- Awnings can shade windows, doors and other areas.building with awnings and balconies image by dav820 from Fotolia.com
An awning is a cover that extends like a roof over an area, such as over a deck or above a door or window. Awnings provide protection from the weather. For example, awnings over windows can block the sun's heat and lower cooling costs in the summer. Although there are various ways to categorize types of awnings, some of the most common are fixed, retractable or freestanding. - Fixed, or stationary, awnings are permanently installed in a fixed position in a given location, typically over a window, door, deck or patio. Fixed awnings come in various shapes, including concave, convex, dome and the traditional straight-slope awning. Most awnings are made of canvas, although they can also be made of metal.
- With a retractable awning, you can roll or fold it up when not in it's not in use. Some retractable awnings are motorized, while others are operated manually. Some motorized awnings even have remote control devices. The advantages of retractable awnings include the ability to have either shade or sun in a location and the ability to retract the awnings when wind, snow or other rough weather could damage them.
- You can move freestanding (also called portable or unattached) awnings to any place you want them. A freestanding awning has fabric stretched onto a frame and attached to two poles, one at either end. Although freestanding awnings are similar to canopies, the canopy has four poles while the freestanding awning has only two and thus requires a sturdy base for the poles. According to Outdoor Shades, a canopy is a roof-like structure that you can place tables and other things under, while a freestanding awning is similar to an extended shade.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
