Awnings come with the immediate ability to transform any outdoor space into a livable, enjoyable part of your home no matter the time of year. Whether you have a small patio you want to cover or a garden area, you need shade. Finding the right awning for your needs is an important part of the process.
Apart from homeowners, business owners can also benefit from using awnings in their business premises, especially café and restaurant owners. Al-fresco dining is a popular dining option for most customers, and installing awnings allows them to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather.
There are many benefits to enjoy from awnings. They help keep inside spaces cool by blocking direct sun rays from the doors and windows and help to protect furniture and surfaces from premature fading caused by the sun.
With so many options in the market, how do you choose the perfect awning for your home? Here are some pro tips on how to choose an awning.
How to choose an awning that suits your needs
Deciding between retractable or stationary awnings
This is the first consideration you need to make when choosing an awning.
Retractable awnings, also referred to as roll-up awnings, are excellent options if you will sometimes need an open roof to allow maximum sun exposure. These types of awnings can be rolled back for maximum exposure or stretched for full cover. The downside of retractable awnings is that they are not designed to withstand very harsh weather conditions. This means that they may not be able to offer a protected shelter in extreme weather since they need to be retracted.
Stationary awnings are permanently fitted over the space they cover without the option of folding them back and forth. The covers in stationary awnings are usually fitted onto a sturdy metal or wooden frame attached to the walls of the house or building. Most stationary awnings come with weatherproof covers, making them ideal if you need to use the space even in harsh weather.
Choosing the awning material
One of the most important considerations you need to make is the material to be used for the awning. The type of material picked determines the maintenance needs of the awning. Also, you need to choose a material that complements the aesthetics of your home.
Aluminum and outdoor fabric are the most common awning materials used today.
Outdoor awning fabrics come in a wide range of textures, colors, and designs and are more high maintenance than aluminum awnings. On the other hand, aluminum awnings are sturdy and more durable, even though they do not offer a lot of options in terms of customization.
When deciding on the awning material, you need to choose one that offers protection from weather elements, including protection from the harmful sun rays, rain, and snow.
The purpose
The type of awning you finally choose should match the function you intend for it. This is determined by whether you need a commercial or residential awning. The right option should complement its use to ensure it gives you extended service for years to come.
It is also important to check that the awning option you go for complies with the local building laws in your area. Sometimes, housing associations in municipalities have particular guidelines on the types of awnings that can be installed in commercial and residential places.
The angle of installation
This is one of the most important yet overlooked factors when choosing the right awning. The angle of installation plays a critical role in the overall performance of an awning.
If you are installing awnings on windows facing the west e east sides, the drop size should be between 65 and 75 percent for best performance. For windows facing the south, the drop should be between 45 and 60 percent since less coverage is needed because of how the window is angled to the sun.
The side panels
If you intend to add the side panels feature for your awnings, you need to know that this will change the architectural look and feel of the awning. Side panels are excellent additions since they offer additional coverage from different weather elements from different angles. They are particularly ideal if you want to provide more protection or shade from the sides.
Size considerations
The Size of an Awning is one of the most important considerations to make when purchasing an awning. While a smaller awning may be more decorative, it is not always the right choice. The right size should offer maximum coverage for the space you need it installed, ensuring every space is under the awning.
When choosing awnings for windows and doors, they should be slightly larger than the width to offer maximum protection from all sides.
Awning style
This is also an important consideration to make since the right awning should complement the overall aesthetics of your business or home.
Some of the most popular style options include traditional awnings that feature open or closed sides, double bar standard, dome-style, quarter barrel, waterfall, semi-circle, and gable walkway awnings.
Ultimately, your style depends on your personal preference and your home’s architectural style.
Key takeaway
Finding the right awning is an important endeavor and ensures you enjoy all the benefits awnings offer. With the tips highlighted in the article, you now know how to choose an awning and are better placed to make the perfect choice for your needs and preference.