Traditionally employed to protect doors and windows from the elements, today’s metal awnings can also be used as a stylish way to update the look of your house. Rigid, strong awnings can help protect your home from the most brutal elements.
Awnings provide shade which shields doors and windows from harsh sunlight.They can also decrease energy bills by providing an astonishing level of protection from sunlight indoors. Positioning these awnings in specific, well-planned areas of homes has been proven to lower solar heat gain by as much as 70 percent.
Satisfied awning users have also reported that temperatures in some of their rooms have decreased by as much as 15 degrees with properly positioned awnings. Awnings also protect windows from excessive rain and can provide a barrier against very strong winds. In cold climates, they can help homeowners avoid snow shedding by deflecting snow away from the front porch.
Awnings can be installed in traditional homes as well as mobile homes to provide an instant update and boost these types of protection. It is even possible to use very large awnings or a do it yourself cover kit to convert a small patio, balcony, or deck into a covered outdoor patio. (more…)
If you have finally made the decision to cover your patio, you have one more very important decision left to make: what type of cover or canopy should you get? Choosing the right type for you will obviously depend on things like your budget and personal tastes. One other very important aspect to consider is how much upkeep and maintenance will be required by different types of covered patios.
In judging aesthetics alone, wood patio covers seem to be the runaway favorite for most people. While wood may look beautiful on your patio, it is important to consider the maintenance requirements that come with wood. Wood is by far the hardest material to maintain and keep in good shape, and is especially prone to sun and weather damage. You can count on a need for periodic painting/staining and weatherproofing for this type of cover.
If this type of maintenance is a deal breaker for you, you should consider alternative materials such as acrylic or aluminum. These materials provide years of use with little to no upkeep required. Still, patios covered by this type of material tend to be far less pleasing to the eye.
If you would like the beauty of natural wood without the hassles, there are many new artificial wood materials that can now be used instead. These materials can give you the perfect compromise and provide you with the desired look, and maintenance schedule, for your patio.