A new custom awning for your home will not only improve the look of your home or backyard but will also help increase the value of your home. Awnings make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable by providing shade and protecting you from the sun or rain so your patio space can be used all year round.
At Unified we custom make and install awnings in homes in your choice of colors, and always ensure that your awning is professionally installed with the appropriate structural truss and in the right size for your home.
If you are in the market for a new or replacement awning for your home, here are some things to consider when making your purchase.
Location of the Awning
Awnings are ideal for decks and patios but can also be installed over doors and windows. They are ideal for providing protection from the elements and can also safeguard your home’s interior from the sun. Awnings can help reduce cooling costs in the summer months and provide up to a 77% heat reduction. For decks and patios, awnings provide shade and create cooler temperatures. They also help to protect your outdoor furniture from weather damage.
Awning Material
Typically awnings are made of either fabric or aluminum. These are the two most common materials used and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum awnings tend to be sturdier, but don’t allow for as much customization, if design or color options are important to you we recommend installing a fabric awning.
Fabric awnings, which are made of a material that is weather-resistant, come in more options regarding color so they can be customized to match your home, but will require more maintenance than aluminum awnings and are less sturdy and more expensive.
The Angle of the Awning
The angle of your awning is very important and often overlooked by homeowners. Depending on the direction your patio or windows are facing will determine the level of angle the awning needs to be. For example windows or patios facing east or west will need a steeper angle compared to those facing south. South facing windows or patios will require less coverage due to the angle of the sun and will be installed accordingly.
Side Panel Options
Some homeowners also choose to have side panels installed to provide extra coverage or privacy. These panels can change both the look and feel of the awning, and can also be installed to provide more shelter from the sun if necessary.
Retractable or Stationary Options
Awnings can be installed as stationary or retractable depending on your needs. If you want the option of allowing the sun to hit your patio or windows at certain times of the day a retractable awning is ideal, especially if you want to allow sunlight to come into your home in the winter months.
Retractable awnings allow you to adjust the awning when you aren’t using it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that retractable awnings are less sturdy than stationary awnings and can suffer damage in extreme weather. If you expect heavy rains, wind or snow in your area it’s important to retract your awning so it doesn’t sustain damage.
Size of the Awning
As we mentioned the size of your awning is very important and will depend on both the intended purpose of the awning and the overall size of your space. Our team of home remodeling experts will help you determine exactly what size awning you need.
Style of Awning
There are a few different awning styles available that can be customized to match your home’s aesthetic. Some popular styles include traditional awnings with or without sides, dome style awnings, waterfall awnings, and quarter barrel awnings. The edges of the awning can be customized in scalloped, serpentine, and gothic edge styles.
Color of the Awning
When choosing a color for your awning you want to consider what will complement the look of your home. Another thing to consider is that lighter colors will reflect both heat and sunlight better and are ideal for awnings.
Contact Us Today For New or Replacement Awning Installations
Awnings are both decorative and functional additions to your home, and shopping for one shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Our team is the leading awning installer in New York and our team of experts will work with you to make sure the right-sized awning is installed in your home.
Contact us today and receive a FREE Consultation from one of our home remodeling experts, and we will help you select a new or replacement awning for your home. Call us today at (888) 631-2131 or contact us online.