Awnings - Retractable, Porch, Patio, Deck, Aluminum

What Is The Best Type Of Awning For Your Porch, Patio, Or Outdoor Living Area?

Are you looking for the right kind of awning for your home?

Here you will find a wide variety of information on the topic of awnings and canopies for things such as your porch, RV, camper, window, and more.

There are a few types of awnings that are common for people to use in their homes. Let's look over a few of them:

1. Retractable

These are also known as "folded" awnings. They have the ability to adjust based on your preferences. In the case of inclement weather, you have the option of extending it to cover your porch. This creates shelter from the elements while keeping you and your porch furniture dry. You can also retract this type of awning if you want your outdoor area to not block any sunlight. This is perfect for basking in the sun or for entertaining company outdoors on a nice day.

When you use a retractable awning you have two choices: manual or motorized.

If you are using a motorized model, you flip a switch that will automatically extend or retract the canopy. The switch does require electrical installation that may require the help of an electrician. A manual model will come with a lever that you use to control how far the canopy extends or retracts.

Many of the motorized awnings also have other features such as a remote control or special wind sensors. The remote control will allow you to change the extension or the awning without having to get up. The wind sensors can automatically make it retract when wind speeds reach a level that could possibly damage the canopy. Some even come with sun sensors, which will automatically make the canopy retract when it gets dark and extend when it is light.

2. Fixed

These awnings are attached to cover a specific area and do not have the ability to extend or retract.  They are completely stationary and do not have the ability to be moved or modified. This type of awning is more common when covering smaller areas such as windows or certain parts of your yard that you want to be permanently in the shade. They do not come with all the bells and whistles of a retractable canopy, but still serve the purpose of providing shade for a specified area. These are also more common for covering a window in a vehicle such as an RV or a camper.

So how could an awning benefit you?

The primary reason for having an awning is to block sunlight from an area such as a porch or through a window. This can provide a shaded area for relaxing or it can shade a room during the summertime, therefore reducing the need for air conditioning. Another strong benefit of having an awning is to extend the length of an outdoor area that is part of your house. For example, the extended canopy can add extra length to a patio, balcony, or porch. This can increase the value of a home and make it appealing to potential buyers in the event of putting it on the housing market.

What are awnings made of?

There are different types of material that the canopy will be made of. The most common ones are canvas or aluminum. The canvas based awnings often have a higher perceived value because they can be extended or retracted. The aluminum ones are more stationary and better at reflecting light. Aluminum awnings are also very durable and will likely last a long time, while the canvas will need to be replaced periodically. The canopies can also be made from copper or metal, which are also very durable materials.

Have a look around this site to see some ideas and options for deciding on what kind of awning will be the right choice for you.