An awning is a covering structure that extends from the roof of your house to provide shelter and cover in an outdoor area. Installing an awning is an easy and affordable way to make efficient use of your yard space. They make your outdoor space super comfortable, and functional along with making it aesthetically pleasing. It protects your home from direct sunlight and other extreme temperatures such as strong winds, and rain to keep you at ease.
Modern awnings are made up of strong and water-resistant material and fabric to enhance your home aesthetic while offering features such as easy maintenance, fire resistance and corrosion resistance. It adds elegance to your place and makes your house look tidy. Awnings are also frequently used in residential and commercial structures over windows or open areas. In this blog, we are going to cover the advantages of installing awnings, to help you determine whether they are the best choice for your home. So, let’s get started.
Understanding Awnings and Their Purpose
Awnings are roof-like structures that are attached to the buildings. You will typically see them over windows, doors or sidewalks to provide shade and protection. They come in different types such as the one that stands on their own and the one that can be rolled up.
They are made up of durable materials such as fabric stretched over a sturdy frame of steel, aluminium and wood making them tough against harsh weather. Awnings create a shady spot where you can relax outdoors even on a sunny day. They are practical structures that not just shield but also add a cosy touch to your home.
Purpose of Awnings:
- Serve as versatile coverings, protecting structures from the elements.
- Extend living spaces into the backyard, improving outdoor comfort.
- Retractable awnings provide weather protection on demand.
- Increase the lifespan of outdoor furniture, windows, and doors.
- Wise investment for homeowners seeking to improve outdoor living spaces and increase property value.
Benefits of Installing Awnings
Let’s take a look at the different benefits of installing awnings in your house and how they can positively impact your living experience.
1. Offers Shelter and Weather Protection
Awnings offer a great way to shield your family from the sun’s harmful UV rays and harsh weather conditions. Installing awnings over your patio or deck can shield your family from up to 98% of sun damage. It can prevent the impact of direct sunlight by lowering it to 20ยฐF promoting the overall health of your family. Not only do they create valuable shade and keep your outdoor space cool, but they also prevent damage to your homeโs exterior walls and prolong the life of sealants around windows and doors.
2. Improve Your Home Appeal
Along with the practical advantages, awnings also enhance the exterior of your home. They are available in different colours, styles, and patterns to complement your home design. If you are worried about choosing the suitable style, don’t be, as awning installation companies can help you choose the perfect option available for your home. Additionally, during the summer, you don’t have to worry about inviting guests over for barbecues or other outside activities because an awning will make your outdoor space not only comfortable but also stylish. Overall, they are a good investment for any homeowner seeking to make their home stand out from the rest.
3. Savings On Energy Costs
Awnings block out the sun’s rays reducing the burden on your air conditioning system and leading to heavy energy savings of as much as 50% in warm climates. Awnings are helpful in winter as they let sunlight in, warming up your home naturally. They provide an added layer of insulation, making it easier for your HVAC system to do its job, keeping your home cool and comfortable, which can lead to savings on energy bills. Furthermore, strategically placed awnings, including retractable ones, provide the flexibility to change the shading depending on the season while also optimising energy consumption.
4. Enhanced Flexibility And Privacy With Awnings
With a retractable awning, you have the freedom to adjust the amount of sunlight or shade in your outdoor area according to your preference. This versatility allows you to create a comfortable environment for relaxation or outdoor activities, giving you greater control over your outdoor living space. By adjusting shade and shelter, awnings safeguard your indoor and outdoor plants from excessive exposure to harsh elements such as strong winds, rain, and direct sunlight. Moreover, awnings provide an added layer of privacy, shielding you from prying eyes and creating a more private atmosphere in your outdoor area.
5. Maximising UV Protection And Energy Efficiency
By shielding your patio, deck, door furniture, and home exterior from UV rays, snow, and rain, these structures function as a barrier in opposition to the sunโs dangerous effects. Awning increases the strength of your home and enhances its long-term value. Custom retractable awnings offer specialised solutions for blocking heat and UV rays, cooling your property more efficiently than normal blinds or curtains. Window awnings also lessen screen glare, and help prevent the fading of inside furniture, carpets, and decor. Awnings improve energy efficiency by reducing heat gain indoors, allowing your cooling system to operate more efficiently throughout the hot summer months.
6. Effortless Maintenance And Lasting Shade
Awnings require minimal maintenance, so you may not need expert cleaning services. With a simple, regular brushing of dirt and debris, followed by a gentle cleaning solution of mild soap and water, you can keep your awnings looking fresh. A soft-bristle brush helps remove any stubborn dirt. Once cleaned, allow the awning to air dry, and it’s ready to do its work once again. Awnings are made up of durable materials, such as 100% acrylic textiles, and are extremely long-lasting and easy to keep. These fabrics are made to be water-repellent and mould-resistant, letting them withstand the harsh climate while maintaining their best quality.
7. Increase The Value Of The Property
Installing an awning can increase your house’s space in an outdoor setting. This additional area is versatile, offering a shaded area for relaxing, dining, or entertaining guests. This extra space improves the general appearance of your home. The added awning structure can potentially increase the attractiveness of your property as a result of increasing its value. Buyers may see the shaded outdoor space as useful,ย which further leads them to place a higher value on your home compared to other homes that don’t have this feature.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting awnings for your home, don’t hesitate, they may be a wonderful addition. Providing shade and weather protection, improving structural beauty, increasing energy efficiency, and raising property value are just a few of the many other advantages. Awnings are also flexible, low-maintenance, and may help homeowners save money in the long run. Adding awnings allows you to create comfortable, elegant, and efficient living areas, as well as spending more time outside while saving money on utility bills. Overall, installing awnings is a cost-effective and beneficial option that may improve your living experience and increase the value of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people put awnings on their houses?
The most common reason why people install awnings in their houses is to provide shade to their yard area. An awning blocks harmful UV rays and prevents your window and door frames from harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow and hail. Additionally, it provides an added living space to relax.
Do awnings help reduce heat?
Yes, awnings reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home by shading the exterior of your house. In winter, retractable awnings can be adjusted to let the sunshine inside your home keep it warm. This adjustable feature enhances your house’s energy efficiency by allowing you to choose how much sunlight enters your home.
What is the lifespan of an awning?
The most durable type of awning is acrylic awning which commonly lasts between 8 to 12 years on average. The other durable awning material includes canvas and it lasts anywhere between 8 to 10 years. However, keep in mind that these lifespans can vary depending on several factors such as the types of material, maintenance and quality etc.
Are awnings a good investment?
Yes, if you are considering awnings, they can be a great investment for you in the long run. By reducing the amount of sunlight that enters your home it can lower the demand for a cooling system as a result saving money on electricity bills. On the other hand, a retractable awning can save the electricity bill the other way. Overall, this energy-efficient feature makes awnings a worthwhile investment for homeowners.