When you are entertaining or relaxing outdoors, there are times when you may want a little extra shade around your home and having a beautiful and functional awning installed can be the perfect solution.

Here are some of the things we recommend considering when choosing awnings:

Material.

Different materials require different amounts of maintenance and suit the look of certain homes over others. The two most common materials are outdoor fabric and aluminum:

• Outdoor fabrics come in a range of colors but require more maintenance than aluminum blinds.
• Aluminum blinds are sturdy, but generally, dont allow for as much customization when it comes to design and colors.

Angle.

The angle of an awning is something that people may overlook but is actually very important for the overall performance.

• For windows facing east or west, the size of the drop is recommended to be 65-75% for optimal performance. For a south-facing window, the drop can be as low as 45-60% as less coverage is needed due to the angle of the sun.
• For a south-facing window, the drop can be as low as 45-60% as less coverage is needed due to the angle of the sun.

Side Panels.

Some people may also want the added feature of side panels, which changes the architectural feel and look of the awnings. These panels can also be good for providing coverage from a different direction if more shade or protection is needed.

Stationary, Retractable or Freestanding.

The type of awning is also a very important point to consider. Roll up and retractable awnings allow you to control the awnings, meaning you can gain maximum natural sunlight during winter if you choose to.

• Retractable awnings are therefore especially appropriate for patios or decks, allowing you to adjust it when not in use. With the use of motors and switches, retracting the awning becomes a breeze. Especially advanced models have automatic sun and wind sensors, meaning you dont need to tinker with it every time the weather changes.
• Freestanding awnings are also commonly used for patios, decks or terraces. They effectively segment a space, which is great if you would like to designate a separate area to the BBQ, for example. Businesses also love free-standing awnings, as they can be used to double up as an advertisement.

Size.

The size of your awnings will depend on its purpose and the overall size of your space. A small awning looks lovely as a decorative piece, while a bigger awning provides greater coverage and more shade to your outdoor space.