Whether you want to maximize your outdoor space for your own use or make upgrades that increase your home’s value, porch awnings deserve a look. Available in several types, such as fixed and retractable, awnings provide an attractive solution that offers shade and protection from the elements. Learn more about the value of awnings and how the benefits compare to the cost of installation.
What Are Porch Awnings?
A porch awning consists of an overhang of material that covers your porch, patio, deck, or another outdoor area. Awnings come in a variety of sizes, materials, and types and provide protection that allows you to extend the use of your outdoor space even during the hottest, sunniest times of day and during periods of rain.
Benefits of Porch Awnings
There are plenty of reasons to add a porch awning to your outdoor space. Here are some of the top advantages that convince homeowners to make the upgrade.
Sun Coverage
The primary benefit of porch awnings is protection from harsh, glaring sunlight. The warm summer months are an ideal time for some outdoor fun and relaxation, but too much sun is uncomfortable and even dangerous.
A porch awning gives you some much-needed shade during those cloudless days. Not only does this protection make you feel cooler and more comfortable, but it also blocks harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin.
Weather Protection
Use your patio even when the weather is rainy. Porch awnings are great for more than sun coverage. They also cover your space and keep the rain and more severe precipitation, such as hail, off your furniture. This allows you to spend more time outdoors and extends the life of your outdoor furniture. You can even install outdoor carpeting or place area rugs with confidence.
Wood Preservation
Because many porches and decks are made of wood, they require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Constant temperature changes, exposure to sunlight, and saturation by rain can all damage a wooden deck. Porch awnings provide a measure of protection that may cut down on necessary maintenance and extend the life of the structure.
Customized Control
If you choose a retractable awning, you can easily adjust the coverage to suit your needs. Retract the awning if you want to enjoy sitting in the sun and then extend it once the rays become harsh or the weather turns. This is also an easy way to change up the look of your outdoor space depending on your aesthetic preferences and current usage.
Entertainment
Outdoor living spaces are highly prized and provide the perfect spot for peaceful relaxation, family time, and entertainment. Porch awnings just add to the many ways you can use your outdoor areas. A sturdy covering makes your patio or porch more comfortable and allows you to use the area any way you choose.
Place some comfortable couches around the space for an ideal place to relax and converse. You can even install an outdoor kitchen and seating to cook up a feast to serve to family and friends. With a porch awning as protection, you can plan events and enjoy long evenings uninterrupted, without worrying about the weather.
Interior Sun Damage Prevention
The sun’s rays aren’t just intense when you are outside. They can also fade the colors and decrease the quality of your indoor furniture. Porch awnings help to block the sun from streaming through your windows and damaging the materials of your furniture and belongings inside.
Reduced Electric Bills
Another fabulous benefit of a porch awning is the decreased energy cost. Warm weather and sunny days are wonderful to get outside and have fun, but they also make your air conditioning work harder to cool your home, raising your energy bills. Porch awnings help to block sunlight from reaching your doors and windows, keeping the inside of your home cooler, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to run as often.
Increased Resale Value
Awnings not only provide a wide array of benefits, but they also look fantastic. The improved aesthetic combined with their many benefits makes them a simple and effective upgrade if you are looking for ways to improve your home’s resale value.
Prospective buyers are always on the lookout for special features that make a home stand out and provide the greatest value. A porch awning increases the home’s usable living space, provides options for entertaining, and enhances the exterior appearance and appeal of your home. This adds up to an incentive for homebuyers and a higher sale price for you.
Cost of Porch Awnings
Many homeowners find that adding an awning is a worthwhile investment due to the extensive list of benefits from this upgrade. The exact cost varies greatly depending upon several factors:
- Type: The style, such as retractable vs. fixed, greatly influences the price.
- Material: Awnings come in a variety of materials, including canvas, fabric, metal, and wood, each with varying benefits and price points.
- Size: The larger the awning, the higher the price.
- Customizations: Adding special features will increase the cost.
Fixed porch awnings are the less expensive choice, with motorized awnings on the pricier side. The cost can range anywhere between $500 and $25,000. Most homeowners pay an average of $3,100 for a retractable awning.
Upgrade your selection with some additional features such as led lighting, drop shades, remotes for retractable awnings, and even electric heaters. There are a variety of accessories to make your chosen awning even more useful and comfortable. They require a little higher financial investment upfront but offer a high value in return.
Choose the Best Porch Awnings for Your Home
There are a lot of decisions that go into choosing the best awning for your needs. Think about your intended use and budget to help you decide. No matter your preference, Apple Annie Awnings has the solution to help upgrade and transform your space.
We have nearly 40 years of experience, knowledge, and expertise to help you find the best awning for your purposes and budget so you can get the most out of your home’s outdoor areas. We are happy to answer your questions and offer our recommendations to help you make your selection. Contact us today to discuss your options for porch awnings and to get a free estimate.