Outdoor space, such as a patio or deck, can be significantly enhanced with the right add-ons. Do you find yourself getting soaked while unlocking your door? Or maybe you've tried to enjoy the sun on your balcony but ended up feeling too exposed? Consider installing awnings.
Awnings are perfect for those who desire to increase their outdoor living space. They provide shade and guard against the elements, permitting you to make the most of the outdoors all year round. Your patio or deck becomes a more comfortable and practical living space for you and your family. You don't have to worry about unexpected weather ruining your outdoor relaxation or damaging your patio furniture. An awning can shield you and your possessions, extending their lifespan.
Awnings are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials. In light of this, one of the key decisions to make is choosing the best material and awning for your home.
Material Choices for Awnings
Awnings are crafted from various materials. When selecting a material, you should consider the kind of weather it will be exposed to. Also, consider how much time and effort you are prepared to invest in its upkeep and maintenance.
Glass and Vinyl
Glass and vinyl awnings are typically constructed using polycarbonate, a thermoformable thermoplastic. Despite being clear, this type of awning offers excellent protection against rain, snow, and harmful UV rays while still permitting light to filter through. Polycarbonate is waterproof and presents a sleek, modern look that enhances the aesthetics of your door, window, or patio. With an impact resistance 250 times that of regular glass, it is practically unbreakable. Polycarbonate withstands temperature changes without suffering permanent damage or shrinkage, making it a worthwhile investment.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is an acrylic fabric with a feel similar to cotton canvas. It's incredibly durable, fade-resistant, and water-repellent, often lasting more than a decade. Sunbrella awnings are resistant to scratching and tearing, screening up to 98% of the sun's harmful rays. They are particularly suited for homes in humid climates, as they are reliably resistant to mildew and UV damage.
Fabric
Most fabric awnings are made from polyester, a synthetic material produced from polyester yarns. They are robust, resistant to mildew, and the lightweight and flexible material facilitates easy installation. Cotton, canvas, and mesh also fall under the fabric awning category.
Metal
Metal awnings, usually made of aluminum, are a common feature in homes across the globe. They are sturdy yet lightweight and can withstand harsh conditions. Metal can be used for the entire awning or just the frame. Available in various colors, metal awnings often feature a baked enamel paint finish. However, they are usually stationary and require regular painting to prevent corrosion.
Side Panels
While they might not seem crucial, side panels can greatly enhance your awning's aesthetic appeal. They provide additional support around the awning's perimeter, offering great stability and customization options. As long as you have a non-retractable awning, they also provide additional weather protection. You can even install a screen around the perimeter for consistent shade and protection against pests and animals.
Awning Color
The color of your awning is often one of the first things visitors notice when they approach your home. The color should reflect your style while complimenting your property's overall color scheme.
There's no definitive answer to the best color match for every home type, size, and color. Preferences differ, and some may favor a light blue awning to match a blue house over a darker shade. While experts may offer color advice, the ultimate decision depends on several factors, including the architectural style, the size of the awning, and your home's color palette.
Awning Angle
The angle of your awning may often be overlooked, but it plays a significant role in its overall efficiency. For east or west-facing areas, a drop size of 65-75% is recommended. South-facing spaces may only require a drop of 45-60%, as the angle of the sun necessitates less coverage.
Awning Style
Various awning styles are available to complement your home or business. Some of the most popular versions to choose from include traditional with closed or open sides, waterfall, quarter barrel, gable walkway, dome style, double bar standard, and semi-circular entrance. Consult an architect or a shade and blind company to help identify the best style for your property.
Awning Size
The size of your awning is dictated by the area you wish to cover. Windows and doors typically require smaller awnings, while the size of patio and deck awnings can greatly vary. Larger homes may need larger awnings to cover the entire length of the front and back yards. However, larger awnings may limit your choices for certain features, designs, and materials.
The Perfect Awning for Your Needs
As demonstrated, choosing the perfect awning for your home involves many considerations: material, function, location, angle, and many others. There's a lot to sift through.
For your convenience, Thai Plastwood offers top-quality vinyl awnings and artificial wood materials. For more information, please visit www.thaiplastwood.com or contact them at 0-2291-9595 or 061-165-5570.
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