Awnings are an excellent addition to your home, not only because they extend to shade your deck, but also because they can shield indoor rooms from bright light coming through windows!
So, how do you choose a deck awning for your home or business? When thinking of your deck awning ideas, keep the following pieces of information in mind:
Durability
These sturdy installations can last for fifteen years or longer when properly cared for, allowing you to enjoy the shade for years and years to come! Many of them come with 1 to 5 year warranties as well.
Because these awnings are retractable and install right to your wall, they take up little no storage space when not in active use and allow you to enjoy the shade or sunlight as you like. This makes retractable awnings ideal shade solutions for decks and patios. The durability and lifetime of a retractable awning may vary based on different weather conditions and the type of fabric used. Acrylic fabrics are resistant to UV light, fading, and mold while also being a highly breathable fabric that keeps sunlight out without trapping heat in.
Sizing and Placement
Retractable awnings come in a variety of sizes. Some are built to cover a single bedroom window, while others can extend over a deck. No matter your size requirements, there’s a deck awning idea for you!
Oftentimes deck awnings are installed to cover as much of the deck or patio area as possible, which is why you’ll see many larger models that can be up to sixteen feet wide and extend ten feet out from the mounting position. However, these large awnings are not the only awnings available! When considering deck awning ideas, think of how much space you want to shade.
For example, door awnings install directly over doors and shield it from harsh UV light. If you have both an east or west-facing patio and master bedroom door (as master bedrooms often feature yard access), your deck awning ideas may call for a large-size awning for the patio and a door awning for your other access point to make sure that your home is adequately shaded from the summer heat. Window awnings work the same way to shield a smaller area from the sun, without requiring the installation of an awning that would be too large for the space.
But what if you need to shade an area that isn’t attached to your home specifically, such as a seating area or a garden that has plants requiring only partial sun? Freestsanding awnings are one of the deck awning ideas you should consider! These awnings are retractable and adjustable, and can be placed anywhere in your outdoor space to provide the needed shade.
Manual and Electric Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are available with two different power sources: electricity, and you!
Manual retractable awnings include a crank for you to manually extend and retract the awning, by turning the crank. These awnings are designed for homeowners’ ease of use and are easier to install since they don’t require any kind of electric wiring or hookup.
If you anticipate that you need to adjust the awning multiple times a day or the manual option will not work for you for any reason, there are electric retractable awnings. These awnings are fully automated and operate on a wall switch or remote control, so you can extend or retract the awning with the push of a button.
Safety
Be sure to consult all manufacturer directions and advice when installing your awning!
Deck awnings are a major asset to your home, which means you should always observe safety regulations and read installation instructions carefully so you can get the most usage out sun shades for your deck.
During harsh weather conditions like high winds and storms, you will need to retract the awning to protect both it and your home from any potential damage. Do not place objects on top of your awning.
Ready to go in-depth with your deck awning ideas? Give our helful staff a call! 1-855-298-4922! They can help you compare different awning options for your space and recommend the best product at the best price!