Installing awnings can make remarkable improvement to a house, not to mention lower energy bills. Well-crafted awnings let in the light and the breeze while reducing sun glare on windows and rooms. Here are the top reasons you might want to consider adding awnings to your home.
1. Improved aesthetics
Installing awnings over your door and windows can really spice up the look of your home. They add a unique beauty and charm to the exterior of a house, helping you increase the curb appeal of your home. It’s one of the few home improvement projects that can instantly add value to your home and give it a more inviting first impression to attract potential buyers (if you’re looking to sell).
Awnings come in a wide range of styles and colour patterns. Installing a colourful fabric awning, for example, would be a great way to provide a warm, welcoming front porch for your guests. It’ll also help set off your home’s landscaping. Similarly, colorful window awnings will complement your home with a splash of colour while brightening your home exterior. Whether it’s a stationary or retractable version, an awning can add instant drama and impact to an otherwise ordinary looking facade.
2. Reduced energy costs
Research shows that awnings and exterior shades can help homeowners reduce cooling costs by up to 50% and overall electricity bills by up to 25%. Record hot temperatures in many parts of the country have left many households reeling as energy costs literally go through the roof, putting pressure on household budgets. Installing window coverings, such as awnings, can substantially cut your electricity bills and improve comfort levels and decor. Windows trap heat and release it, increasing temperatures in inside a building. An awning will help reduce the amount of heat a window can trap. It will also cut back on the amount of cold air that can leak through your house via windows during colder months. The reduced energy costs mean you’ll get an early return on your investment.
3. Expand your living space
Installing an awning provides one of the easiest ways to create an extra living space. You can turn your terraces, balconies into airy, comfy extra rooms where you can relax with your family and entertain your guests. Awning also provides a great sheltered place for children and pets to play, away from direct sunlight. Consider installing an awning or fabric canopy over your deck or patio, and then place patio furniture to create a comfortable outdoor living space.
4. Protect your belongings
Window awnings are a great tool for protecting furniture, curtains, and rugs from direct sunlight. The harsh UV rays of the sun can cause these items to fade quickly. Awnings placed over windows blocks UV rays from entering your house, thus protecting your possessions from sun damage. They can also protect your family while they enjoy outdoors. Awnings and canopies will shade your deck or patio from the sun glare, and provide protection on rainy days.
5. Protection from the elements
Lastly, awnings can prevent damage to windows and landscape elements around your house. Rain/snow and moisture can wreak havoc on your glass windows and window frames. They can cause window seals to wear much faster or even cause windows to break. Awnings will cut back on rain and snow reaching your windows and reduce the chances of damage. If you have landscaping items, such as shrubs and flowers, under your windows, an awning will provide a shade to divert and disperse the rain or snow. This will ensure rain doesn’t run down the house and cause too much water to build up in shrubs or flowers.