A guide to home awnings and their benefits

Awnings aren’t just for island resorts and sidewalk markets, they’re also for homes—especially those in hot, sunny climates. Awnings provide numerous benefits, from sun protection to energy savings. Check out some of their advantages.

Dermatologist approved

Adding an awning to your home allows you to enjoy the outdoors while blocking harmful UV rays. And while awnings provide great protection from the sun, they also provide cover from the rain, allowing you to enjoy your deck or patio even when it’s wet outside. Rain won’t ruin your cookout!

Less expensive alternative

An awning of any size offers a budget-friendly alternative to adding a screened porch to your home. Porch additions can be expensive, but adding an awning can lessen your cost while still extending your home into your yard.

Keep cool and save money

According to a study by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, awnings can decrease the amount of direct sunlight in your home by 77 percent. The study also shows that awnings can reduce interior air-conditioning costs by 25 percent.

Retractable versus fixed

Awnings are available in two varieties: retractable and fixed. Retractable awnings allow for versatility, giving you shade and shelter one day and some sun the next with only the touch of a button. The only downfall is that designs are limited to flat, rectangular or square coverings.

Fixed awnings, however, offer diverse designs to accommodate your personal style and the look of your home. Traditional awnings have flat, down-sloping frames, while concave awnings boast an inward curve, giving some oomph to the look. There are also dome-shaped designs or canopy styles available in an array of sizes. The support frames for all varieties are constructed with metal and intended to last a lifetime.

awning accessories

•    Invest in an outdoor area rug to place beneath your awning. This will truly create an outdoor living space.
•    Attach a trellis along the side of the house and allow a vine or climbing plant, such as a sweet potato vine, to cover the area, achieving an outdoor room feel.
•    Purchase large, ceramic pots to holds plants, such as wave petunias or calibrachoas, which require both sunlight and shade. Avoid hanging plants if you own a retractable awning.

keeping clean

•    You can opt to have your awning professionally cleaned or do it yourself by mixing dish detergent with warm water in a spray bottle. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub.
•    Spray your awning with a water-repellant solution to extend the life of the fabric and keep mold and mildew at bay.
•    Never use chlorine solutions on your awning, as they will cause it to rot.