How to Hang an Awning

Awnings add a decorative accent as well as functional benefit to a home.

Awnings provide shade to areas of a home where there is no natural shade. Awnings are ideal for use over windows, patios, or decks in sunny areas. Besides providing temporary shade, awnings help cool a home by reducing the heat entering through the windows or doors from direct sun to the surfaces. Awnings are available in a number of sizes, colors and designs to meet most any home decor. They are sold at most home improvement and window and door stores.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Laser level
• Chalk line
• Awning
• Power drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Read the awning manufacturer's instructions for placement height above doors and windows for the particular model. Measure up the side of the house to the height indicated and make a mark on the wall with a pencil.

2. Use a laser level or chalk line to place a line across the length of the area for the awning equal to its length. Locate the exact center of the line and make a mark.

3. Place a mounting bracket on the side of the house, aligned with the center mark on the line on the wall. Mark the location of the mounting holes and use a drill with a 1/8-inch bit to create pilot holes. Hold the bracket over the wall and insert mounting screws into the pilot holes. Tighten the screws down with a screwdriver until the bracket is securely mounted.

4. Position the other brackets at the ends of the drawn line, marking the holes and drilling into the wall. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the brackets to the wall.

5. Lift and place the awning onto the brackets. Lightly pull on the rolled awning to see if it is securely set onto the wall. Tighten the set screws in the underside of the brackets to lock the awning into the brackets and keep it from pulling free.

6. Connect the support bars to the outer brackets by hooking the hole in the bar to the tab on the brackets. Insert a cotter pin into the tab to hold the bar in place. Unscrew the retaining bolts in the ends of the awning and attach the other ends of the bars over the hole. Tighten the screws back down.

7. Extend the awning slowly and test the connection to ensure it is stable. Swing the locking bars out from the bracket and hook them over the tabs in the end piece of the extended awning to add support.

Tips & Warnings

• For installation into brick or other masonry, use a 1/8-inch masonry drill bit.

• For long awnings, have an assistant help with placement on the wall.

References

• "The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Big and Small Improvements"; John Krigger; 2008
• "Better Homes and Gardens Big Book of Home How-To"; Better Homes & Gardens; 2006