Adding Patio Awnings To Your Home
Want to spruce up your deck or patio area? Patio awnings are one of those additions to your home you really need to put some thought into. Available styles, types, and variable costs all play an important part of that decision. Here are a few to consider.
In reality this is the simplest way to add more usable space to your home without all the huge building costs, mess, and wait times you incur in trying to build something permanently. An awning provides a covering over your existing patio creating a room with a view, no walls included. This allows your family and friends to enjoy time together in the outdoors, whether it is raining or not. Fairly inexpensive, the patio awning is becoming a standard addition to any home.
Be careful when choosing the materials used for your awning. Some of the more inexpensive ones are made of plastic and can end up to be more trouble than they are worth. Frequent replacements due to weather conditions, end up costing you more in the long run. Higher quality materials use an anti-mildew or Teflon like coating to protect from damage from the weather.
There are two types of awning to review. The fixed awning is used where extreme hot and cold weather conditions are factors to be considered. These awnings are immovable and also require frequent cleaning, if made from a see through or opaque material. The retractable awning is one that can be rolled up when full sun is desired, and for purposes of preventing damage when weather conditions are bad. Retraction methods can be manual or motorized, and special sensors can be put in place to automatically retract in case you are not home.
By shading sunray entry into the home, heat can be reduced up to 70%. This helps in your own comfort as well as your electric bills during the summer months for those exorbitant air-conditioning costs. While being outside, it will also help to reduce your health risk to those harmful UV rays of the sun.
Before making any kind of decision consider all of the options open to you. Carefully review your lifestyle and what would best fit your needs. Style, type, color and material all play a huge part in the choice you will make. But, in-season or off, the patio awning is one of those
June 16 2009 | Landscaping | No Comments »