A home is a place where you are loved and respected and find peace from the daily grind, worries, and stress. This is why it should be filled with an atmosphere of warmth, happiness, and comfort. A haven from the inside out is the ideal home. So even though more time is spent indoors, you should utilize all the areas and enhance your home if you focus your attention on the outdoors, where you can put your decks and patios to good use by transforming them into a perfect sitting area that your home needs right now.

The best way to make your patios and decks comfortable and sitting area-worthy is through awnings. These awnings are available in a variety of sizes, designs, styles, and colors. Finding the right awning for your homes and incorporating it into your already existing color schemes and designs can be challenging.

So here is a guide on what feature to consider before you purchase an awning. Continue reading below to find out more on how to select the most suitable awning for your home.

Important features to consider when selecting awnings for your home

Finding an awning that is best in all its aspects is a challenging task. All types of awnings will serve the main purpose that is providing shelter. But if you want more than shelter and shade, then you will need to consider some important features. Let’s look at the important features you need to think about.

1) Mode of operation

There are three types of awnings for homes on the basis of their operating system.

a)    Retractable awning

As the name suggests, these awnings can be extended and retracted depending on when you want shade, how much shade you need. These offer the most flexible option in awnings, particularly in winters when you might want to enjoy and bask in the morning sun and cover the area when it is snowing.

There are two types of retractable awnings. Manual awning that is operated by a handle, and a motorized awning that is operated through remote control or sensors. Sensor system provides much more flexibility as your awning will extend and retract on its own when it senses a change in weather. One drawback of a retractable awning system is that it cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.

b)   Fixed or Stationary awning

These awnings permanently cover the area. Because of their strong and permanent installation, they provide protection and easily withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition to this, these awnings are particularly good for the house, as they reduce the heat and glare of the sun; thus, your room will not get as much heat in summers as it did before the awning placement.

c)    Portable or freestanding awning

These awnings can be easily moved and placed where they are needed; they are commonly used in open areas like lawns, patios, poolsides, balconies, and terraces. These awnings help in separating areas so that you can enjoy outdoor parties easily. The negative aspect of these awnings is that they do not provide shade and shelter for a large area.

2) Area of placement

Where you want to place your awning determines what you require. If you just want to make an amazing outdoor sitting area, then you will need an awning for your deck or patios. This will protect your outdoor furniture from sun rays, rain, and snow. But if you want to shelter your house, then your awnings will be installed at the doors and windows of your house. Placing them there can reduce the heat and glare entering your house on sunny days and also protect against other weather conditions.

3) The direction and angle of placement

The direction and angle of your awning will determine how efficient and effective it is in providing shade and shelter. If you are placing an awning at your window, then the direction of your window will determine how much sun you get. And this, in turn, will determine the angle at which you should place your awning. So the more shelter you want, the more slant position will be of your awning.

4) Material

Awnings come in various materials, and the most common ones include cotton, acrylic, polyester, canvas, vinyl, and aluminum. The material of your awning will determine how your awning will look and the kind of maintenance it will require. You need to take into account your house’s style and the kind of weather conditions your awning will see.

•         Fabric awnings like canvas offer the most colors and designs, but they require quite a lot of maintenance.
•         Cotton awnings work well in rainy weather conditions, as they offer to waterproof as they usually have a layer of acrylic on them.
•         Polyester works well in all types of weather conditions and is a robust option that will last you long.
•         Vinyl works well in humid environments.
•         Aluminum awnings are strong and robust, but they come in limited styles and colors.

5) Size

The place where you want to install your awning will determine the awning size you need. Small awnings are usually placed around the doors and windows, while your patios and decks require larger awning sizes to cover the whole area.

6) Design and style

You need an awning that can easily be incorporated into your homes without stand out. Awning style and design should match the overall design of your house. You can consult with a professional about what type of awning design will go best in your house. There are many types of designs that you can select from or customize your own so that it is according to your house.

7) Color

If you want your outdoor area to look appealing and comfortable, you need to pay attention to the color of your awning as well. Awning color should also be according to the color scheme of your house; otherwise, instead of blending in, the awning will stand out looking unappealing to the eye.

Moreover, colors also play a role in absorbing and reflecting sunlight. For instance, lighter hues will reflect most of the sun’s rays as well as the heat. To create a welcoming and appealing feeling by introducing similar colored or complementary colored awning to your house.

The bottom line

Correctly chose awnings can transform your outdoor sitting areas into comfortable and appealing yet stylish and aesthetic areas where you can enjoy your time outdoors. Stay in the shelter and do whatever you want without the fear of changing weather conditions like rain, snow, and harsh sun rays. So keep all the above points in mind when you go awning shopping. They will surely not disappoint you instead of help you find the most suitable awning there is for your house.

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