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Awnings
Whether they are over a door, window, patio
or deck, awnings are a wise addition
to any
home. Awnings provide energy
savings, protection
for your furnishings from the
harmful effects
of the sun, and can add additional
living
space to your home. When you
choose an awning,
here are some things to consider:
- Front and side valances, besides being more
decorative, will help keep the sun from shining
on you especially if the awning is on a north
or south side.
- The darker the awning color, the more heat
build-up will occur from solar absorption
so you may want a venting system to remove
the heat. Also, darker colors tend to fade
more quickly.
- If you live in an area than receives a lot
of snow in the winter or has many storms
especially with high winds, a retractable
awning that can be closed up will decrease
damage done to the awning during bad weather.
If the awing goes into a storage cover, that
also will help extend the life of your awning.
- If you choose a fabric awning, look for one
that coordinates with your home, has been
treated with a UV stabilizer to reduce any
fading, and is treated for stain and mildew
resistance.
- Powder coated aluminum and stainless steel
components are lighter weight and stronger
than other materials, which makes for easier
installation and use, especially for retractable
awnings.
- If the awning is over a window that opens
outward (casement window), check that there
is enough clearance under the awning so that
the window can be opened fully without damaging
the window or the awning.
- If you want an awning in an English, ellipse
or circular shape, some companies offer these
as standard shapes as well as various custom
made shapes.
- Retractable awnings may be operated manually
or electrically. If the awning is normally
kept open, it would be wiser to buy the manual
type.
Some awnings have a remote control so that
you can lower or raise the awning by pushing
a button. Automated awnings are also available
for increased convenience. These have wind
and light sensors that will automatically
retract the awning if the wind is too strong
or when the light level is too low. |
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