Awnings are an incredible solution for numerous homeowners. The right awning choice can add style and a pop of color to your home while also serving a functional purpose. While providing shade and comfort, you can get so much more out of your awnings. With so many awning options to choose from, the process of finding the ideal fit for your home and your particular needs can be tricky. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the best awning for your home.
Fabric and Colors
With many companies like Hillarys now offering such a vast and varying assortment of fabrics and colors to choose from, picking the right awning for you and your home has never been more exciting. Given the expanded color palette, the process of selection is easier than ever. However, every homeowner will have to distinguish their tastes along with what is suitable to match the look of their home. Bold colors will produce an effective focal point. Therefore, if you are not wishing to draw attention to your awnings, it is best to go with a neutral color. Neutral more earthy tones will unify the overall look of your home when utilized properly, while soft blues or grays create a contrast which can be employed for better balance.
When it comes to fabrics, synthetic yarn can provide a stronger fabric structure that coincides with a more flexible feel. If you live in an area that is highly subject to adverse weather conditions, it can be crucial to invest in awnings that feature a top coat or laminate. This will offer protection to your outdoor fabric for your awning. The majority of fabrics on the market these days are able to hold up to the elements while maintaining their incredible look for many years. No matter what your design goal may be, awnings offer the ultimate in comfort and protection from the weather.
Pattern
When choosing the appropriate awning pattern for your home, it is important to incorporate the characteristics of your home into the equation. For instance, striped patterns can create disproportions with the overall appearance of your home. Remember to choose a pattern that is proportional to the size of both your home and your awning. Small stripes will often give off a busy vibe if placed on a larger awning. On the other hand, wide stripes can simply overtake a smaller home.
Style
There are multiple awning style options available to homeowners. Each option comes with its very own advantages that are best suited for particular homes. This can largely depend upon the weather patterns of your location. Whether your goal is to enhance curb appeal or strictly for functional reasons, there is truly a style for every home. Some of your choices can include canopy awnings, free-standing canopy awnings, traditional, dome, concave and retractable.
One of the most common for homeowners, the retractable awning is typical for use over patios and decks due to its ability to easily extend or retract given your particular needs. This allows for shelter when you require it and sunlight when you don’t. These can come with manual cranking systems or also in electronic versions. Concaves are generally employed for their use over a door or window. They feature an inward curve on the front panel with side panels that can be either opened or closed depending on preferences. Canopies and free-standing canopies are always supported by stanchions. These both provide similar benefits of excellent curb appeal and functionality to homeowners.
Location
Choosing the best awning for your home can differ greatly depending on the climate in which your home is located. While some climates are dry and cool, there are others that have more hot and humid conditions. These factors should influence your available options significantly. Remember to invest in a set of awnings that is suited for the common weather that your home will endure the most. It is always a safe bet to purchase awnings that have been coated with a laminate or other substance that will offer more immunity to the elements.
Awning Location
Awnings can be installed on a porch or patio depending on the preference of the homeowner. They can even be set up over windows. This is where personal preference must come into play. With awnings that are fixed or stationary or even free standing, you can easily use them before packing them back up and putting them away. Any awnings that are installed over a window or door will be able to provide the homeowner with added protection from sunlight and the elements.
Depending on where you place your awnings, you can save on your monthly energy costs substantially. This rings especially true for homeowners in more heated climates given that the decrease in sunlight will cut the costs of electricity from air conditioning units. Regardless of where you choose to place your awnings, nearly any location can extend the look and feel of your home while cutting your energy costs.
Function or Operation
There are a handful of choices offered with the operation or function of awnings on the market now. With retractable awnings, most homeowners discover a great covering for decks and patios. This is largely due to their ability to easily extend when needed and simply retract when they are no longer required. These types of awnings provide you with the opportunity to better control both the sun and the shade that surrounds your home based on outside temperatures. It is reported that the right awning can reduce energy costs during the summer months by up to 77 percent depending on where the awnings are located.
Remember that fixed or stationary awnings are typically better suited for windows and doors. A motorized awning can offer you a tremendous amount of shaded protection all with the simple press of a button. Given the ingenious new options in automated awnings, you can now even choose to extend or retract the awnings on your home from inside or out.
Energy Savings
The latest studies of awnings are now showing that fabric awnings that provide substantial exterior shading to a home can save the homeowner well over 50 percent. This is managed through its significant reduction of cooling costs. With record hot temperatures in extensive regions, this can be a huge factor for homeowners everywhere. Remember to choose a set of awnings that is best suited for your climate to get the most out of your energy saving investment.
Additionally, the location in which you choose to place your awnings can make a tremendous difference in your energy bill as well. Awnings are now being recognized for their ability to provide serious reduction to your household expenses. As budget grow tighter for homes and families all over, this can make an immense difference in the way that you live. By saving funds through reduced energy bills, you can increase your family’s comfort as well. This can be achieved through the effective reduction in your home’s internal temperatures. While saving money on energy costs, you will also potentially reduce the amount of mechanical wear that your home air conditioning unit would typically endure.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.