Looking to renovate your backyard and add a touch of style and comfort? You might’ve considered putting an outdoor awning above your patio area or decking, but what is the purpose of an awning? Below, we’ll talk about the reasons why you might install one (or more), as well as some other key facts that should help you come to a decision on whether to have one on your home.
The Purpose of an Awning
Awnings can do more than simply protect you from adverse weather. They can also protect your home and save you money when installed correctly and by an experienced tradesman. Here are the top three benefits of an awning.
1. Protect your home from adverse weather
Properly protecting your home can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. One way to reduce wear on your external structures is by using a fixed awning or canopy. Permanent awnings offer a lot of protection to masonry, particularly from extreme weather events. With the climate in such disarray, it’s worth being prepared for worsening rainfall and strong winds.
Heavy rain can cause some of the most significant wear on a property. But with an awning, you can divert much of the rainwater away from the exterior of your home. Of course, this benefits you personally too, as it provides outdoor shelter. Rather than being forced indoors when the weather takes a turn, you can still enjoy your patio or decking while staying comfortable and dry. Front door awnings provide a similar benefit — no more quickly fumbling to find your keys and escape the monsoon!
2. Reduce your energy bills
Once the bad weather has passed and summer rolls around, you can still benefit from having an awning. In hotter months, most of us turn to AC (air conditioning) to stay comfortable at home. However, there’s an obvious drawback – electricity bills rack up quickly, particularly in the current economy. The good news is that an awning can continue to benefit you in hot weather.
When you install awnings above your exterior doors, particularly those with large panes of glass, you provide shelter from the harsh UV rays. They’re responsible for your home reaching those sticky, undesirable temperatures in summer. So, by creating shade over these points in your home, you won’t have to utilise the AC unit to quite the same extent. In turn, this will see your electricity bills come down over time.
Experts have even recommended awnings as a measure to decrease the indoor heat generated by the sun. By combining them with outdoor blinds, you can see further reductions in your home’s temperature.
3. Safeguard your home against water damage
We’ve already talked about the benefit of protecting your home and its masonry from the weather. However, more specifically, a permanent outdoor awning can safeguard your home against one of its biggest threats: water damage. With constant exposure to moisture, your home is more susceptible to pests and mould growth. The latter can lead to health complications like coughing, airway irritation, and more.
With a fixed awning, the most vulnerable parts of your home will be protected, such as your door casings, doors, and windows. Without protection, the materials in these components can quickly absorb water. The constant alternating between damp weather and dry, hot sun can lead to minute cracks and breakages in the materials, which will soon begin to allow the wind and rain in.
Types of Awnings
Awnings come in a range of styles and materials, from canvas to metal. Here are three of the most common awnings we’ve installed for customers across Ballarat and Daylesford:
- Patio awnings: These are often called sails or shade cloths, and they’re one of the simplest to install and are affordable, too. They’re usually mounted to a wall over a patio or decking area to provide you and your guests with shade. They’re more commonly referred to as folding arm awnings and are retracted when the wind or rain picks up.
- Window and door awnings: This type of awning extends the protection offered by your roof over a window or a door’s threshold. In addition to protecting your entryways from water damage, they’ll keep you dry while you’re locking or unlocking the door.
- Freestanding awnings: Freestanding awnings allow for greater freedom of placement as they’re not mounted to your home. They’re ordinarily mounted on supporting beams and can be custom fit to the desired space. Unlike patio and window or door awnings, they’re not normally left outside all year round, but they’ll provide shade on nice days when the wind is not too severe.
Get a Free Measure and Quote
Getting your awning right the first time means choosing an industry leader who uses cutting-edge products. At Stan Bond, we’ve a long history of producing and installing awnings in Adelaide. For an insight our work on blinds and awnings, check out our socials page. You can also get in touch today, and we’ll offer you a quote for your bespoke job.
