How To Choose Awnings For Your Home Or Business
Before, awnings just served as protection from the sun and rain
for houses. But now, awnings are included as part of a house's
or building's architecture not only for its primary purpose, but
also to add charm and create a statement.
If you are still unconvinced about the architectural beauty of
awnings, you might want to have them installed for the following
reasons:
* It protects the window frames from the rain, sun and snow.
Most window frames and windowpanes are made of wood. We all know
how wood responds to environmental changes. Even with sufficient
wood coating and polish, wood deteriorates faster when exposed
to the harshness of the weather conditions.
* Your house may have a porch or a patio and you have some
furniture there, where you relax as you read a book or have a
cup of coffee with your friends. Such furniture, regardless of
the material, wears out faster when exposed to the sun and rain.
* When it's raining, you normally keep your windows shut,
blocking fresh air from coming in through the windows. If your
house has awnings, during rain showers, you can keep your
windows open and still prevent rainwater from getting in.
* When you are watching TV or using the computer, you usually
have the windows shut, or the curtains or blinds down to reduce
the glare. If awnings were fitted, you wouldn't need to block
natural light from the rest of the room since the awnings will
reduce the glare on the monitors positioned near the windows.
* A major effect of having awnings, according to a study, is
that it can reduce summer heat increase by 65% for windows
facing south, and 77% for windows facing east and west.
So if you are now convinced that you would like your house or
your building to have awnings, don't just go out there and get
one. There are things that you need to consider.
* Material
The most commonly used materials for awnings are outdoor fabric
and aluminum. Those made of outdoor fabric come in a variety of
color and shapes; however, these require more maintenance than
aluminum ones.
Those made of aluminum are sturdy and require less maintenance.
These awnings, however, have limited design and color options.
* Angle
It is recommended that for windows facing east or west, the size
of the drop should be 65-75% for the best efficiency. For
a
window facing south, the drop can just be 45-60% since less
coverage is needed, as the sun has a higher angle from this
direction.
* Side panels
Side panels may alter the architectural feel of the awnings.
Side panels are also beneficial in adding coverage in a
different direction.
* Stationary, Retractable or Freestanding
Roll-up and retractable awnings allow you to permit the sun to
shine into the house during winter.
Retractable awnings are also good for patios or decks. These
awnings have a mechanism that allows it to be extended as far as
necessary.
Retractable awnings can also have motors and switches for ease
in retraction. Some also have sun and wind sensors to automate
the retraction.
Retractable awnings are not for heavy rains, high winds and
snow, though. So make sure these are properly protected from
such weather conditions.
Freestanding awnings may also be used for patios, decks or
terraces. Business establishments, as these also double as an
advertisement, usually use these.
* Size
Small awnings are used for their decorative effect. If you would
like to maximize the protective function of awnings, choose the
bigger ones.
* Style
The most popular styles are traditional with closed sides,
traditional with open sides, dome style, double bar standard,
waterfall, quarter barrel, gable walkway and semi-circular
entrance.
To check the most applicable style for your house design and the
direction of your windows, consult an architect.
* Color
Apart from considering what color goes well with your house or
establishment, if possible, choose a light-colored awning since
it does not only block direct sunlight light other awnings, but
this also reflects sunlight. By doing so, it lessens the amount
of heat that comes in.
Also to minimize the heat that comes into the house, make sure
that there is a gap between the side of the house and the top of
the awning to prevent the heat on the awning to be transferred
to the house.
Keep these tips in mind when consulting your architect while
designing your house or business establishment.
About the author:
For more great awning information and resources check out: http://www.justawnings.info
Written By: Mike Davidson
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