| As people have become more concerned about | | | | than 20 years) |
| the environment in recent years, awnings have | | | | - Minimal maintenance required |
| become an increasingly popular choice for both | | | | - Aluminum is cheapest metal |
| homes and businesses. While awnings are an | | | | - Copper is preferred for elegance and sturdiness |
| attractive way to improve the appearance and | | | | Permanent vs. Seasonal |
| reduce energy costs for structures of almost any | | | | Another factor to consider when it comes to |
| nature, there are so many options when | | | | selecting an awning is whether you want it to be |
| considering an awning that it may be difficult to | | | | a permanent fixture or a seasonal one. If you |
| know where to start. | | | | only use the patio for the summer, or if the |
| The following overview will help you understand | | | | awning will be used to provide shady outdoor |
| the basics about awnings. | | | | seating at a restaurant, a retractable fabric |
| Fabric or metal? | | | | awning is probably the best choice. |
| Once of the first choices to be made when | | | | However, if you are using awnings to reduce the |
| considering an awning is what the awning will be | | | | fading on materials and carpets that results from |
| constructed from. Fabric awnings are usually | | | | the sun and to make your home more energy |
| made of canvas or other synthetic materials, and | | | | efficient year-round, copper or aluminum awnings |
| popular choices in metal awnings include aluminum | | | | would probably be a better choice. |
| and copper. | | | | Many styles available |
| Fabric Awnings: | | | | One of the reasons many people choose copper |
| - Canvas or other synthetic fabric | | | | awnings is that there are so many styles of |
| - Variety of colors | | | | available. This allows you to select the perfect |
| - Cheaper than metal ones | | | | awning or awning and bracket combination to |
| - Require regular maintenance and cleaning | | | | complement your home's architectural style while |
| - Have to be replaced more often than metal | | | | reflecting your unique personal taste. You can |
| awnings | | | | select from domed awnings, arched ones, |
| Metal Awnings: | | | | standing seamed awnings, or standard ones, or |
| - Usually copper or aluminum | | | | even have a custom awning designed for a |
| - Longer lifespan (Copper can easily last more | | | | completely one-of-a-kind look. |