Awnings for your home can provide protection for windows during stormy or inclement weather, as well as shade for the interior and exterior areas; awnings can extend far enough to cover a full patio or deck area, or they can be more compact and provide shade for the windows alone. Whatever your reason for choosing awnings, note a few important details to remember so you can choose the best exterior awnings for your home and be happy with them for years to come.
Tilt
When it comes to the shade an awning provides for your windows, you want to consider the tilt or angle of the awning, and not just its size. If the windows get a lot of direct sunlight, you'll want a deeper tilt or angle so the awnings cover the windows more fully. For windows that don't get much direct sunlight, the awning can be installed with less of a tilt or angle, to keep the windows open and exposed.
Side panels
Awnings with side panels can provide more protection for windows from inclement weather, including rain that blows sideways, sleet, hail, and high winds. Those side panels can also create an enclosed area around a patio or deck for more comfortable seating. If you need shade, privacy, or insulation from noisy neighbours, choose an awning with a side panel built in. This will ensure the panel fits properly and blends in seamlessly with the awning for the best appearance overall.
Colour and design
Don't overlook the importance of choosing the right material, colour and design for your awning. If you have a red brick home, red awnings may actually clash rather than complement that colour, and a dark grey or even black colour may make the exterior of the home seem very dark. A crisp white to contrast the red brick can be better. If you have a modern home with clean lines, you actually want to avoid stripes on the awning, as these typically seem very traditional. Opt for a solid white, grey, or even black metal awning made of a solid piece without insets or scalloped edges to match the modern look of your home.
Fabric is also good for absorbing sound for outdoor sitting areas, whereas metal may provide maximum protection against rain, hail, and other weather elements. Rounded or convex awnings are also very traditional and can look very attractive on a brick or craftsman-style home, breaking up the square lines of the home's exterior and adding depth.
