Enjoying a beautiful sunny day in the garden is somehow unimaginable without the awning. Sure, the trees can provide the shade, or you can wait for the sunlight to pass your spot. A perfect awning would give you shelter in all seasons, not only when the sun is high.
However, choosing the right one may be more of a challenge than you imagined.
1. Don’t buy the cheap ones
Cheap awnings mean that you will very quickly have to buy a new one, maybe as soon as in a year. This is certainly both the inconvenience and extra expense for your budget. Quality awnings may cost more but will last for several years despite the weather conditions.
If you choose the appropriate one, you won’t have a lot of maintenance costs. Also, frequent change of awnings can damage its supporting structure and later require the complete remodelling.
2. Wrong measurements
Before you go to buy the awnings, triple check the measurements and make sure that you have dimensions of all the necessary parts. Usually, the first-time buyers will purchase the bearing structure with the awnings.
But if you’re replacing an old one or installing it by yourself, then the right measures will save you a lot of trouble and additional expenses. If available, call your supplier to take the measurements for the perfect fit.
3. Unsuitable materials and fabrics
Awnings are made of different fabrics. Some fabrics are not good for humid weather, while others lose their quality in the sun. You should choose the fabric depending on the weather conditions and purpose. Man-made materials last longer than the natural ones. This is because they’re resistant to rot and are easy to maintain and clean. However, when it comes to sun and warm weather it’s better to choose lighter materials.
When it comes to materials like wood, metal, glass and plastic, they’re more permanent and better solution. However, they’re also more expensive and require complex installation techniques.
4. Inappropriate supporting structure
Awnings can’t stand on their own. They require supporting structure or installation to lean to. In order to have stable and functional awnings, you should ask your supplier or a handyman to look at the structure, especially if you’re planning to install retractable roof awnings. Even the smallest thing like untighten screw or bigger ones like ruinous parts of the wall can lead to accidents, and possible injuries.
5. It has to match
A special challenge for homeowners present the window awnings. They are built structures hung above the windows to provide protection from the rain, snow and sun. Experts say that appropriate exterior awnings can “reduce entry of solar energy by up to 80%”.
In cases you’re adding to the already existing design, you will face a dilemma of matching them to the rest of the house. But instead of perceiving it as a problem, look at it as an advantage to freshen up the façade and create a new look.
6. Choosing style over function
When choosing awnings, you have to think practical. This means that the function comes first, and then you can incorporate the style. Awnings come in different shapes, materials and cover techniques.
For example, if you leave in the windy area, then it’s better to choose sturdier awnings instead of those made of lighter fabrics. This will prevent possible damages and injuries during the stronger wind periods. Solar awnings are intended to provide shade and harvest the sun’s energy. They’re fixed to the house façade and can’t be positioned differently but to directly face the sunlight.
Final thoughts
There are many solutions you can choose from which will go nicely with your ideas, needs and overall house exterior. All you need is to know what you want and leave it all to the professionals.
