Awnings are one of the easiest ways to improve a home’s functionality and curb appeal. But if you’ve ever considered purchasing one, you likely know choosing the perfect awning for your home can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the experts at Shadetree are here to help. This complete guide covers the different types of awnings available for purchase and includes tips for choosing the right one for your home.
Types of Awnings
There are a ton of different awnings out there and knowing the difference is the first step in learning how to choose the right awning for your home. For simplicity’s sake, we separate the types of awnings into two categories: placement and functionality. Most people think awnings cover a deck or patio; while they do, they can also cover doors, walkways, and windows. Regardless of the placement, functionality is another key component to understanding the different types of awnings, as they come in either fixed or retractable models.
Awning Materials
With placement and functionality in mind, the next thing you should know about the types of awnings is the materials used to construct them. The most common materials for retractable awnings are fabric, canvas, or vinyl. These flexible materials allow the user to quickly and effortlessly deploy and retract the awning..
When it comes to durability, metal, aluminum, and fiberglass awnings are the best choice. These materials tend to last longer than their softer counterparts but are only available for fixed awning setups.
Tips for Choosing the Right Awning for Your Home
Now that you know more about the available materials, placement, and functionality of different awnings, we can give you what you’re here for. The following tips for choosing the right awning for your home will help remove uncertainty from the process so you end up with the perfect addition to your home.
- Placement
- Material
- Functionality
Placement
Where is your new awning going to go? Deck and patio awnings provide outdoor comfort for you and your guests all year long. Door and window awnings can block the sun and reduce annual energy costs and protect interior furniture, curtains, and decorations from sustaining sun damage. Both types of awnings serve their purpose but knowing the placement can help you make a better decision regarding the material and functionality.
Material
Choosing the material for an awning is what many consider to be the fun part. This is the stage where you let your creative design-oriented spirit shine through. The two things to remember when deciding on a material are functionality and durability. If durability and low maintenance are more your speed, then a metal, aluminum, or fiberglass awning may be your best bet. However, if retractability and style are more important, you should go with a fabric, canvas, or vinyl awning.
Functionality
Many people prefer retractable awnings because they allow them to exercise complete control over their outdoor space. Retractable awnings are great, but there is another component to consider if you choose this route. Automatic awnings are more convenient as they require less effort, but the electrical parts can potentially fail, making them more expensive to maintain. Manual retractable awnings require more effort but are more affordable to install and require less maintenance than their automatic counterpart. Both types of awnings are fantastic additions to any home. What you choose comes down to personal preference.
Order the Perfect Awning for Your Home From Shadetree Canopies
We hope you have a better understanding of the different types of awnings available for your home. Check out our wide selection of retractable fabric awnings online today, or contact our knowledgeable staff for more information.
