Best Awnings Companies

Before picking out any awning, you’ll want to consider certain factors to determine which type is best for you. Knowing what materials, adjustability options and types of awning treatments are available can help you make the right choice. Plus, you’ll want to be mindful of what goes into awning installation and how easy awnings are to use.

Awning materials

Awnings come in a variety of materials. While their main function is to stand up to harsh weather and provide proper shade and protection, awnings made of strong materials can also help keep homes cooler and more shaded, reducing energy costs and potential sun fading on furniture.

• Machine washable: Machine washable awnings provide easy cleanup. They save time and money compared to awnings that require wiping down.
• Sun/UV blockage: Materials that block the sun and UV rays offer more protection in sunny climates. Having a patio or outdoor area with less direct sunlight can make it a more appealing area.
• Water resistance: Water resistant awnings keep the area underneath completely dry and don’t grow mildew as easily.

Adjustability

Some awnings offer more adjustability than others. Controls should be simple and allow the necessary amount of movement depending on the awning placement.

• Retractability: Some awnings can be pulled back to provide more or less cover.
• Motorized: Motorized awnings allow a person to adjust it with the touch of a button.
• Remote: Remote control awnings can be adjusted with a handheld remote.

Treatments

You can treat your awning cover with different materials to protect it from the weather. This can extend the life of an awning to a considerable degree.

• Vinyl or laminate coatings: Vinyl or laminate coatings are flame and water resistant but prone to fading.
• Acrylic coated: Acrylic is not flame or water resistant, but has longer lasting color.

Awning installation

Some awnings can be installed on your own, but others require a professional. Installation costs will vary depending on what is involved in the installation process.

• Protective housing: A protective cover can provide greater longevity of fabric and protect the motor of a motorized awning.
• Electrical: Motorized awnings require some electrical installation, which means professional help may be necessary. Installing some motorized awnings may be as simple as plugging in the electrical cord.
• Attachment: These awnings can be installed by the buyer and can be attached to a wall or to standing columns.

Ease of use

Awnings should be simple and easy to use without requiring much maintenance or manual labor.

• Sensors: Sun, wind and rain sensors automatically retract the awning so you can store it more easily when it’s not in use.
• Durability: Awnings made from more durable materials will require less maintenance, but might come with a higher price tag.
• Motorization: Motorized awnings are easier to retract but can require more repairs over time if there are any electrical issues. Motorized awnings also come with a hand crank in the event of a power outage.

Warranty

A warranty will cover various issues should any arise with your awning.

• Time-based warranty: This will protect your awning against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of time, such as one year, five years or 10 years. It is standard in this industry to offer coverage for manufacturing or installation issues, but coverage for rain or weather damage is usually an additional cost.
• All-weather warranty: This gives additional protection against severe damage from storms.

There are several awning types to pick from. Aluminum, fixed, retractable lateral arm, retractable side, drop arm and window awnings are some of the most popular awning choices.

Aluminum awnings

Aluminum awnings are sturdy and require very little maintenance. They are available in many colors and create cooler temperatures inside the home. They provide a lot of shade and are great at protecting furniture and window treatments. However, they are not as stylish or decorative as fabric awnings.

Fixed awnings

Fixed awnings are permanently attached to the wall and can’t be adjusted. They are sturdy, long-lasting and offer full weather protection. The downside is that a fixed awning can’t be stored or protected when not in use, which means it may incur more wear and tear over time.

Retractable awnings tend to be the most popular type of awning due to the flexibility they offer and the fact that many are remote-controlled.

Retractable lateral arm awnings

Retractable lateral arm awnings extend from a rooftop to provide shade over a patio or deck, making them the largest type of awning. They can either be hand-cranked or motorized and provide as little or as much coverage as you like. They offer maximum flexibility throughout the day (and throughout the seasons) and can be tucked away into holders during rainy or cold months.

Retractable side or drop arm awnings

Side or drop arm awnings are the most traditional types of awnings and provide the most sun protection, keeping your house cooler and your outdoor area more shaded. They can be found in both motorized and manual versions. These can also be stored in holders when not in use to preserve them over time.

Window awnings

Window awnings are smaller and protect the inside of a building from excess sunlight while adding an aesthetic touch. Some window awnings come with a cord that allows the owner to adjust the angle of the awning.