The overbearing sun or the hardcore rain; whatever be your climatic challenge, awnings are your best friend in all situations. Initially invented to cover the exteriors of a building, awnings now can be found attached to every exterior wall available. Ranging from retractable awnings to conical tensile structures, there is a variety that one can choose from. But, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Read on to find out…
Choosing the space: One needs to start by figuring the area you require your awning in. If you require a deck awning/outdoor awning or canopies is all dependent on the location of the application.
Type of awning: The main two kinds of awnings, namely, fixed or retractable come in handy for different situations. However, given the current scenarios, retractable awnings are highly recommended. When not in use, retractable awnings, as opposed to fixed awnings, can be easily adjusted; Therefore making them the best option for decks and patios. The advanced retractable awning kits contain wind and sun sensors and motors and switches, making them easy to control. These awnings can easily detect the weather conditions and positions of the sun and wind for automatic adjustments.
Other types of awnings include Car park awnings, that provide shade to your car from the weather conditions and other issues like dust and bird droppings. These kinds of awnings or shades are mostly stationery and are used in commercial spaces like office buildings.
A window box type awning is another kind that is attached to the exterior of the window and provides shades from the sun as well as protection from the wind. These kinds of awnings are something we see commonly in cafe’s or restaurants.
Another highly efficient type of awning is the conical tensile structure that is used to cover broader areas. Although it is tent-like in nature, the conical tensile structures are available in either a singular or multiple format that serve your purpose accordingly.
Selecting a suitable design: Your chosen design should always complement the desired area of your awning installation. One can choose from multiple models and styles, i.e., concave, convex, dome-shaped, or standard, that come in solid colors or different patterns to complement your sun awnings. However, if the variety is still not to your taste, you could always customize your design.
The installation angle: Imagine installing your awning at the wrong angle? That would not just spoil the look of your space but also be a significant inconvenience. The angle of the awnings is also essential for the overall performance of the product. If your windows are facing east or west, the drop angle recommended for the installation is between 65 to 75% for the best performance, whereas if your windows are facing southward, the drop angle of the awning should be 50-65% due to the angle of the sun.
The Awning material: An essential consideration apart from the awning angle is the installation’s material. Different kinds of awning materials mean different kinds of maintenance. The options for awning materials range from cotton, canvas, resin, aluminum, and many more. In most cases, choosing a light-colored material is best as they trap less heat, reflect sunlight and look better.
Size: Choosing the right size directly affects the convenience the awning provides to your home. While a smaller sized awning can look cute and decorative, a bigger awning will protect your home from sun or rain and provide more cover.
These few pointers will make sure you choose the best awning type for your area and convenience. It is also important to see how your choice of awning blends in with the overall look of your house! If you are looking for commercial or residential customized awnings that match your home and are serviced to order, contact us at www.shahain.com.