Awnings provide shade, protection and comfort. Aluminum awnings are hugely popular because they have several advantages over fabric awnings. They can be installed over your decks and porches and they will offer a dry and cool place where you can sit and relax. When installed over your windows, they will keep rain from entering your home or commercial space. Install them over your wooden doors and they will protect the wood from precipitation.

The best thing about aluminum awnings is that they will protect anything underneath them. Aluminum awnings can be mounted on every exterior surface. They are affordable and can last decades. Better still, installing them is easy. It doesn’t take more than a couple of hours to install an aluminum awning.

Aluminum Awning Basics

Aluminum awnings are of two types – fixed and retractable. As the name itself indicates, fixed aluminum awnings are usually fixed in one place. Retractable models can be rolled back.

Advantages of Aluminum Awnings

Aluminum awnings are the toughest awnings available. Unlike awnings made of fabric, they can withstand the weight of hail, snow, or sleet. Fixed aluminum awnings can even withstand heavy storms. In addition, aluminum awnings tend to be cooler underneath because they block more sunlight than fabric awnings. They may last even 50 years. Fabric awnings, on the other hand, merely provide protection from sunlight. You will have to fold them up when you expect precipitation.

Aluminum awnings are a cost effective way to provide protection and shade for any area around your property. Aluminum awnings can reduce your cooling costs. As they block extra heat, the temperature inside your home will be relatively lower. This will reduce your cooling costs during the hot summer months.

You can also use aluminum awnings for your carports. They provide protection to your car and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on building a garage.

Fixed Aluminum Awnings vs. Retractable Aluminum Awnings

Fixed aluminum awnings don’t require much maintenance. Once they are in place, you can usually keep them there for decades. You only have to rinse them once or twice a year. Also when you install fixed aluminum awnings, you don’t have to worry about the material warping, stretching or bowing. A fixed aluminum awning will do its job for decades without worry.

Retractable aluminum awnings are more versatile. However, they cost more than fixed aluminum awnings. While you can forget about your fixed awnings after you install them you have to roll back retractable awnings whenever the forecast predicts heavy storms. They can’t withstand heavy winds. In addition, retractable awnings take more time to open or close than fabric awnings. Aluminum awnings with an automatic retracting system are even more expensive.

Fixed aluminum awnings are stationary, but sunlight isn’t. During the cold winter months, when you can’t get enough sunlight, you will probably want to retract them. If you have a retractable awning, this is easy. You can roll it out again when you need protection from sun or rain. On the flip side, retractable aluminum awnings are not available in a large number of colours or styles.