Take Cover
Originally featured in Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine in June 2010.
Whether it’s in the Summer or the Fall in the South, days can be hot and the nights are up in the air. But no matter what the temperature is, shade and protection from the sun are a great way to cool off and enjoy your outdoor area more often and for longer. An option when you don’t have a roofline that already provides a covered patio or front porch? Awnings.
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.