Are awnings an adequate sun protection solution? What types of awnings are available? How long do awnings typically last? Do awnings require maintenance? How does the cost of materials affect their quality?
Awnings provide the most efficient sun protection for patios, terraces, and gardens. They can be installed on almost any building and, if thoughtfully designed, can enhance the aesthetics of a space. Like most home improvement areas, there’s a wide range of types, prices, and quality levels, which can sometimes complicate the decision-making process.
Fixed vs. Retractable Awnings
The most basic division of awnings is into fixed and retractable types. Fixed awnings remain in a single position and cannot be retracted. Their advantages include having no moving parts that could break and offering greater durability due to their fixed structure, making them more resistant to strong winds and heavy, wet snow. They also tend to be more affordable.
When constructed from quality materials, fixed awnings can last a long time and are ideal for covering patios, porches, and decks. However, their main downside is the inability to control the amount of sunlight, as they cannot be adjusted.
Retractable awnings are much more practical, especially during winter months, as they can be retracted to allow more sunlight through windows. This feature also makes them ideal for early spring, when you’d still want to enjoy the sun. Although more complex, retractable awnings offer the flexibility to adjust how much of your patio is shaded based on the awning’s position. This makes them a great choice for spaces where sun protection is only occasionally needed.
Types of Retractable Awnings
Depending on where they will be installed and your budget, several types of retractable awnings are available. One of the most common is the traditional articulated arm awning, which uses two hinged arms to support the fabric.
These awnings can be mounted to a wall or ceiling, allowing you to control how much fabric is extended. The angle can also be adjusted to provide better protection from low sunlight or to increase privacy, an important consideration in urban settings. They can be operated manually via a crank or electronically with a motor and remote control.
Some models even come equipped with sensors that automatically retract the awning in high winds or extend it when the sun comes out. These awnings typically range in width from 6 to 23 feet and can extend up to 11.5 feet, providing effective sun protection for spaces like a 10×23-foot balcony.
Another popular type is the cassette awning. Like articulated awnings, cassette awnings feature a retractable fabric, but the fabric is stored in a protective cassette or housing when not in use. This keeps it shielded from rain and debris, which helps maintain its appearance and prolongs its lifespan. Aesthetic considerations make cassette awnings a better fit for modern home designs, as their mechanisms are hidden when retracted.
What Are Freestanding Awnings?
Freestanding awnings are another type, designed to cover portions of a yard or open space. Supported by a steel frame placed on the ground, these awnings extend from both sides of the structure, making them ideal for use in gardens or outdoor cafes where wall-mounted options aren’t feasible.
Free-standing awnings are ideal for yards or gardens of catering facilities
Freestanding awnings can range from 10 to 50 feet in length, with extensions reaching up to 23 feet, allowing them to cover large areas. The central supporting structure allows the edges to remain free of any obstacles, making movement around the awning easier. These awnings can be manually or motor-operated and can also include sensors for automatic operation.
Are There Limitations to Installing Awnings?
Since awnings are mounted to a building, it’s important to ensure that the structure can support the weight. The entire load of articulated arm awnings is transferred to the wall or ceiling, so the mounting surface must be robust enough, particularly when considering wind or snow loads.
Different installation methods are required depending on whether the awning is being mounted to an insulated wall or reinforced concrete. This is why it’s often best to leave installation to professionals. Today, awnings are made with aluminum profiles and secured with stainless steel screws to eliminate the risk of corrosion.
The fabrics are typically PVC or polyacrylic with UV protection, ensuring they resist sunlight and won’t fade after just a year or two. This, of course, applies to high-quality products, which you can purchase from manufacturers using certified materials from reputable sources. All of this can easily be verified in person.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Awnings
One of the biggest advantages of quality awnings is that they require little to no maintenance. The mechanism doesn’t need lubrication, and upkeep mainly consists of occasional cleaning. If needed, the fabric can be washed with water, especially in areas with high soot and dirt concentrations, using mild detergents.
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For general cleaning, use a gentle water spray and a soft brush, avoiding pressure washers, which can damage the fabric’s coating. Pressure washing can compromise the waterproofing and UV resistance, causing the fabric to deteriorate faster.
To prolong the life of your awning, always ensure the fabric is taut when extended, as this prevents it from flapping in the wind, which could wear out the fabric and strain the frame.
During severe weather, retracting the awning will protect it from damage. Higher-end models with motorized retraction also have sensors that detect wind and automatically retract the awning, even if no one is home. However, retractable awnings should not be used as protection from snow, as they are not designed to handle such loads, and should be retracted at the first sign of snowfall.
Manufacturers of high-quality awning fabrics typically offer a five-year warranty, and with proper care, the fabric can last 15 to 20 years. Installation costs depend on various factors, so we won’t dive into that here. The goal was to help you decide whether an awning is a good choice for your home or business, leaving the price-to-quality decision up to you.