A Few Things To Consider Before Buying An Awning For Your Home
If you have a patio or deck attached to your home, you may be thinking about having an awning installed over it. This can provide coverage, so you are able to enjoy being outside during inclement weather or when it is so hot you need shade. However, before you make the purchase, there are a few things you will need to consider to get the most out of the area.
Where to Install It
Awnings can be heavy. They need to be installed on something solid and permanent. If there is any concern that it might pull on the siding, be sure to have a separate structure installed where it can be attached. It would be best to have a structural engineer look at the area and design the structure for holding it or you could end up having parts of the house pulled off.
Motorized or Manual
Having a motorized awning makes pulling it out and putting it away much easier; it can be operated by pushing a button. However, if there is a storm that causes the power to go out, you will not be able to open or close it. If it is in the closed position this is not a problem. However, left in the open position could allow it to be torn or even ripped from the structure that is holding it. When it is connected right to the house, this could have some siding ripped off as well.
Warranties and Insurance
You need to be sure that the awning you buy comes with a warranty that will replace it if it fails to work as promised. It should also cover the installation if the awning falls due to a problem when it is put up. In addition, make sure your homeowner's insurance will cover any damage cause if it is ripped from the side of the house or smashes through a window or flies across the yard and damages something of the neighbor's.
Once you have the above issues handled, you can look at the different shapes, colors, and materials for the awning. Ask which will work best in your climate. The sun, rain, snow, and wind all need to be taken into consideration. When you take the time to consider everything, you should end up with an awning that will last a long time, allowing you and your family to enjoy being in your yard regardless of the weather.
Speak with a local awning business or click here for more information.