A great way to extend your living area is an outdoor awning. It protects you from the elements, but it can also be used as decoration or to grow plants.
It can be difficult to choose the right outdoor awning. This article will help you make the right decision when choosing an outdoor awning.
What is an Awning?
An awning is simply a piece or material that is attached to the side surface of something. They provide shade from the sun, and protection from the rain. They can be either permanent or removable depending on their design.
Although a canopy is the most similar product, it is often a freestanding structure with the same benefits.
Outdoor awnings: Where can you use them?
An outdoor awning can be used anywhere outside. You’d typically find one on a balcony or patio, since these spaces don’t have roofs. One could be attached to the exterior of a porch, veranda or other outdoor space. However, it would not add any value.
Similar to the RVs and caravans, you will often see awnings attached. They serve the same purpose, but they are more useful in turning any outdoor space into a covered and useable area.
Why get an awning?
It should be obvious why you need an outdoor awning. They are meant to protect you from all weather conditions, good or bad. Outdoor awnings can also be used for decorative purposes depending on their purpose and construction.
Your home can be cooled by outdoor awnings. If you place one on the south-facing aspect of your home, it can shade the windows and keep it cool inside, without the curtains being closed.
Things to Consider Before You Buy an Awning
There are not many things you should consider before purchasing an outdoor awning. These points will help you make an informed decision about the awning that best suits your needs.
Are you looking for stationary or retractable options?
This will be covered in detail below. Outdoor awnings come in two options: stationary or retractable. While retractable awnings will cost more, they can be folded up when not in use.
Material selection
Everything will be affected by the material you choose, from its cost and durability to the level of protection. A metal awning may last for longer, but it can get very hot in direct sunlight. An awning made of fabric, however, will last longer and provide more protection from the sun.
Size
It’s not as easy as you think to find the perfect outdoor awning size. For example, if you are purchasing it for shade purposes, you will need it to provide enough protection from the sun throughout the day. This involves calculating the sun’s position in your outdoor space.
You should spend some time tracking the sun to determine how your outdoor awning will perform. You should do this during the peak summer heat. The company can help you if you buy a custom-made awning.
Extra features
You might find additional features depending on which awning you purchase. Heating and lighting are the most obvious. These aren’t essential, but they can save you money and allow you to spend more time outdoors.
There are many types of outdoor awnings
Let’s now look at outdoor awnings. These are only brief descriptions, but they should help you narrow down your options.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings offer you more flexibility than anything. Retractable awnings allow you to enjoy the sun whenever you like or shade when you need it. They can be fixed permanently to your home so you don’t have to take them down.
Retractable awnings can be operated either manually or motorized via a hand crank. For obvious reasons, a hand crank is the most cost-effective and reliable option.
A motorized awning can also be controlled remotely or by sensors. These can be used to trigger the awning in case of rain, wind, or sun. Your outdoor awning will cost more if you have more features.
Pros
- Flexibility gives you the best
- There are many options for fabric type and finish
- It is suitable for all outdoor spaces (including those with a patio).
Cons
- It can get quite pricey
Fixed awnings
A fixed awning is the opposite to a retractable one. It doesn’t take much to understand that a fixed awning is permanently shaded from sunlight and is set up every day.
We’ll be discussing canvas (fabric) Awnings here for convenience. Canvas is an outdoor material that can be used for many years and is usually waterproof. Modern fabrics are resistant to mold and available in many colors and designs.
A fixed canvas awning is generally the most affordable option. However, it is not possible to take it down.
Pros
- The cheapest option
- Pre-made is the easiest way to purchase
- There are many color options and styles to choose from
Cons
- Windy conditions may not be ideal for this product.
Metal awnings
Although it might not be the first thing you think of, a metal outdoor awning has many advantages over a fabric one. It’s stronger and more resistant to rain and wind. A metal awning is better for areas where there are snow or hurricane winds.
There are however some disadvantages. Metal awnings are among the most expensive products on the market. Metal awnings can heat up. While this won’t directly affect you, it could cause heat damage to your windows.
Pros
- Strong winds can be resisted
- Fixed and retractable options
- High durability
Cons
- Expensive
- People above the awning could have problems
Awnings for windows and doors
Another obvious option is a window or door awning. They are not meant to cover a patio or balcony. Instead, they can be placed above windows and doors. To keep indoor temperatures down, the goal is to minimize sun exposure. If this is what you are looking for in an outdoor awning, they can be a great way to keep the cost down.
They won’t shade your outdoor spaces, which is a disadvantage.
Pros
- Awnings are more cost-effective than full-size ones
- It is great for keeping indoor temperatures down
- Available for Windows and Doors
Cons
- Shade an outdoor space
DIY Awning
You could really make an outdoor umbrella out of anything. As long as you have enough fabric and a frame, it’s easy to put them together. For the fabric, a canvas tarp is ideal. PVC pipe works well with the frame.
It is possible to customize it to your outdoor space. This is useful for RVs and unusual-shaped balconies.
This is a comprehensive guide on how to make a DIY awning.
Pros
- Can be made in any size or shape
- It may be cheaper than buying a pre-made one
Cons
- It won’t last as long
A camper/camper awning
A retractable RV awning is almost always possible. This makes it easier to store them when they are not in use. RVs have limited space so this is a big advantage. There are many styles and colors to choose from for RV outdoor awnings.
Some are made of mesh, while others are made from fabric. Some awnings can be made to convert into rooms by using a mesh top and sides. You could also adapt the instructions to make an RV awning, which is probably easier than building one.
Pros
- There are many styles to choose from
- Should be available directly from the manufacturer
- You have usable space outdoors for camping
Cons
- They can be expensive for what they really are
Portable awning
Although a portable awning could be considered a canopy, this article is focused on freestanding, collapsible awnings. You can move a freestanding awning outdoors so it can shade wherever you like.
This does mean that it will lose wind resistance since it isn’t attached to anything. A portable awning is a great option for backyards that have shelter.
Pros
- It can be moved as the sun moves, so it is smaller.
- Canvas will be used most often
- Fixed awnings are often cheaper than fixed ones
Cons
- Portability does not mean you have to give up some weather resistance
Last Thoughts on Outdoor Awnings
There are so many outdoor awning options that it can be hard to narrow down the choices. This article should help you get started.
Consider the weather conditions when choosing an outdoor awnings. These factors will impact your style choice and material choices.
If you have the budget, it might be worth it to hire a local company to install your awning. They can offer you advice and often provide a better product that you can find online.
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