patio or freestanding awnings, you will enjoy several
long-term benefits by using awnings.
The Benefits of Awnings
Awnings provide homeowners with several benefits that transcend their aesthetic
appeal. Awnings are useful in protecting you and your home from the elements, such
as the sun's harmful rays, blowing snow and/or pounding rain. Awnings can prevent valuable
items and furnishings from fading or wearing out before their time. They can save
you money on your energy bills by maintaining the temperature in your home more
consistently year round. Awnings can protect wood work and finishes around windows
and door frames. Is your television or computer monitor located near a window and
the sun's glare is making it difficult to see? No worries. Window awnings can reduce
that glare factor while still allowing you the benefit of natural lighting.
Considerations When Selecting an Awning
Your needs, where you live, where you want to install the awning, how you plan to
use it and your budget are all important considerations. The easiest place to start
is by asking yourself a few questions regarding the function of the awning. Are you looking
for something decorative that can add a little pizzazz to your windows, doors or
patio? Do you need a covering over your patio or deck to shade you from the sun's
glare or to protect your patio furniture from the elements? Are you looking to improve
your energy efficiency? Of course, there's nothing wrong with expecting your awnings
to be both decorative and functional. In most cases, you will find that you do not
have to sacrifice style for functionality.
Material
As an awning is a big investment, you need to be sure that it will withstand
the elements, year after year. That will be determined in large part by the quality
of the material and the components used. Awnings are generally available in two
types of material which are relatively durable -- aluminum and outdoor fabric.
The advantages of aluminum are that it tends to be sturdier, low-maintenance, and
looks rather retro in terms of style factor. Furthermore, it does not normally deteriorate
in rain or tear when weighted down by snow. Aluminum awnings that are made from
quality aluminum components and baked enamel finishes are less likely to rust and
can cut down on some of the routine maintenance and painting. In terms of disadvantages,
your choices for colors and shapes are somewhat limited unless you decide to purchase
custom designed awnings.
Fabric awnings come in a wider variety of colors and shapes, are relatively easy
to clean, and are less expensive than aluminum. However, they do require some routine
maintenance and tend to be more decorative than functional. For example, they may
not work well for a home located in a region that receives a lot of snow or rain,
but would work well in drier climates where the weather is generally a little milder.
Fabric awnings made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic and polyvinyl laminates
tend to be more water-repellent and if treated are resistant to mildew and fading.
Another important item to check regarding the material used is if it is UV rated.
A product with a UV rating ensures that you and your family are protected from the
harmful affects of UV rays. Many manufacturers can and do apply UV protective coatings
to the materials used. Others may provide this service, but at an additional cost.
Size and Fit
The size of an awning is determined by its length, width and desired projection
from your home or patio to which it is attached. Your personal style preference
and energy efficiency are also important factors to consider. For example, if you
are purchasing window awnings for energy efficiency purposes, you may want to consider
the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Energy which recommends that awnings
on east and west-facing windows have a 65 percent to 75 percent drop for maximum
efficiency. A south-facing window only needs 45 percent to 60 percent coverage.
It is also important to remember when installing your awnings that you maintain a
gap between the house and the top of the awning to prevent the heat on the awning
from being transferred to your home.
Color & Styles
Outside of determining what colors coordinate with your home, you may want to stick
with lighter color options. Darker colors tend to absorb heat and can defeat the
purpose of having an awning for cool shade. Lighter colored awnings block direct
sunlight and lessen the amount of heat coming into the home.
Manual versus Motorized
Awnings are available in both manual and automatic/electronic styles. Most manual
awnings are easy to operate at any size with a standard lateral arm or side arm crank,
but it is even easier to just be able to push a button and have it stop at any point
of opening or closing that you want. This function can allow for ultimate control
of light or shade all day long.
Automatic/electronic patio awnings are controlled by electronic “arms” with the
push of a button. Many even have remote controls for easier use. The power requirements
for motorized awnings are usually very low and most motors are completely concealed
and very reliable. Automatic patio awnings usually also come with a manual override
feature in case of a power outage.
Top Selling Brands, Types & Styles
Window Awnings
As mentioned there are several popular styles and designs from which to choose.
The most popular window options include:
- traditional with closed sides
- traditional with open sides
- dome style
- double bar standard
- waterfall
- quarter barrel
- gable walkway
- semi-circular entrance
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The Awntech Corporation brands are synonymous with classic design and quality workmanship.
All of their awnings have been thoroughly tested for wind and snow loads, and are
durable in rough weather. Awntech offers several unique window awning designs available
in a variety of sizes including the
New Yorker,
Chicago,
Savannah and the
Bostonian.
Futureguard's awnings are built from the finest materials and are designed for easy
installation. Additionally, they provide a warranty on all of their products and
are proud to provide 100 percent customer satisfaction. If you like fabric awnings,
Futureguard's
Mediterranean/Canvas Block Stripe Fabric window awning is a charming fabric
awning which will add beauty and value to your home for many years. Other fabric
options include the
Forest Vintage Bar Stripe, the
Ombre Dark Brown/Salmon/Beige, and the
Sand Graduated Stripe. The
White Aluminum Window Awning is a classic example of their long-lasting
aluminum awning options. This style is also available in
almond,
brownstone and
graystone.
Door Awnings
A door canopy is an ideal and affordable way to protect any entranceway. Door canopies
offer great sun protection or protection from the elements and are available in
a multitude of aluminum and fabric styles. Here is a sampling of a few of Futureguard's
door canopy options. The
Linen Fabric Door Canopy is a long lasting and durable solution dyed acrylic
outdoor grade fabric that maintains its outstanding color year after year. Other
great fabric canopies include the
Forest Green/Beige/Natural Fancy Stripe, the
Terra Cotta, and the
Burgundy Canopy.
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Fans of aluminum may want to consider the
Graystone Aluminum Canopy. This rugged aluminum door canopy is designed
to stand up to harsh rain, snow and sun and is available in
almond,
brown,
hunter green and
burgundy.
Patio Awnings
With patio awning, you can expand your outdoor living space and add value to your
home without the potential headaches and high cost of construction. Another added
benefit is that your furniture will be protected from fading and weather damage.
Retractable awnings are a popular choice for patios because they do not require
unsightly poles that can obstruct your view. Also, when you do not need to shade
your patio from the sun, you can retract your awning against the side of your home,
so it is out of the way when you need it to be.
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SunSetter, makers of SunSetter Retractable Awnings (manual and motorized) is America’s
largest manufacturer of deck and patio awnings. Because of their large production
volume, they are able to purchase components in the most efficient way, and pass
the savings on to the consumer. The
Sunsetter Pro Motorized Awning gives you the ultimate in cool shade and
weather protection instantly. The dual-cable system needs no vertical supports.
The awning can be installed on wood, brick, stucco, aluminum and vinyl siding as
well as directly on eaves and overhangs. There are a variety of styles and design
options available to match your home's decor.
Futureguard also has several motorized options available including a beautiful
Retractable Linen Patio Awning, designed by one of Italy's premier awning
designers. Made with Sunbrella Fabric, this long lasting and durable solution dyed
acrylic outdoor grade fabric provides outstanding color year after year. The awning
is completely self-supporting with no unsightly vertical support poles to obstruct
your view. Includes a hand held remote control for smooth awning operation. This
awning is also available in
Burgundy,
Chocolate Chip and
Forest Vintage Bar Stripe.
Price Range
A patio awning is a significant investment. The price of an awning depends upon
several factors including what type of material and components used, the area/size
of coverage (i.e. window, door or patio) and the style or design you choose. Awnings
and awning kits can range anywhere from $100 to five thousand dollars and up. For
example, the average cost to install a 16'-wide awning is approximately $100 to
$250 and a 16' to 30' wide is $250 - $500.
Competition among awning manufacturers is fairly fierce, which is likely to work
in your favor, so be sure to shop around because bargains abound. If cost is a major
concern, consider working with a manufacturer that offers a direct financing package
as an option.
Top Manufacturers