What Sort Of Awning Do You Want?

Selecting awnings to put on your home or business can be very confusing before there are a huge variety of coverings available today.

There are two basic kinds of awnings sold today, metal, and cloth. Metal awnings are usually solid and made of lightweight aluminum or stainless steel. The advantage to metal awnings is that they can left up all year round because they don’t have to be taken down in snow or wind. A disadvantage to metal awnings is that they usually are not retractable.

Metal awnings are usually placed over windows and in other places where people want a permanent awning. One advantage to metal awnings is that they can be painted.

Cloth awnings are made of a heavy cloth similar to that used in tents and boat sails. This cloth is usually coated with some sort of chemical to make it waterproof and more resistant to wear and tear. The advantage to cloth is that it is light weight and easier to handle. A disadvantage to cloth awnings is that they won’t hold up under to the weight of snow. Another drawback is that these awnings are more likely to be damaged by the wind.

One advantage to cloth awnings is that they can be cut and sewed to whatever size is needed. Many manufacturers and dealers can make custom designed cloth awnings.

Another advantage is that cloth awnings can be pulled back or retracted to let in the sun or put up to keep out the sun and weather. There are two main kinds of retractable awnings available today: manual and mechanical. Manual awnings are folded up or folded out using a crank that a person turns by hand; this process is usually quick and easy.

Mechanical awnings are furled and unfurled using electrical motors. The advantage to mechanical awnings is that they can be retracted or folded out with the press of a button. Some mechanical awnings come with remote control units similar to garage door openers.

Large retractable awnings are often placed over patio and decks. Retractable awnings are often placed on trailers and motor homes.

Today’s awnings come in all shapes and sizes including large awnings for covering patios and decks and smaller awnings for covering doors and windows. There is now an awning available for almost every purpose.