How Awnings Add Shade and Style While Improving Your Home’s Exterior

Adding an awning to your home can improve the exterior’s structure and appearance. They’re useful in warm, windy, cool and wet conditions.

How Do Awnings Improve Your Home’s Exterior?

You’ve probably heard about the benefits of blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays with an awning, but it provides plenty more advantages. Constant exposure to the elements causes wear on a home, but awnings can increase the longevity of the exterior.

There are multiple ways awnings provide protection:

• Sun: Too much sun exposure damages walls and roofs. Awnings keep spaces safe from UV rays, which can increase the structural integrity of your home. 
• Privacy: As long as your awning isn’t see-through, it provides extra privacy. 
• Weather: Weather protection is one of the best benefits. It can block an area from water or hail damage.  
• Temperature: Keeping a space shaded can significantly lower its temperature during warmer seasons and conserve energy.
• Wind: Some types of awnings can block wind, keeping plants and decorations from tipping over and breaking. 
• Upkeep: Constant sun exposure can fade outdoor furniture and decor. The shade an awning provides prevents that from happening, making maintenance easier. 

How Do Awnings Add Shade and Style?

While you might imagine a flat cloth cover when you think of an awning, they’re available in many styles to match your aesthetic. Choose from many different shapes, sizes, colours and materials to suit your home’s exterior.

For example, perforated metal awnings can protect homes from weather and UV rays while casting a visually intriguing pattern with light. Any perforations or gaps can improve how an awning handles severe weather and wind. The small openings also increase airflow and prevent water from pooling on top.

All Types of Awnings for Your Home

There are five main types of awnings for your home. You might find both fixed and retractable versions available, depending on the style of awning you choose. 

Window

This type of awning sits above the glass to lower the inside temperature and protect the home from excess UV rays. It suits most window types, including bay windows. While window awnings add style to your home, their protective quality is one of the biggest benefits. Sunlight can fade furniture and wood, so a shaded area helps you reduce exposure to keep your belongings looking nice.

Door

A door awning sits above the entrance to your home. It’s an excellent spot for a cover because people often let heat in when coming and going. The shade can keep the inside temperature low in warmer seasons. Door awnings can also keep packages safe and guests comfortable while they’re waiting. 

Patio

Patio awnings are standard because outdoor areas can get too hot in warmer seasons. The shade keeps things cooler and protects anyone under them from sun exposure. Adding an awning on your patio is also helpful during cooler months. The rainfall in the United Kingdom reaches almost 1,200 millimetres on average, so having something above you to protect against the weather can be beneficial.

Freestanding

A freestanding awning can go wherever you need it to. Usually, people set them up somewhere in their yard. They don’t have to be attached directly to your home, so you have flexibility when deciding where to place one. Although they’re similar to pergolas, they offer more sun protection. 

Vertical

A vertical awning covers windows or decked patios, similar to window blinds, and is usually retractable. It is made for outdoor use, so it can withstand the elements better than other alternatives. Also, it can be an excellent choice if you want the benefits of an awning without the traditional appearance of one. 

Which Style Is Best?

You can choose between five main styles of awnings:

• Barrel: A barrel awning curves down from the top, but has straight sides.
• Concave: These awnings slope inward and flare back out to create an inward curve.
• Dome: A domed awning curves down from the top, with rounded edges at the side.
• Flat: The flat style is parallel to the ground and usually comes in a rectangle or square shape.
• Sloped: The sloped shape is the most common, featuring a flat, angled surface.

What Material Can You Choose?

According to The Science Times, most modern awning materials are resistant to flame, corrosion and wear, so they are extra durable. The following are the primary materials you can choose:

• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate resembles regular glass, but it’s only one-sixth the weight and is almost unbreakable due to its structure. 
• Fabric: A fabric awning is very common. Although it’s cloth, it can be very durable and may include coatings for extra protection from the elements.
• Metal: Metal, including aluminium, steel and copper, offers a unique aesthetic appeal. This awning material can also withstand the elements well.
• Sunbrella: This material is similar to fabric but comes from an acrylic mixture instead. It can last more than a decade due to its water, tear and fade-resistant qualities. 

Adding an Awning for Home Improvement

Adding an awning to your home can improve its curb appeal and increase its value. They can also protect the exterior from sun, wind, hail and rain. Discover the many benefits adding an awning can have for your home with your next improvement project.