Awnings 101 – cover all the basics you need to know

As people have become more concerned about the environment in recent years, awnings have become an increasingly popular choice for both homes and businesses. While awnings are an attractive way to improve the appearance and reduce energy costs for structures of almost any nature, there are so many options when considering an awning that it may be difficult to know where to start.

The following overview will help you understand the basics about awnings.

Fabric or metal?

Once of the first choices to be made when considering an awning is what the awning will be constructed from. Fabric awnings are usually made of canvas or other synthetic materials, and popular choices in metal awnings include aluminum and copper.

Fabric Awnings:

-          Canvas or other synthetic fabric

-          Variety of colors

-          Cheaper than metal ones

-          Require regular maintenance and cleaning

-          Have to be replaced more often than metal awnings

Metal Awnings:

-          Usually copper or aluminum

-          Longer lifespan (Copper can easily last more than 20 years)

-          Minimal maintenance required

-          Aluminum is cheapest metal

-          Copper is preferred for elegance and sturdiness

Permanent vs. Seasonal

Another factor to consider when it comes to selecting an awning is whether you want it to be a permanent fixture or a seasonal one. If you only use the patio for the summer, or if the awning will be used to provide shady outdoor seating at a restaurant, a retractable fabric awning is probably the best choice.

However, if you are using awnings to reduce the fading on materials and carpets that results from the sun and to make your home more energy efficient year-round, copper or aluminum awnings would probably be a better choice.

Many styles available