3 Types of Awnings for Your Deck

If you’re looking to add some extra shade and style to your deck, an awning might be the perfect addition. Awnings come in a variety of types and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and personality. Here are three types of awnings to consider for your deck.

  • Retractable awnings
  • Fixed awnings 
  • Motorized awnings

When choosing an awning for your deck, consider the amount of sun and weather protection you need. Also, think about how easy the awning is to use. Awnings can provide a great way to enjoy your deck while protecting your furniture and flooring from the elements.

What is an Retractable Awning?

Retractable awnings are a great addition to any deck or patio. They provide Shade on hot days, and can be retracted when not needed. Awnings are typically made of waterproof fabric, and can be mounted on the side of a house or on a free-standing frame. Most retractable awnings have a manual operation, but some models are available with an electric motor.

When choosing a retractable awning for your deck or patio, consider the size, fabric, and color that will best complement your home. Also, be sure to choose a model that is durable and easy to operate. With a little research, you can find the perfect retractable awning to enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.

What is a Fixed Awning?

A fixed awning for a deck is a canopy that is attached to the house and does not move. It is most often made of metal or canvas and is used to provide shade and protection from the sun and rain. Fixed awnings can be found in a variety of styles and sizes to suit any home, and they can be custom-made to match the existing décor.

Fixed awnings are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the weather, and they can add value to your home. If you are considering an awning for your deck, be sure to consult with a professional to ensure that it is properly installed and built to withstand the elements.

What is a Motorized Awning?

If you’re looking for a way to add some shade to your deck or patio, motorized awnings are a great option. These awnings can be retracted or extended with the push of a button, making them very convenient. Motorized awnings also tend to be very durable, since they’re made with heavy-duty materials.

Many motorized awnings also come with wind and rain sensors, so they’ll automatically retract if the weather gets too bad.

When shopping for a motorized awning, be sure to measure the area where it will be installed so you can get the right size. You should also consider the color and pattern of the fabric, since this can affect the overall look of your space. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect motorized awning to enhance your outdoor living space.

Pick the Right Type of Awning for Your Deck

Awnings are a great way to turn your deck or patio into an oasis. They provide shade and protection from the sun, rain, and wind, making it possible to enjoy your outdoor space year-round. There are awnings available in a wide range of styles and colors, so you can find one that perfectly suits your taste and needs.

Installation is typically quick and easy, and most awnings can be operated manually or automatically. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to keep your deck cooler in the summer or you want to create an inviting outdoor living space, an awning is a great solution. So why wait? Get started shopping for your perfect awning today!

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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Metal Awning?

Metal awnings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, applications, and metals and are an excellent aesthetic addition to your home, with plenty of practicality as well. If you’re in the market for a metal awning, but don’t have the means of installing it yourself, you may be curious as to the cost of a professional installation.

Professional installation of a metal awning will generally run you anywhere between $200 and $1,000, with the average cost of installation hovering around $850. Of course, there is a large disparity between the cost of installing a metal awning over a window and the cost of installing one over an entire patio. 

The charges for installation services are applied by the square foot, which is $6 to $9, depending on the material and brand. The brand makes a difference because premium brands command a premium price.

Metal Awning Materials Cost

Most people assume that aluminum would be the only option, however, awnings also come in copper and steel. The steel will be galvanized or stainless, so you don’t have to worry too much about rust or a serious level of corrosion.

Aluminum is easily the least costly option, with steel close behind it, commanding a slightly higher price. Copper, on the other hand, is exorbitantly priced and the prices listed above can double or even triple if you are purchasing a very large copper awning.

  • Aluminum: $4 to $6 per square foot of awning
  • Steel: $8 to $15 per square foot of awning
  • Copper: $90 to $120 per square foot of awning

Aluminum Awnings

Just because aluminum awnings are the cheapest doesn’t mean that they aren’t aesthetically pleasing or useful. Aluminum awnings afford their owners longevity and durability, and they are designed to withstand high winds, oppressively hot summers, frigid winters, and heavy snow or rain.

The best part about them is that you get all of that at an exceptional price. Aluminum awnings are the most affordable to purchase and install of the three awning metal types. This is especially true if you are looking at smaller awnings that would cover porch stoops, doors, or windows.

Aluminum is very low maintenance because it doesn’t corrode and is incredibly lightweight, so the installation is a breeze, whether it is professionally done or a part of your DIY projects. Aluminum comes in a variety of colors as well and is incredibly flexible.

With aluminum, maintenance is really easy and not something that you have to do on a weekly basis. Aluminum needs to be sprayed down every now and then, just to remove dirt and debris, as they can cause mold and mildew to build up once they form a grimy surface on the aluminum.

Steel Awnings

Steel is a relatively cost-effective option although it is nowhere near as prevalent as aluminum awnings. Metal awnings are roughly double the cost of aluminum awnings at about $8 per square foot, although they can be more expensive.

Steel is even more durable than aluminum so it can withstand all of the above weather conditions and it can do so more capably than aluminum. However, it is much heavier than aluminum, even though it is cut thin and light, so installation is a little more difficult.

Like aluminum, galvanized and stainless steel awnings come with coatings of paint in a variety of colors and require very little maintenance outside of the occasional spray down to remove dirt and debris.

Copper Awnings

Copper awnings are easily the most expensive option on the list and it’s not even close. A single, square foot of copper awning material will cost you ten times the amount that steel will. However, besides the fact that copper is simply a rarer and more expensive metal, it also has a visually striking aesthetic.

This is especially true if you treat your copper awning with sealant and it has to be protected because unlike galvanized or stainless steel and aluminum, copper corrodes and looks horrific if left at the mercy of the elements.

Once treated, copper awnings require very little maintenance and are much like the steel and aluminum awnings listed above. There is little doubt that copper awnings add more style to your home than steel or aluminum and they are just as durable as either of them.

Copper awnings protect well from the sun, rain, snow, and high and low temperatures, and are able to withstand high winds.

Premade, Ready-to-Install Awnings

Much of the cost of installation comes from the hourly rate at which the contractors charge. The longer it takes them to complete the job, the more costly it will be to you. Premade awnings offset that cost a little.

In fact, seeing as the average cost of having an awning installed is around $850, paying for an installation of a premade awning will run you almost half of that. The only offset is that purchasing a fully assembled, the ready-to-install awning will cost you a little more than buying its disassembled version.

Small, premade awnings are relatively inexpensive and if you are interested in installing them yourself, they aren’t difficult to handle. However, purchasing a fully assembled, the large awning may present a challenge for contractors just to get the thing into your heart.

Of course, your decision should be predicated on your location and how accessible your yard is. If the only way to get a fully assembled awning into your yard would require a crane, you’re going to pay an exorbitant fee for it.

The general, per-hour labor costs for installing an awning are going to run between $40 and $60 per hour. So, the quicker that you can get the crew to install everything, the less it’s going to cost you.

Potential Extra Costs

This all boils down to where you live and some of the choices that you make in terms of the actual installation process. Obviously, it’s going to cost you a lot more to have a metal awning installed than it will if you do it yourself but not everyone has the ability or the time, which is completely understandable.

You may have to apply for a permit, depending on the size, where you’re located, and the extra construction requirements that you may have to conduct before installing the awning, such as building a deck or pouring concrete.

Your area may require a certain county or sales tax that will run the price up a little more. When you choose to have someone come out and install it can make a difference as well.

If you have them come out late in the day, you run the risk of the job being completed on the next day, which will include extra costs for breaking everything down at the end of the day and setting up the next.

Your awning’s capacity for holding a great deal of weight (in case your area catches a lot of snow throughout the winter) is also worth considering.

All Things Considered

The cost of having an awning installed is determined by a number of factors, however, the national average is around $850.

Superior Awning specializes in metal awning design, customization and fabrication. Our company has been assisting clients with their residential, commercial and industrial properties for already more than 30 years ago. We are a company that can provide custom awning solutions from the very design of your awning, to its manufacture and then installation. Each of the products we provide has been tested to be long term; we offer from water-resistant and durable fabrics, life-lasting threads, galvanized steels and a wide array of aluminum types. No matter the challenge our company can help you design and build the awning that your house, store or building needs.

Please call  (800) 780-0201 to schedule your 100% complimentary consultation.

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How Much Do Patio Covers Cost in 2022?

Introduction

Have you been thinking of getting a patio cover, but then hesitated over the cost? Adding something large to your yard can be expensive, so let’s find out how much patio covers tend to cost.

A patio cover can cost anything from $1745 to $2870 for a canvas patio cover, and may be between $7709 and $18,900 for a wooden one, which tends to be the most expensive kind. If you want a vinyl one, you may be paying around $2520 to $6300, and a 4K aluminum patio cover will be around $7124 to $13,629.

It’s a good idea to look around for the best prices when you’re choosing a patio cover, because there’s so much variation between the different options. Take a look at the different suppliers and what they offer.

How Much Do Patio Covers Cost In 2022?

Several different factors have an impact on how much a patio cover is likely to cost, including things like:

  • The materials used
  • The size of the cover
  • The labor involved in setting it up

We’ll look at each of these things to help you figure out what your patio cover is likely to cost, but be aware that the prices have fluctuated wildly since the pandemic started, so you may find that there are big differences in the price of a cover from one week to the next. It’s best to get an individual quote from a supplier.

What Material Should I Choose?

The material is probably the biggest determiner of price when you choose a patio cover, and it will also make a big difference in how the cover performs. There are many different options, including retractable canvas patio covers, wood patio covers, aluminum patio covers, vinyl patio covers, and 4K aluminum patio covers.

Retractable canvas patio covers tend to be the cheapest option, with an average price of around $2899. These may not stand up to the elements as well as other, more durable materials, such as wood and metal.

Wood patio covers cost significantly more, and a full roof patio cover could be around $14,700 on average. A lattice cover might be around $10,070, so it’s cheaper, but still expensive. By contrast, an aluminum lattice cover could cost about $2800, and an insulated roof could cost $7359, while a non-insulated one could cost $5055.

A vinyl patio cover tends to average around $4270 for a solid roof or $4585 for a lattice, so these are a bit cheaper than metal, but may not last as well. A 4K aluminum cover would be around $5840 for a lattice, taking the price up again. You need to choose your cover based on durability as well as cost; wood and metal will last longer than canvas and vinyl.

How Does Size Affect Price?

It’s no surprise that a bigger cover is going to cost more, so be aware of this when looking at the costs. This is partly why lattice covers are sometimes cheaper; less material is needed to create a lattice than to create a full roof.

You should therefore measure the area that you want the patio cover to be in, and use this in your calculations about price. The bigger the space is, the more you’re going to pay for a cover – especially if you choose an expensive material.

What About The Installation?

Labor is a big cost, and this is partly why some people look into DIY patio covers in an attempt to bring the price down. Most people, however, will need to pay a professional firm to install a patio cover, as it needs to be secure if it’s going to form a safe seating area.

The amount of labor needed to set up your patio cover will affect the cost. Bigger covers involve more labor and more supports, so they are always pricier than small covers. However, it is important to make sure you’re covering enough of your yard to make buying the cover worthwhile.

The shape of the cover will also have an impact; if you choose a rectangle, the installation tends to be simple and therefore less expensive. However, if you want a patio cover in an “L” shape, or another design, you are likely to find that it costs more because this isn’t the standard.

Adding things like footings, custom paints, or lighting will have an impact on the price too, so bear this in mind if you are trying to keep the costs down.

Conclusion

Patio covers can be expensive, so it’s important to determine what you really want and need when you purchase one. Talk to local firms about material costs and labor costs, and assess what sort of area you need to cover. Finally, decide whether you want a lattice or a full roof, and you should be able to get a quote for your patio cover.

Superior Awning specializes in metal awning design, customization and fabrication. Our company has been assisting clients with their residential, commercial and industrial properties for already more than 30 years ago. We are a company that can provide custom awning solutions from the very design of your awning, to its manufacture and then installation. Each of the products we provide has been tested to be long term; we offer from water-resistant and durable fabrics, life-lasting threads, galvanized steels and a wide array of aluminum types. No matter the challenge our company can help you design and build the awning that your house, store or building needs.

Please call  (800) 780-0201 to schedule your 100% complimentary consultation.

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Sunbrella Awning Review

Sunbrella is one of the leading manufacturers of fabric for awnings, furniture, and umbrellas. The company has been producing the same style of fabric for over three decades now, and many awnings throughout the world utilize Sunbrella materials.

The Benefit of Sunbrella Fabric on Awnings

One of the main benefits of Sunbrella fabric is how long an awning constructed from the material can last. This material, even in the toughest of conditions, could easily last over a decade before it needs to be replaced.

Sunbrella fabric is mold and water-resistant. This means that owners do not have to worry about heavy rainfall. Sunbrella awnings are constructed from plastic, which will allow the rainwater to just bounce off. This happens even in areas that deal with heavy rainfall. Because of that, Sunbrella awnings are often seen as an option for businesses that do not want to worry about constantly beating water from the top of the awning.

Sunbrella awnings are resistant to UV rays too. With typical awnings, UV rays constantly hitting them will cause fading. In particularly sunny locations, this could result in the awning having a rather dull color within a year of being purchased. This isn’t going to be a huge issue with Sunbrella fabric. A good quality Sunbrella fabric could easily maintain its bright and colorful look for years after being purchased.

Finally, Sunbrella awnings are going to be fire-resistant. In many locations, it is a legal requirement to have fire-resistant awnings. Even in areas where there is no legal requirement, it is still important that an awning owner ensures that their awning is as safe as possible while being used. After all, it is wise to own an awning that isn’t a risk of going up in flames.

Styles Available For Sunbrella Awnings

One of the major benefits of owning a Sunbrella awning is that they are available in a variety of colors, styles, and patterns.

When people give suggestions on purchasing an awning, they will often tell the purchaser to ensure that the awning that they choose represents the aesthetics that they want. This can be particularly tricky with some awning materials as they are available in limited colors, or can only be built in certain ways.

If a color or style can be imagined, there is a good chance that there will be an option in the Sunbrella range that can be used. This often results in Sunbrella awnings being a great choice for restaurants and businesses where putting the best foot forward on aesthetics is important.

Ease Of Maintenance For Sunbrella Awnings

One of the main reasons why Sunbrella awnings are often a choice for business owners is because of how easy they are to maintain.

Because the color on a Sunbrella awning is not going to fade too quickly, business owners do not have to constantly worry about replacing their awning. With other materials, it is not uncommon for awnings to be replaced every 2-5 years. With a Sunbrella awning, it is unlikely that this will be under 10-years.

There will be no need to constantly check for mildew or water seeping into the awning.

Sunbrella awnings are also likely to be able to cope with more extreme weather conditions e.g. heavy rain and wind, without tearing.

Finally, Sunbrella awnings are incredibly easy to clean. In most cases, it is going to require nothing more than soap and some warm water. This is a job that staff can easily carry out themselves.

Conclusion

Sunbrella awnings are regarded as some of the best in the business. Whether they are owned by a business or a homeowner, there will be an option available.

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What Is The Best Material For Outdoor Awnings?

Outdoor awnings can be constructed from several different types of materials. Material selection is often based upon both aesthetics and practicality. For example, some awning materials may not be suitable for locations that regularly deal with forest fires or intense weather.

Here, the various materials that outdoor awnings are commonly constructed from will be discussed. This includes the pros and cons of these options.

Wood Awnings

Wood awnings are completely natural. They can look good in areas that are surrounded by plants and trees. They are fairly low maintenance too.

Wood awnings, however, do not tend to do well in areas that suffer from regular forests or high heat. In fact, in some areas, wood awnings may be completely banned unless they have been treated to be fireproof.

Canvas Awnings

Canvas awnings are another natural option. Canvas will often need to be treated before it is used as an awning material, particularly in areas with a risk of a forest fire.

The main issue with canvas is that the material often doesn’t last long. It can wear down after a few years, and most people will find that the canvas awning will have to be replaced within 5-years or so.

Canvas awnings do have the benefit of being cheap, however.

Metal Awnings

Metal awnings can be quite bulky and tough to store. However, metal awnings are exceedingly tough. They are difficult to damage. While they will need to be treated for rust every so often, metal awnings can often last many years.

Metal awnings constructed from aluminum may not be as rigid as steel metal awnings. They can be easy to damage. However, aluminum metal awnings tend to be a bit lighter and often easier to store.

Fiberglass Awnings

Fiberglass awnings are an option for those people that want their awnings to be available in different colors. These fiberglass options will never need to be repainted. They can be obtained in a whole host of different colors too.

The problem is that fiberglass awnings tend not to do too well on the lifespan front. Fiberglass awnings tend to break down when exposed to UV rays. This means that after a few years, the owner may start to notice cracks developing in their fiberglass awning.

Fiberglass awnings do have the added benefit of being lightweight, though. This can make them easy to move around a garden.

Acrylic Awnings

Acrylic awnings will often be constructed from a combination of natural canvas and acrylic. However, there are 100% acrylic awning options available too.

Acrylic awnings are often the most long-lived of awning options (excluding metal options). They are able to stand up to water well, and they will resist UV rays. However, they can often be among the more expensive of options.

Vinyl Awnings

In recent years, vinyl awning options have started to become more popular.

Most vinyl awnings will be a natural material covered with vinyl. Vinyl awnings work especially well when paired with polyester.

Vinyl awnings are long-lived, although they are not a great choice if the owner lives in an area with high humidity.

As vinyl options are not as popular as some of the other awning options, it can be a bit tougher to find an option that will suit the building. This means a limited number of colors and styles.

Conclusion

Choosing an awning is not just about choosing the most stylish option, it is about selecting an option that is built for the area the awning will be used in. For example, vinyl awnings will often be avoided in high humidity locations. Wood awnings will be avoided in locations prone to forest fires. If a person makes the right choice when it comes to their awning, they will end up with something that will provide them with happiness for many, many years.

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What is the Best Type of Fabric for Awnings?

Due to its ability to withstand time and still look amazing, acrylic fabric is the best type of fabric available for awnings.

The rest of this article will show businesses and homeowners different types of materials for their awnings and why they are the best fabric for their canvas awning.

Why Awnings are Important?

Awnings are added to an exterior wall of a building.  They can be used to shield the sun from shining through the window directly, while also allowing natural light to pass through the window. Awnings also allow customers or homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space because it provides shelter from heat or rain.  Awnings provide protection from the elements for your patio furniture as well.

What Different Types of Fabrics are Available?

The three readily available fabrics for awnings are acrylic, canvas, and vinyl.  Each comes with its own pros and cons.

Acrylic Awnings

This synthetic material is a quality, luxury fabric.  To the touch, the acrylic fabric feels like wool. It is moisture-wicking and water-repellant.  It is the best choice if you don’t want the dyed color to fade.  Acrylic awnings are excellent choices for those who want the same appearance years after it was installed or who will keep it extended indefinitely.

Out of the three, acrylic awnings are known as a luxury fabric because they can cost up to ten times the cost of canvas awnings.

Canvas Awnings

Canvas is made from cotton, hemp, or linen, becoming woven linen.  The preferred method of classifying canvas is by ounces per square yard.  The heavier the fabric, the more material is used which increased the cost.  The heavier canvas is sturdier, allowing it to weather wind, snow, and hail.

Unfortunately, canvas awnings need clear varnish reapplied regularly or it will result in mold, mildew, or even rot.  Further, canvas awnings will fade over time due to sun exposure.

Vinyl Awnings

This type of acrylic weighs in at 18 ounces per square yard, similar to heavier canvas weights.  This synthetic material is pliable and flexible, while also being flame retardant, water-resistant, and mildew resistant.

As vinyl awnings have several layers, their main drawback is cost with it being roughly three times the price of the same-sized canvas awning.  They also have limited ability to allow air to pass through or to dry properly.  This can make these awnings feel a bit stuffy and not as cool as other materials available.

Metal Awnings

Metal awnings were very popular during the 1950s and the 1970s.  Metal awnings can be painted to match buildings.  This awning stays stationary and would best for those that wish it to remain indefinitely in position.

Metal awnings fell out of favor because in order to prevent rust, they need regular repainting.  Further, metal awnings can dent easily and have a more in-depth, necessary cleaning ritual.

Fiberglass awnings

Fiberglass is a lighter alternative to steel awnings.  Unlike steel, the color is molded to the material, therefore, not requiring repainting.  They can come in opaque or translucent coloring, thereby allowing light through.

Fiberglass is not without its negatives.  While it does not need to be repainted, this also means its owner cannot easily change its look.  Further, with time, this type of awning can become brittle and crack, necessitating a replacement.

Which is the Best Fabric for an Awning?

The best fabric for an awning comes down to personal preference.  Canvas provides a cost-effective solution that is hardy.  Acrylic may be the best for business owners who want to maintain a professional appearance.  Metal and fiberglass have positives, but also is prone to needing to be replaced sooner rather than later.  Vinyl falls somewhere in between these, being somewhat budget-friendly and fairly effective.

Acrylic awnings are the best fabric if cost is not a major concern and will keep homes or businesses looking new with little upkeep.

 

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Awning Cleaning Services

Awnings are left outside for the vast majority of their lives. Because of this, if they are not regularly cleaned they can end up looking rather tatty. The lifespan of the awning will be severely reduced too. This is why it is ever so important that those who own awnings regularly utilize awning cleaning services.

The Importance Of An Awning Cleaning Service

For many, preserving the aesthetics of their awning is important.

When an awning is outside, it is going to be constantly exposed to the elements. With rain, wind, and in some locations snow hitting the awning, it won’t be long until the beautiful look is covered in dust and grime. Even the brightest of colors can end up looking rather drab. An awning cleaning service will be able to restore life into the awning.

Awning cleaning services will also be able to assist with increasing the longevity of the awning. The dirt and grime build-up will gradually wear away at the awning. By removing it, the lifespan is increased.

Finally, awning cleaning services may be able to help restore certain protective elements to the awning e.g. waterproofing. This can also help to increase the lifespan of the awning.

Differences Between How Awning Materials Are Cleaned

No awning material is the same. Each of them needs to be cleaned in its own unique way.

For example, those with fireproofing and waterproofing often need to have protective layers re-added. It is also important that they do not come into contact with certain cleaning chemicals that could wear down the protective layer.

Some awning materials can be cleaned while they are kept in place, while other materials will need to be removed for a much deeper clean.

How the awning is being used can also have an impact on the cleaning, although this is more down to aesthetics than anything else. It is recommended that homes with an awning have them cleaned at least once per year, and businesses have them cleaned every 1-2 months, depending on the condition that the awning seems to be in.

How Awning Cleaning Services Work

An awning cleaning service will be a service carried out by a professional cleaning crew. They will specialize purely in the cleaning of awnings.

Their first job will be to ascertain the type of awning material that they are dealing with. They may also need to ascertain how accessible the material is.

Based upon this information, they will be able to start preparing a cleaning solution (often nothing more than soaps and water) to help to clean the awning.

Before any cleaning solution can be applied to the awning, however, the bulk of the loose debris will need to be removed. This will often require the use of either a vacuum cleaner or a soft bristle brush. It will be dependent on how much debris is up there and how fragile the awning material is.

Once the loose debris has been cleaned off, the cleaning solution can be applied to the awning. In some cases, the cleaning solution will be left to soak into the material (particularly Sunbrella awnings) and in other cases, it will need to be rinsed away immediately.

After this, an awning cleaning service may be able to apply any protective chemicals on the awning e.g. fireproofing, or perhaps repaint them if the paint has worn down.

Hire a Professional For Awning Cleaning

While awning cleaning can seem like a rather simple process, it can be tricky to do properly. This is why many people that have an awning will often utilize professional awning cleaning services.

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5 Advantages of Adding An Awning To Your Home

An awning is a structure that extends from the roof of the house to provide shade and cover in an outdoor space. Awnings are a simple and affordable way to get more use out of your yard as they make the space more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and usable.

This article will discuss five benefits of installing an awning.

1. An Awning Provides Shade

Perhaps the number one reason why people install an awning is to provide shade to an area of the yard. An awning can turn an uncomfortably hot space into a backyard oasis, which enhances your ability to entertain.

Many awning materials block harmful UV sun rays. The temperature on a shaded patio is 10 to 15 degrees cooler. An awning’s shade can protect your family and improve the use of your backyard.

2. An Awning Provides Cover

Besides providing comfort from the hot sun, an awning can protect an outdoor space from rain and snow. With an awning cover, you can continue to entertain despite a little rain.

An awning can also protect the trim around the window from rain damage and divert water runoff away from the foundation.

3. An Awning Protects Outdoor Furniture

Another benefit of keeping harsh weather elements from an outdoor space is extending the life of the outdoor furniture. When exposed to sun, rain, or snow, furniture can rust, rot, and fade. A side awning can even protect furniture and decor from tipping or blowing away in harsh winds. An awning can reduce the need to stow away patio furniture before a storm.

4. An Awning Reduces Energy Costs

The shade an awning provides is not only beneficial to an outdoor space. Reducing the amount of solar heat that enters through windows and patio doors can have a significant impact on your energy bill.

According to the department of energy, window awnings can reduce heat by up to 77 percent. A study from the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association reveals that awnings can reduce home cooling costs by more than 50 percent. Not only does this save you money on your monthly energy bill, but it also decreases the wear on the AC unit. Annual savings can amount to between $80 and $200.

In the winter, a retractable awning allows you to use the solar heat to your advantage by enabling the sun to come in through the window.

5. An Awning Is Versatile

Awnings come in a variety of styles and materials, and this versatility makes it possible to find a form that fits your needs and budget. The structures can be fixed, freestanding, or retractable. Materials can be metal, cloth, wood, or synthetic. In addition, you can choose from a variety of designs to match your home.

A cloth patio awning is an affordable way to cover a large area. Often, these sun sails will provide shade for a few hours a day, and they are usually water repellent but not waterproof. These can be a great option to beautify the design of a backyard.

A fixed awning is more permanent and offers more shelter from the elements. Different materials will have pros and cons to consider. Metal requires less maintenance but it may trap heat; wood is sturdy but it provides less shelter.

Retractable awnings can stow away when not in use. This type of awning is popular because it saves space and can be retracted to avoid damage from inclement weather.

 

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11 Porch Awning Benefits for Your Home

A porch awning extends from the roof of the house to provide shade and cover. If you want to get the most use out of your porch, an awning is the best solution because it is practical, cost-effective, and beautiful. 

Let’s discuss the advantages of adding a porch awning to your home.

1. Turn your backyard space into a second living area.

Adding an awning to your porch can make the space feel like an extension of your home. Turn an empty patio into a large dining space for family gatherings or a comfortable place to relax, knowing that the awning will offer cover and protection.

2. Protect your family from hot temperatures and UV sun rays.

The temperature underneath an awning’s shade is 10 to 15 degrees cooler. The awning will also block harmful UV sun rays. What was once an unbearably hot space is now cool and comfortable for your family and pets.

3. Protect your outdoor furniture from the harsh weather elements.

An awning will not only protect your family and pets, but it will protect outdoor furniture as well. Metal furniture will rust, rugs and fabrics will fade, and wooden benches will rot when exposed to the harsh sun, rain, and snow. An awning limits the damage from this exposure to the weather and extends the life of your outdoor furniture.

4. Limit damage from rain and snow.

Just like outdoor furniture, the home itself can suffer damage caused by harsh weather. A porch awning will protect doors and windows from rain damage. The awning also helps divert water runoff away from the foundation, which can prevent cracks and leaks.

5. Reduce energy costs of heating and cooling your home.

An awning limits the amount of solar heat that enters through windows and doors. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association states that awnings can reduce home cooling costs by more than 50 percent. Annual savings can amount to as much as $200. This saves money, benefits the environment, and decreases the wear on an AC unit.

In the winter, a retractable awning uses the solar heat to your advantage by allowing the sun to come in through the window.

6. Enhance your ability to entertain no matter the weather.

The cover and protection an awning provides allow you to host your company with peace of mind. You will no longer need to worry about harsh sun or rain ruining your plans or cutting the party short.

7. Provide shade and cover without compromising your view.

An awning provides overhead cover while allowing you to enjoy looking out at the rest of the yard and the view beyond.

8. Provide protection without compromising design.

Porch awnings are available in a variety of forms. This means you can choose the type of structure that best fits the space.

9. Increase the resale value of your home by adding usable space.

The extra space an awning creates for living and entertaining is attractive to potential buyers, which can increase the value of your home.

10. Customizable options allow you to choose the material that best fits your needs.

Not only can you choose from a variety of structures, but you can customize the materials and design to match the current aesthetic of your home and yard. You can carefully consider the pros and cons of each material, such as maintenance and durability, to make the best choice for your needs.

11. Create a backyard oasis.

A porch awning will help you get the most use out of your outdoor living space. With the cover, protection, and design, you will want to spend more time enjoying your backyard.

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How Much Do Patio Covers Cost?

A patio is a great asset to any large family home. It allows you and your loved ones to spend time outside without the risk of getting too dirty, or dealing with other issues related to being outside for extended periods of time without shelter. But there may be times when your patio isn’t quite up to the job of keeping you safe and happy outside on its own. That is why it’s important to take a look at patio covers to make your patio more aesthetically pleasing and functional in all scenarios.

Just like finding or building a unique patio that suits your tastes and needs, it’s important to take great care in getting the perfect patio cover. One big aspect of this, no matter how much we don’t like to admit it, is cost. There is nothing more frustrating than finding an amazing patio cover and discovering it is out of your price range. To avoid this, it’s important to have an idea of what a patio cover would cost, so you can plan and save accordingly. To help you, I’ve created a nice manual breaking down the cost of different types of patio covers. Peruse the information below to help you put together a budget.

Types of Patio Covers

The cost of a patio cover will differ dramatically based on a few key factors. One of these factors is the size of the patio cover and the material it is made out of. You may want a patio cover that only covers about half of the actual patio, or you may want one that even goes a few inches farther than the patio itself to provide extra shade and aesthetic appeal. Bigger may be better for some people, but bigger almost always means more expensive as well.

Not only do you need to have an idea of the size of your patio cover, you need to plan for the style of cover you want. Is it a plain, open, rectangular shape? Is it a triangle shape with a lattice covering? Is it some crazy unique shape that includes a solid covering? These things will also increase or decrease the cost of your patio cover.

Material Makes the Man

Now that you’ve decided on the size and style of your patio cover, consider what it will be made out of. Making a patio cover out of wood would cost less than one made out of a metal like aluminum. You could even make your patio cover out of more than one material, though that will cost more than a regular, single-material patio cover. When choosing material, it’s important to factor in things like style, and the weather conditions in your area. Wood, glass, aluminum and plastic can all vary greatly in price.

Something else to consider with your material choices is that the market for these materials fluctuates. The cost of wood today may be two dollars per foot, but next week it might be three and a half dollars per foot. This can affect your material choices and your patio cover budget.

How It’s Done

Lastly, you have to consider how the patio cover is going to be installed. If you hire a professional to do the installation, it will obviously cost more than if you try to do it yourself. However, doing it yourself may not be an option because you simply don’t have the tools or knowledge to install the patio cover you want. The labor used to install your patio cover is the most expensive part of patio cover costs, so consider your options carefully. 

The Basic Costs

Here I will list the basic cost ranges for patio covers of different materials, styles, and labor. These, of course, are only estimates and averages, so keep this in mind when shopping on your own. Unless stated otherwise, assume all costs include professional installation of your patio cover.

Wooden Patio Covers

  • Keep in mind that wooden patio covers do not last as long as other materials, and there are many types of wood that can be used to make them, making these patio covers the most expensive of the bunch.
  • A solid 10 x 10 patio cover made out of standard wood can cost between $7,000 and $14,000.
  • A wooden lattice patio cover can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $7,000, which is less costly initially but is more likely to require repairs over time.
  • Any wooden patio cover will need to be repaired or replaced after being exposed to the elements for a length of time, so the cost of maintaining a wooden patio cover can be very high.

Aluminum Patio Covers

  • Aluminum is much cheaper, more versatile, and easier to work with and maintain than wood, making it a far more preferable material for patio covers.
  • A 10 x 10 non-insulated cover would cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
  • A 10 x 10 lattice cover is a bit cheaper at $1,800 to $2,000.
  • Lastly, a 10 x 10 patio cover with 3 inch thick insulation would be the most expensive, ranging from $3,500 to $5,500.
  • An aluminum patio cover will require less repair and maintenance than wood, meaning that once it’s installed you’re done dealing with it outside of major disasters.
  • Do make sure there aren’t any community ordinances against aluminum patio covers before installation.

Vinyl Patio Covers

  • The expense for vinyl patio covers is higher because of the need for supporting materials, whereas wood and aluminum can work on their own.
  • It is the least popular material for this reason.
  • A 10 x 10 fully-covered patio cover made of vinyl costs between $4,000 and upwards of $6,000.
  • A vinyl lattice cover costs between $2,000 and $4,500.
  • If you installed a vinyl patio cover yourself, a solid patio would cost $1,800 to $4,000, and a lattice patio cover would cost from just under $1,000 to over $3,000.
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