Be cool - fit an awning and let those you love bask in
your shade
Fit an awning - definitely a decision to make in the
heat of the moment
Should You Choose A Window Awning by:
Dennis Conner
A window awning is typically a piece of canvas or cloth which protrudes above
a window by way of a frame which is fixed to the building. The canvas is then
stretched over this frame, which is usually made of aluminum, wood or steel. The
purpose of these awnings varies but generally they provide shade, shelter from
strong winds or a cover from rain or other precipitation.
Window awnings are recommended by the Consumer Energy Center as they can really
help to cool your home in the hot summer months. This then saves on the amount
of energy used by powering other devices to cool your home, such as air
conditioning or mechanical fans. It is said that approximately 40 per cent of
the unwanted heat that builds up in your home on a hot day comes from your
windows. Imagine the difference that installing window awnings could have on
that figure! It has been stated that awnings can reduce the temperature in your
home by up to 20 degrees on a hot sunny day.
To achieve the maximum benefit from your awning you should choose a lightly
colored fabric. This then not only shades your window but actively reflects the
sunlight away from the window. The installation of the awning ensures that it
extends outwards and downwards over the upper part of the window and casting a
shadow over the lower part, ensuring you can still see out through the window
and that light is still able to enter, but not direct sunlight which is where
the unwanted heat comes from.
For those who live in climates which can vary between being hot in the summer
and cold in the winter, retractable awnings are the best investment. This means
that you can get the maximum benefit of their cooling capabilities in the hot
months but are not suffering for the same reason in the summer. There is little
point reducing your cooling bills only to increase your heating bills in the
process! Retractable awnings pull out in a similar way to a standard blind,
allowing them to be stored away neatly when they are not required.
Although awnings are not cheap to buy, you can reduce the cost by opting for
self installation kits. These are readily available on the internet and are easy
to install. The cost of this is significantly less as you do not have to pay for
labor costs associated with the installation. Full instructions are provided and
make them a more affordable investment for many.
About The Author
The author is a regular writer for
Awning Ideas! where more information
about selecting and sourcing awnings is freely available.
Article Source:
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