| A home is more than just a place to lay your | | | | durable, giving these awnings a longer lifespan than |
| head at night; it is also the largest single | | | | the fabric ones. |
| investment that most Americans will ever make. | | | | - Cons: Larger aluminum awnings can be very |
| For this reason, enhancing or protecting your | | | | expensive, and aluminum dents more easily than |
| home with a new awning or multiple awnings is | | | | other metals, requiring some maintenance to |
| more than an aesthetic choice; it is also a smart | | | | retain the aesthetic appeal. Aluminum tends to |
| choice to ensure the long-term value of your | | | | rust, so the awning will require a waterproofing |
| home. | | | | treatment and monitoring to ensure that this does |
| Short-term Savings vs. Lasting Value | | | | not become a problem for an aluminum awning as |
| While all awnings can provide protection from the | | | | they are exposed to rain constantly. Additionally, |
| sun and wind, there are other factors to consider | | | | aluminum tends to create a more modern |
| when selecting the best awnings for your needs | | | | appearance, so it does not complement certain |
| and your style. Many homeowners are tempted | | | | styles of homes. |
| to choose their awning based on price alone. | | | | Copper Awnings |
| However, this apparent bargain may turn out to | | | | - Pros: Copper is one of the most durable and |
| be a long-term headache if you do not factor in | | | | sturdy metals used in construction, and as such |
| the upkeep, maintenance, repair, and even | | | | copper awnings generally have a lifespan of two |
| replacement costs of certain types of awnings | | | | or three decades. This makes copper awnings an |
| from the outset. | | | | enhancement to your home that you can enjoy |
| Consider the following pros and cons when | | | | now and that you will be able to use as a selling |
| choosing an awning for your residence: | | | | point later. Copper ages well, developing a patina |
| Fabric Awnings | | | | that changes color over time and creates a |
| - Pros: Fabric awnings are one of the most | | | | stylishly aged look. Copper can also be treated |
| common types of awnings because they come in | | | | initially to avoid this coloration if you prefer the |
| a variety of colors and the fabric covering for the | | | | shiny appearance your awnings will initially have. |
| awning inexpensive to purchase. | | | | Upkeep of this type of awning is minimal, and |
| - Cons: Depending on the structure of your home | | | | they are versatile enough to look great on any |
| and the type of framing you select, the cost of | | | | style of home. |
| the frame can quickly escalate. While fabric | | | | - Cons: Generally considered the best material for |
| awnings do not require regular maintenance, they | | | | awnings, there is very little that can be said |
| are less sturdy than metal awnings and may rip | | | | negatively about copper awnings. Although the |
| or tear in inclement weather. They also show | | | | initial cost is higher than some other choices, the |
| signs of wear quickly, often requiring replacement | | | | minimal maintenance and incredible durability of |
| every few years to maintain the appearance of | | | | these awnings mean that you will likely spend less |
| your home. | | | | on awnings overall. When it comes to your home, |
| Aluminum Awnings | | | | value is often the deciding factor. Copper awnings |
| - Pros: Aluminum awnings can be inexpensive, | | | | are an investment in your home, and although |
| particularly smaller ones in traditional shapes and | | | | they may cost more initially, they are a far better |
| sizes. Aluminum is eco-friendly, lightweight, and | | | | value in the end. |