Whether you’ve just put a down payment on a new property, or you’re looking to spruce up your current home, an awning makes for an excellent addition to your outdoor space. But what is an awning? In basic terms, an awning is a fabric cover that attaches to your home’s exterior wall, providing shade from the sun and protection from the elements.
While outdoor awnings can make for more pleasant outdoor experiences, you might be surprised to learn the other benefits they can offer. From increased curb appeal to energy savings for you and your family, read ahead to learn all the advantages different types of awnings can provide.
The Benefits of an Awning
As a homeowner, you can think of any major addition or alteration to your home as an investment. Consider how an awning could add value not only to your lifestyle but to your home’s appeal to potential buyers too.
Better Outdoor Living
First and foremost, an awning can transform your outdoor space and offer you a new venue to enjoy time with friends and family. A shady spot to run the grill means you can barbecue to your heart’s content without acquiring a nasty sunburn. Add some comfortable patio furniture, and you’re all set to enjoy iced tea and a friendly conversation, come rain or shine.
Money in Your Pocket
It’s true that an awning can make for a more comfortable outdoor experience, but beyond your yard or patio, the benefits of awnings can be felt in your wallet. In fact, a well-placed and visually appealing awning can start to pay for itself in two ways:
- Energy Savings – A study conducted in 50 cities across the USA found that fabric awnings can save homeowners up to $200 each year in air-conditioning costs.
- Increased Curb Appeal – According to realtors, attractive awnings that fit well with a home’s aesthetic can make selling that home easier.
Knowing the financial benefits an awning can provide should make it even easier to relax under yours on a sunny day.
Best Uses for an Awning
If you’re still unsure about adding an awning to your home, consider your home’s location, climate, and function.
For example, ask yourself how much time you spend outside, as well as how much time you’d like to spend outside if the weather wasn’t a factor. Because awnings are excellent for reducing exposure to direct sunlight and harmful UV rays, they’re a great choice for homes in a sunny climate.
Is the home in question a vacation home or an RV? RV awnings are easier to manage than you might think, and they retract so as not to pose a hazard when you’re driving. You’ll find that awnings are very common in these settings because of the immediate increase in space they provide (and an RV vacation is all about enjoying the outdoors).
Where to Place Your Awning
Another factor to consider is what you hope to gain by adding an awning to your home. If you’re more interested in energy savings than spending time outside, a window awning might be your best option. By reducing a window’s exposure to direct sunlight, these awnings can result in a lower indoor temperature without resorting to AC.
If you decide to go for a window awning, your best bet is to opt for south- and west-facing windows. Because these windows tend to take in the most sunlight, they’re responsible for a high degree of heat gain in your home. In turn, window awnings that reduce your windows’ “greenhouse effect” at these locations will net you the greatest energy savings.
If you’re looking to create a shady outdoor area, a patio awning may be the choice for you. With a backyard or patio cover, you can choose between a portable or a permanent structure, such as a fixed or retractable awning.
How Long Do Awnings Last?
Like any investment, you might wonder how your home’s new awning is going to fare in the long run. If a new and visually-appealing awning can increase your home’s curb appeal, naturally a tattered or worn-down awning can have the opposite effect. The good news is that a well-constructed awning frame can last a lifetime.
The lifespan of your awning’s fabric will vary depending on how you care for it. Learning how to clean awnings and how often can have an impact on how long they last. Here are some basic tips to extend your awning’s lifespan:
- For retractable awnings, retract your awning when you don’t plan to use it for extended periods, such as winter.
- For non-retractable awnings, visually inspect your awning at least once a month to look for signs of dirt, debris, or mold.
- For lighter cleaning, you can spray your awning with a garden hose. In the event that your awning fabric requires a heavier cleaning, removing the fabric from your ALEKO awning is relatively straightforward and can be done in less than an hour.
With the proper care, your awning fabric can last for years—and should it eventually need to be replaced, ALEKO offers replacement fabric with prices ranging from under fifty dollars to slightly over one hundred dollars.
Find Your Bliss Under an ALEKO Awning
What’s an awning if not a place for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors? At ALEKO, we value outdoor living and the moments that can only be shared in your own personal slice of nature. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to manufacture products that invite you to experience nature on your own terms, always at affordable prices.
From motorized awnings to camper awnings, our models are built to last with quality materials and fabrics designed to shield you from rain or shine. And with such a wide selection to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect product to suit your home or RV’s needs.
Reimagine your outdoor space with an ALEKO awning, and enjoy the outdoors all year round. Contact our team today!
Sources:
Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. New Data Shows that Fabric Awnings & Exterior Shades Can Help Homeowners Reduce Cooling Costs by More than 50%. https://awnings.textiles.org/why-use-awnings/energy-savings/
Consumer Affairs. Two ways awnings can add value to your home. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/two-ways-awnings-can-add-value-to-your-home-053117.html/
Forbes. 7 Window Treatments That Can Lower Your Energy Bills. https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/08/04/7-window-treatments-that-can-lower-your-energy-bills/?sh=dd6f12363cab/
