Have you ever found yourself getting drenched when trying to unlock your door or struggling to relax on your balcony due to the harsh sunlight? If you are looking to maximize your outdoor space, then it is worth considering the benefits of installing an awning.
Awning installation is a smart investment for anyone who wants to spend more time outside. They offer shade and shelter from the elements, making your patio or deck a more livable and comfy space for you and your family to enjoy year-round. You will no longer worry about the weather ruining your outdoor plans or damaging your patio furniture. With an awning, you and your belongings will be protected, while the increased usability of your outdoor area will provide endless possibilities for relaxation and entertainment.
Whether you opt for a retractable awning, fixed awning, or patio awning, the benefits are numerous. With the right choice of material and color, your awning can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while also providing essential protection from the elements. If you’re a business owner, a commercial awning can even help you to stand out from the competition by featuring your logo or branding.
TOP 5 BENEFITS OF INSTALLING AN AWNING
If you enjoy spending time outside, you know how essential it is to have a comfortable and functional outdoor living space. One way to enhance your outdoor living experience is by installing an awning. Awnings provide a variety of benefits that can make your outdoor space more enjoyable and functional. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of installing an awning.
1. Protection from the Elements
One of the most evident benefits of installing an awning is the protection it provides from the elements. Awnings are designed to block the sun’s damaging UV rays that can result in skin damage and fade outdoor furniture and fabrics. They also provide a shaded area where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting too much sun.
Awnings are also useful during rainy weather, providing protection from the rain and keeping your outdoor space dry. This allows you to spend time outside even when the weather is less than perfect and can help protect your outdoor furniture from water damage.
2. Energy Savings
Another benefit of installing an awning is the energy savings it can provide. By blocking the sun’s rays, awnings can reduce the heat that enters your home through windows and doors. This reduces the amount of energy that you will be needed to cool your home during the summer months, leading to lower energy bills.
In fact, according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, which can translate into significant energy savings. Installing an awning is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
3. Improved Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to their functional benefits, awnings can also enhance the look and feel of outdoor spaces. They come in different styles, materials, and colors, so you can select one that suits your home’s style and design.
For example, retractable awnings are a popular choice because they can be personalized to fit the specific dimensions of your outdoor space. They also come in a range of colors and fabrics, so you can choose one that matches your home’s exterior.
4. Increased Home Value
Installing an awning can also increase the value of your home. Awnings are considered a functional and aesthetic improvement to your home, which can increase its overall value. According to the Appraisal Institute, an awning can increase a home’s value by up to $1,000 for every $10,000 spent on installation.
4. Durability and Low Maintenance
Awnings are built to last and require minimal maintenance. Most awnings are made from durable materials, such as aluminum or vinyl, which are designed to withstand the elements. Additionally, many awnings are treated with special coatings to resist fading, mildew, and water damage.
Low maintenance requirements make awnings a great investment for homeowners who want to improve their outdoor living space without the hassle of frequent upkeep. Simply clean your awning periodically with a mild detergent and water to keep it looking great for years to come.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AWNINGS
Before investing in an awning, it’s important to consider the location of installation, as it will determine the type of awning that best suits your needs. Below are the different types of awnings and their benefits:
1. Patio and Deck Awnings
These awnings are a popular choice for homes due to their large coverage area, providing shade over your entire patio or deck. They create a comfortable outdoor space for you to enjoy your morning coffee or Sunday brunch without having to worry about harmful UV rays. Installing a patio awning also adds value to your home and extends your living area to the outdoors.
2. Door Awnings
A door awning is installed above an entryway to protect it from harsh weather conditions while enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal. Door awnings come in various patterns, materials, and forms, whether you prefer retractable or stationary designs.
3. Window Awnings
Attached to the outside wall of a window, window awnings protect your interior from direct sunlight while still allowing natural light to enter. They also shield the tops of your windows from the elements and provide privacy. Window awnings can be either retractable or fixed.
4. Side Awnings
Also known as garden-side awnings, these wall-like awnings provide an immediate outdoor wall barrier over your balcony, patio, or garden. They offer protection from persistent wind and low-lying sun while providing privacy from neighbors and pedestrians. Side awnings are the easiest to install and can be set up in minutes. They can be manually retracted using strong retractable springs for long-lasting operation.
DIVERSE OPTIONS FOR AWNING MATERIALS
When you’re looking for an awning, selecting the appropriate material is crucial. You should consider the weather conditions the awning will be exposed to and how much upkeep you’re willing to perform. Here are some popular awning materials to consider:
1. Glass and Vinyl
Glass and vinyl awnings are constructed from polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material that’s easy to handle and mold. These types of awnings provide excellent protection against rain, snow, and UV rays while still allowing light to pass through. They’re water-resistant, have a sleek design, and are nearly indestructible, with 250 times the impact resistance of regular glass. Polycarbonate is also capable of expanding and contracting with temperature changes without causing any long-term damage or shrinking.
2. Sunbrella
Sunbrella is a long-lasting, fade-resistant, and water-repellent acrylic fabric that has the appearance of cotton canvas. Sunbrella awnings can last a dozen or more years and are resistant to mildew and UV damage, making them an ideal choice for humid climates. They can block up to 98% of harmful UV rays and are scratch and tear-resistant.
3. Fabric
Polyester is the most common material used to make fabric awnings. Polyester awnings are robust, mildew-resistant, and lightweight, making installation a breeze. Other materials for fabric awnings include cotton, canvas, and mesh.
4. Metal
Metal awnings are sometimes made of aluminum, and indeed a popular choice for homes worldwide. They are lightweight yet durable and can withstand even the harshest environments. Metal can be used for the entire awning or just the frame. These awnings come in various colors and are frequently coated with baked enamel paint. However, they are typically stationary and require regular painting to prevent corrosion.
AWNING ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
The awning’s intended use is an essential factor that should influence your decision when selecting the type of awning that will best suit your needs. Here are some of the available options for you to consider:
1. Stationary Awnings
Stationary awnings may be your best choice for constant window and door protection. If they are securely installed in the ground, it will give optimum support and durability to extreme weather conditions. But, because it is rooted in the ground, you will not be able to determine how much light or shade you want.
2. Freestanding Awnings
This type of awning is said to be good for giving shade in places distant from your house. You may use them for family get – togethers, Grill parties, tables, chairs, and any other outdoor activities you choose to enjoy in. Stand-alone awnings must be fastened to the ground and have a robust top, preferably made of aluminum.
3. Retractable Awnings
If you want to have control over the amount of direct sunlight that touches your deck or patio, then a retractable awning is an excellent choice. They are perfect for use during the winter months when you want to enjoy the sun but do not want to be exposed to the shade. These awnings are made of fabric, which means that you’ll need to retract them during severe weather conditions.
ADDITIONAL KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING AN AWNING
When selecting an awning, there are various factors to consider, including the material, size, style, color, and angle. In addition, there are a few other key factors that you should keep in mind to make certain that you get the most out of your awning.
1. Side Panels
One of the key considerations is the use of side panels, which can significantly improve the appearance of your awning and provide additional stability and protection from the weather. Non-retractable awnings benefit the most from side panels, as they can be used to customize the awning’s appearance and provide a barrier against pests and animals. Additionally, screens can be installed around the perimeter of the awning to provide long-lasting shade and further protection from the elements.
2. Awning Color
The color of your awning is another essential factor to consider, as it’s one of the first things people will notice when they approach your home or business. Choosing a color that reflects your personality and complements the property is crucial, but there’s no single correct answer. People’s tastes vary, and there are numerous factors to consider, such as the architectural style, awning size, and color combinations of your home. A lighter blue shade may be preferable to match the blue of your house, while some experts may suggest a particular color scheme based on your specific situation.
3. Awning Angle
Another often overlooked but crucial factor to consider is the angle of your awning. The angle is critical to the overall effectiveness of your awning, as it determines the level of shade and protection it provides. For areas facing east or west, the drop size should be 65-75% for best performance. In contrast, the drop size for a south-facing window can be as small as 45-60% since less coverage is required due to the angle of the sun. Choosing the correct angle for your awning will ensure that it provides the optimal level of shade and protection throughout the day.
4. Awning Style
The style of your awning is another consideration that can enhance the overall appearance of your home or business. A variety of awning types are available, including classic with closed or open sides, dome style, double bar standard, waterfall, quarter barrel, gable walkway, and semi-circular entrance. It’s essential to speak with an architect or a shade and blinds firm to identify the best style for your specific design.
5. Awning Size
Lastly, the size of your awning is a crucial factor to consider, as it will depend on the area you want to cover. Window and door awnings will typically be smaller than a patio and deck awnings, while larger homes will require larger awnings to span the entire length of the front and back yards. However, choosing a larger awning may limit your options for specific features, designs, and materials, so it’s important to consider all aspects carefully
CONCLUSION
Installing an awning is a great way to enhance your outdoor living experience. Awnings provide protection from the elements, reduce energy costs, improve aesthetic appeal, increase home value, and require minimal maintenance. Whether you are looking to create a shaded area for outdoor entertaining, protect your outdoor furniture from the sun and rain, or improve your home’s energy efficiency, an awning is a practical and stylish solution. Consider installing an awning to enhance your outdoor living experience today! Thai Plastwood offers the best quality vinyl awning for you to make it easier for you.