Buying an awning is more than just slapping a functional decoration onto your home. An outdoor awning can make an impressive impact on the attractiveness of your home.
Yes, they can make or break how good your space looks, and trust us – visitors and neighbors will be judging you.
So, before you rush off to go and buy the first outdoor awning that you see, there are some essential things that you need to know.
We’ve picked the top five things that you should know when buying an outdoor awning. If you carefully follow these guidelines, there will be no reason to be yawning when buying your awning.
Your Awning Should Put You First
When choosing an awning, you need to ask yourself what you expect it to do for you. Some of the most important questions that you need to be able to answer are:
- Do you want to add an entertainment area to your house?
- Is it there to provide shade from the sun or extra rain and wind cover?
- Do you want your awning to be a fixed or retractable solution?
Choosing the proper outdoor canopy will be a breeze once you’ve determined what the awning is supposed to do. Talking about drafts, that brings up the next step in our guide.
Is Your New Outdoor Awning Weather Resistant?
Before diving into styles and colors, you first need to determine how durable your new outdoor awning is.
Some are water-resistant but may not last long in strong winds. If you are worried about strong winds, check out this excellent guide for wind-resistant outdoor awnings at the Blind Guys site.
Others need protective covers and can require quite a bit of maintenance to keep them in a pristine condition.
However, an awning should be more than just a formidable, durable outdoor decoration that will last for years and years to come. It needs to be easy to install.
Is Installation Easy?
Another often overlooked component is that of installation. Can you install it on your own, or do you need a twenty-man crew with a forklift to help out?
Talking about installation, what fixing mechanism will be holding this heavy decoration above your head?
A quality installation will extend the lifetime of your new purchase and shouldn’t be skimped on.
Does It Match Your Home?
Your awning should add to your home and not detract from it. Choose colors and styles that complement rather than contrast. A subtle variation in color often speaks more than an ugly clash of colors.
Awnings come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and it is better to do a bit of research and imagining before you commit.
An awning is supposed to be part of your property for years to come. So make sure you are happy with the style that you chose.
Is There A Warranty On Your New Awning?
While warranties and guarantees may be the last thing on your mind, they are still pretty significant. Next to awning durability, this is a big thing.
If your awning manufacturer provides a warranty, it will go a long way in soothing any fears that you may have regarding its longevity. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about that awning warranty.
You Are Now Covered
Purchasing an outdoor awning is an excellent investment, as long as you do your research. The American awning market grows steadily every year as more homeowners realize the incredible benefits of having them installed.
If you follow our guide and ask the correct questions, your awning will be a great addition to your home.
