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Awnings look good on walls. But why do you need an awning? It is certainly an effective means of home improvement, but you need to be sure whether you need an awning or not. Let's look at awning from buyers' perspectives. Ask yourself the questions mentioned below; it will help you decide whether you need an awning and what type of awning would bring you best result.

1) Is it necessary to consider place of residence?

Is it necessary to consider the place of residence where the awning is going to be installed? Awnings are used in a wide range of states. It may seem that people from Sun Belt states, i.e., Arizona, Florida, Nevada, California, South Carolina etc. should only buy awnings, because, that region of the United States suffer from the sun more than any other part of the country. Surprisingly, sun protection awnings, patio and deck awnings are equally popular in states that observe heavy rain and long winter.

Perhaps the energy benefit that comes with awnings is the reason for people of all states, irrespective to weather and climate, to essentially have retractable sunshades for their homes, offices and commercial buildings.

Whether you live in any of the Sun Belt states or somewhere else, you can always buy sunshades for your home. However, the structure of the awning may vary according to the prevailing climate. Hence, dealing with local awning manufacturer often brings better result.

2) Why do you need the awning?

What are the reasons for you to look for awnings? The answer may include element control, home expansion, energy saving etc. Based on the type of elements that you want protection from, the structure and installation process of awnings may differ.

Rain protection:

To give adequate protection from rain, the awning must have a slope. 25% slope for per unit of awning length is ideal. Hence, the mounted edge of a 6 feet long awning should be 1.5 feet above the free end of the awning.

Sun protection:

A lower slope works well for sun protection. The main advantage of retractable awnings is that the slope can be adjusted according to your requirement. You can regulate the slope for both rain and sun protection.

Heavy wind, snow, storm etc. can badly damage awning. Retractable awnings can be folded off during harsh weather condition and saved from possible harms.

3) Energy saving OR element control ' which one is more important?

The answer highly influences awning selection and installation process. When power saving is more important, the windows and doors that are directly exposed to the sun should be covered. On contrast, when element control is of prime importance, larger awnings with UV protection coatings are good.

4) Does it essentially need to be folded off?

Retractable awnings are more durable than the other sunshades. By folding it off you protect them from harsh weather. Wind, rain, storm and heavy snow can damage your awning. Hence, by retracting the awning during adverse weather you increase its lifespan. Both manual and automatic retractable awnings are available.

5) How does it go with the design of your building?

Customized awnings are made to measure; they are designed specifically for the place where they are going to be fixed. These sunshades are likely to match with the exterior of the building.

Various types of ready-made fixed canopies, drop curtains, patio and deck awnings are also available out there. You should be careful while buying one such product. They come in various shape, texture and size; thoroughly check which one suits to the aesthetic of your place.