Enjoying the outdoor space of your home can be difficult on hot days when the sun is simply too intense. There are a few ways you can add some shade, however, to make the outside of your Ottawa home as enjoyable as the inside, so you’ll be spending as much time as possible outdoors this summer.

Awnings

The great thing about awnings is how versatile they are, and how they can work for almost any outdoor space. Additionally, they are usually very easy to take care of and keep clean. 

While there are many different models, there are two main types of awnings to consider:

• Retractable Awnings – Exactly as the name implies, retractable awnings are a fixed feature on your home but they can be extended and rolled back whenever you want. They can cover a deck or patio, or even part of a pool. The fabric of these can be taken off of the frame for cleaning as needed, too.
• Permanent Awnings – This type of awning is a permanent fixture that doesn’t move or retract. So, this means it will always provide shade and you will have to sit elsewhere if you’d like to sit in the sun at some point.

Most homeowners in Ottawa who purchase an awning choose the retractable style because of the convenience that it provides. Retractable awnings are easy to open and close – with some that can be operated with a remote control or switch or button on the wall.

Pergolas

Pergolas are a great option if the space you’re looking to enjoy outdoors isn’t physically close to your home. A pergola is a structure that can be placed almost anywhere outdoors to provide some shade and relaxation. Sometimes pergolas have a closed-in roof, and other times they could be slatted. Many people put chairs or an outdoor sectional in them so they can entertain guests or just enjoy the outdoors without the scorching sun on them.

Screens or Shades

If you already have a covered patio but want to create a more closed-in area because of the direction it faces, and the sun just makes it hard to enjoy, then a retractable screen or shade could be a great option for you. They can be used to close in patios or even balconies – no outdoor area is off-limits for these. In addition to giving some more shade, screens will also allow you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping bugs out so you don’t have to worry about keeping bugs out of your dinner while you enjoy it on the patio.

Contact Jans Awnings today!

Making the outdoor space of your Ottawa home more enjoyable doesn’t have to involve a lot of renovations to your home. At Jans Awnings, we have a wide variety of shade solutions and we can help you find the solution that is right for you. Call us today to speak to a member of our team.