Here in Wisconsin, we’re known for our frigid, snowy winters. But those of us who live here know that our summers can be just as rough. When you think of homes with awnings Milwaukee may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, when our winters are as harsh as they are, an awning is a great way to take full advantage of the summer months.
3 Benefits of Awnings in Milwaukee
There are many benefits to installing an awning on your Wisconsin home. Here are just a few of them.
1. Keep Your Patio and Home Cool
It’s disappointing to have a wonderful outdoor space that you can’t use because it is too hot. You can always spend quality time outside after the sun begins to set. However, that presents a whole other dilemma — mosquitoes!
The creation of shade over your deck or patio is perhaps the best reason to install an awning. The awning can protect you from the hot rays of the sun, keeping you cooler. That gives you the ability to enjoy the summer breeze and fresh air during the day without overheating.
A less obvious benefit of awnings Milwaukee homeowners may not be aware of is that an awning can help keep your home cooler inside, too. If the awning is installed above a window that is normally in direct sunlight, it can block some of that sunlight from shining right into your home.
Keeping your home cooler naturally also means you could save money on air conditioning costs. Those savings can help the awning pay for itself! It’s a great way to save energy and make your home greener as well.
2. Protect Your Possessions From Sun and Weather Damage
Awnings in Milwaukee can also protect your home’s interior surfaces. Any windows protected by the awning will not allow in as much sun that can damage your furniture, carpet, and walls. This process often happens slowly over time, so it’s easy to be unaware of it until your room and furnishings are already faded and discolored.
The same goes for furniture and decorations outside. Outdoor furniture can be pricey, so sun protection is a great investment to keep it in great condition. An awning’s protection can also help keep your outdoor items clean for longer.
3. Add Value to Your Home
You are sure to appreciate the value of having the extended living space an awning can provide, especially if your home is on the smaller side. More living space means more room to entertain family and friends, who will enjoy spending quality time with you outside and making wonderful new summer memories.
While you might plan to personally enjoy your new awning for a while, you can also enjoy the fact that it adds financial value to your home. A well-coordinated awning can even increase your home’s curb appeal. If and when you decide to sell your home, an awning will be a welcome perk to almost any potential buyer.
Types of Awnings Milwaukee Residents Can Consider
If the benefits of an awning have you curious about buying your own, you should first decide which type best meets your needs.
Retractable Awnings
A retractable awning may be what most people think of. With this type, sturdy metal framing is attached to the side of the home. This frame is what supports the heavy-duty fabric that creates the cover of the awning. The framing can be opened up to extend the awning over the patio below and then folds or rolls away to store it. The mechanism can be either hand-powered or electric.
Pergolas
Pergola awnings are similar to standard awnings Milwaukee homes may have. However, they are designed to allow a bit more light to shine through, while still shading the area. Some pergola awnings are engineered to withstand moderate wind and rain. However, it’s important to ensure that you understand the limitations of your individual awning.
Accessories
There may also be optional add-on accessories available to customize your awning and make it more versatile:
- Motors: Awnings are generally designed to easily extend and retract manually with a crank. However, some come with a motor to make the process effortless. Some may be equipped with a wall switch or remote control, or even a sensor that can automatically retract the awning at the detection of rain or wind.
- Heaters: In terms of accessories for awnings Milwaukee residents may be particularly interested in this one. A heater can be mounted directly onto the awning, making it feasible to continue using the space into the chilly summer nights or even the early autumn months. You could have a great spot to admire the changing leaves right from your backyard.
- Lighting: Whether you’re looking for practical task lighting or mood lighting to create a certain ambiance, you may be able to choose from a variety of lighting types to be installed on the underside of the awning.
- Drop shades: These hang off the front edge of the awning and are useful for increased privacy, as well as extra shade when the sun is low in the sky.
- Solar screens: You may choose to install your awning in conjunction with solar screens. These are a great way to add versatility to your indoor and outdoor spaces by providing further shade along with protection from mosquitoes and other insects.
Are You Interested in Awnings Milwaukee Residents?
Whether you’re in Madison, Lake Geneva, or Waukesha, awnings can be a great choice for homes in Wisconsin. The availability of types and options can make your awning versatile and useable in all but the most intense weather events.
If you’re interested in purchasing your own, look no further than Apple Annie’s Awnings. Our company has over 40 years of experience installing outdoor shades and awnings throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. We specialize in offering some of the best warranties available in our field. Contact us for an estimate today and browse our collection of awnings Milwaukee homeowners are sure to love.