Tags: Awnings

Awnings can add a lot more to home decor than you think.   If you love to spend your time outside but don't like to get exposed to the Sun then Awnings is the right choice for you! Whether it is retractable awning or window awnings, they not reduce sunlight and protect furniture, but also make outdoor living more relaxed in summers as well as rains.  Awnings are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs. You will have to analyze your needs and accordingly choose what is the best fit for you.  Let’s dive deep to take a look into different types of awnings: 

1. Retractable Awning

  Retractable awnings are the most popular style while choosing among the types of awnings. These awnings provide an option for space-saving, as they can be rolled or folded up when not in use. These awnings are less chance to get damage from wind or storms, as they can be stored away when the forecast calls for the weather change.  The greatest advantage of these awnings is that they let you enjoy both the shelter as well as sun. As such you extend them for shelter or retract to enjoy the warm Sun.  Here are main components to a retractable awning you can consider while making a purchase decision. They are: The Cover Retractable awnings come with a fabric or material that forms the cover. Having a covering makes awnings more durable, direct resistant and offer more UV protection. Moreover, you won't face issues such as color fading as the colors of your awnings will remain vibrant for a long time.  Frame The retractable awnings are supported by the frames. These frames are made of either aluminum or galvanized steel. As Aluminum is lighter, it won’t corrode unlike steel, but galvanized steel is stronger. So, you need to make a choice here.  Also, you can choose the shape of the frame such as round tubing which is bolted together or square or rectangular tubing which is welded together. Cassette The cassette is the covering around the motor and it basically holds the covering when retracted. There are 3 types of cassettes

• Full (closed) cassette: When the awning is retracted it’s fully protected. They are more costly as they provide complete protection 
• Semi cassette: Provide some protection to the covering so they are cost-effective 
• Open cassette: Retracted awning remains exposed.

Motor Motor awnings are better than manual ones. As they come with the option of handheld remotes or wall switches. Moreover, motorized awnings are 10 times more in use than manual awnings.  But make sure the motor is durable, quiet, and has less maintenance costSome motorized awnings include sensors to alert you when weather conditions warrant retracting. 

2. Fixed Awning (Wall-Mounted)

Fixed awnings offer protection that is always and permanent. They are stationary and are installed on the building’s exterior to provide constant shelter. Fixed awnings are mostly preferred if you want to shelter your deck/patio for 24/7.  They can be attached to the side of the home above doors and windows, or to the deck like a gazebo or pergola. Moreover, they require less maintenance than a retractable awning. Make sure your awnings are durable and strong to withstand any weather condition while installation. They are available in a wide range of styles such as e dome, elongated dome, eyebrow, concave, and waterfall

3.  Portable Awnings 

As their name suggests, they don’t require wall mounting. Freestanding awnings can cover large spaces and are mostly preferred in restaurants, poolside areas, and lawns. Portable Awnings are not stationary and can be moved around the deck or patio. They are great options for occasional purposes as they are budget-friendly and available in various styles such as Umbrella, Canopy, and Freestanding awning

4. Window Awnings

Window Awnings are designed to protect your bed gets heated despite the doors and windows open or to stop sunlight directly from beaming inside your room. These awnings kep away the sun rays to let you experience a cooler house . They can be customizable according to the size and pattern of your windows. On the other hand, Vertical awnings could be described as a ‘state-of-the-art’ window blind. They can be combined with retractable awning technology and weatherproof awning fabrics. They can be fitted outside as well inside the window. The window awnings not only provide protection from the sunlight but also rain and snow. 

5. Conservatory Awnings

Conservatory awnings as the name suggest Conserve Energy. They have a unique framework that is mounted to an existing roof structure such that their internal designs provide shading from under the glass, while external designs are fitted over it. This provides more improved temperature control. These awnings are elegant and robust and provide an inviting ambiance. You can enjoy the outdoor living under these awnings even in the high temperatures and strong sunlight, As it has glass it helps to retain heat in the winter, offering extra heat insulation.  Two main factors to keep in mind while choosing the Awning: 

• Awning Material 

Awnings are available in a wide range of materials. Some popular are Polyester, Vinyl coated Acrylic, Aluminium. Prefer sewn awning over a glued awning as they are more reliable. Opt for Laminated fabrics as they are waterproof while acrylic fabrics may become only  water-resistant over time 

• Cost 

Take into consideration costs while buying Awnings as other costs such as installation, maintenance, and operational cost are associated with them. You can either buy it from a retail store or hire an awning company like Sun Home Decor to create customized awnings and install them too .   Conclusion:  With all the different types of awnings available, it can be confusing on which type you can use on your home. Many times we keep ignoring awnings when it comes to decorating the outside of our house. But awnings can be a real game-changer. If you can choose a proper design and plan a perfect place to install an awning, it will give a transformative effect to your house. If you are busy doing so, we can help you!  As we believe that a good choice for the awning will definitely make your first impression memorable to your guests.