Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a deck or patio from the hot glaring sun or cold winds and rain. The great thing about choosing an awning is that you could go with a design whereby the awning is out all the time or if you prefer a retractable awning that can be pulled back when you want to enjoy sunlight and open air. As you will discover in this article, there are many reasons why you should buy an awning. To get you started, we will provide you with the top five!

Design and Adaptability

One of the greatest benefits of both the standard and retractable awning is that they can enhance the design of any architectural building. In other words, when choosing an awning for your home, no matter what the structure design, the awning will add curb appeal. Because of this, you enjoy the functionality as well as the adaptability of the awning.

Standard awnings have been used for centuries for their beauty and functionality, offering endless possibilities for enhancing any structure and d?cor. However, in recent years, the retractable awning was developed only further adding shape, dimension, and color, thus producing style and character that can actually increase the value of a home.

Massive Selection

Another benefit of the awning is that with such a wide selection of shapes, sizes, and colors, they can be used in the front or the rear of the home. With this, you can emphasize a unique architectural feature or improve the overall appearance of the home simply by choosing an innovative design.

For instance, if the front of your home lacks drama, you can make an impact simply by adding a standard or retractable awning. On the other hand, if your home is already architecturally sound, then you could use retractable awning or a subtle color to soften the entrance. Because of such a great selection, you can dramatically change the appearance of your home, both front and back.

Energy Efficient

If you have a home that receives the hot afternoon sun, or perhaps is not protected from harsh winter elements, then you are paying too much on your energy bill. Using an awning is an excellent way to maintain inside temperature. When you consider that 20% of the work performed by an air conditioning unit is due to solar radiation through windows, you can see how an awning would benefit. In fact, studies have been performed on both standard and retractable awnings showing that as much as 77% of heat gain within the home can be reduced by using an awning.

Extended Living Space

By adding an awning over a deck, patio, pool area, carport, or grilling area, you can actually extend your living space. For instance, if you love to have family and friends over on the weekend for barbecues but because of the hot sun, the party ends up in the house, crowded and uncomfortable, then an awning provides additional space where people can mingle and eat without feeling the intensity of the sun.

Wood and Siding Protection

When a home's exterior, whether wood or vinyl siding, is constantly exposed to the sun, it will begin to fade and wear. Again, if you have an area on the front or backside of your home that is in direct sunlight, an awning would protect the home from damage. In this case, a retractable awning would be an excellent choice, using it during the heat of the day and closing it up in the cooler hours.

Just as an awning will protect the exterior of your home from the sun, it is also beneficial against hail, wind, snow, and rain. Then, if you have outside furniture that is also exposed, it too would be protected.

Dion Semeniuk has researched many types of awnings to see the benefits of each. To learn more about his findings, please visit http://www.awning-directory.com