Awning Guide

Awnings help block out much of the light.

Awnings block sun and rain so that guests can sit outside on patio during bad weather conditions. Awnings can also make furniture last longer by exposing the furniture to less sunlight and rain. Awnings are also put over windows to keep excessive sunlight from coming through but still allowing some light to enter. Awnings can also be purely decorative, providing a European or whimsical look.

Window Awnings

Some window awnings effectively block sunlight, helping the home maintain a consistent temperature that can save on energy bills. Also, with suncatcher awnings, you will not need to pull the blinds, which will give your home a more open look, according to Awnings Guide. Dome window awnings are most often used as decorative pieces, especially on restaurants. Spear awnings have four projections coming out of all four corners of the window and are most often used on architectural homes. Homeowners living in extreme weather situations can purchase durable metal window awnings.

Preparation

In some areas, awnings are considered permanent structures, so you will need an installation permit before setting up the awning. Measure the width of the wall to ensure that the awning will have enough width to cover the part of the wall that you want covered. You must choose the right type of mounting bracket based on the wall materials.

Cost

Awnings cost a lot, especially if you pay someone to install the awning. However, you can save money by purchasing at the end of summer or during winter, when demand and price are lowest. Also, installing the awning yourself can save money. Before constructing an awning, find out how much the materials will cost, so that you are not stuck with a half-built awning when you run out of money.

However, retractable patio awnings are often too difficult for do-it-yourselfers. Retractable awnings are usually made out of canvas. They allow you to retract your awning when you want full sun. They can be either manual or motorized.

Materials

Wood awnings blend in well with wooden porches, though they can cost more than other building materials. Rain exposure can cause a wooden awning to rot. Aluminum costs less as a building material and is light weight, making it easier to work with when constructing the awning. Aluminum is also more durable than wood, so the material can survive extreme weather conditions. Canvas is an even cheaper awning material and is even lighter, though the canvas lacks durability. Canvas can be custom-dyed with a variety of designs.

References

• Patio Awnings Guide; Patio Awning -- Buyers' Guide
• Porch Awning Guide; Porch Awnings Can Be Made From Many Different Materials; 2011
• The Awnings Guide; The Awnings Guide
• Retractable Awnings; The Insider's Guide to Retractable Awnings
• Awnings Guide; Measuring for Awnings