Jazz up your home exterior and save on energy bills by investing in awnings. These decorative covers can highlight doorways, provide shade from the sun’s harmful UV rays and improve the overall appearance of your house. Awnings are less clunky than shutters and can keep your house cool from the outside. Do strict due diligence before making your purchase to find suitable awnings for your needs. Research to find out what type of awning best fits the window or entryway you wish to cover.
Select Your Type
Whether you wish to buy a more flexible or permanent awning know the type of cover you prefer before investing money in awnings. Motorized awnings are the easiest devices to operate. Click a button and your work is done. Retractable awnings require a bit more effort. These covers behave similar to a convertible. Extend the device to create shade or work the crank to catch some rays. The freestanding version provides you with a movable option. Traditional stationary awnings offer less flexibility than the other styles. These low-maintenance awnings are easy to operate and durable.
Consider Protection from Weather
Mother Nature can play havoc with your home’s exterior. Whether you experience brutally hot summers, icy cold winters, torrential rains or heavy snowfall developing a protection plan can lengthen the lifespan of your dwelling. Screens can protect you from insects but these critters do little damage compared to the elements. Awnings shed snow, block harmful UV rays and provide rain shelter for your home. These shades can also reduce your energy costs by lowering indoor temperatures significantly. Make sure to purchase awnings designed with small slits or holes. These types of covers promote ventilation by effectively dissipating hot air. Awnings can prevent carpet, furniture or fade and can protect hot tubs, patios and planters from rain.
Research Varieties
Figure out where you wish to install your new awnings. Consider the shape, size and style of your new covers. Take the dimensions of your entryway or window. One-half of the height of the window pane determines the projection of the awning. Choose from domed, rounded, straight or sloped awnings. If you want maximum sun protection consider hooded models which come with flaps on the sides. Although metal awnings are quite hardy these type of covers are prone to rust. Consider flexible and tough canvas awnings. Select a lighter shade awning to effectively reflect light.
Installing Your Awnings
Hire a pro to install your awnings unless you have experience working with these covers. Ensure that the awnings are properly placed on your house and avoid the risk of injury. Keep door awnings clear of rain or snow to prevent deterioration and stretching. Maintain your awnings to avoid the buildup of bird waste, mildew or rust. Avoid using detergent to clean your awnings. Warm water suffices as a cleaning agent. Perform an annual inspection to search for rust or other problems which could affect the cover.