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Aluminum Awnings: Pros, Cons, Tips, and Info



Patios4All Aluminum Awning
Awnings can add value and curb appeal to any home. They help to reduce the damage done by constant direct sunlight (like faded carpets), reduce your energy usage by reducing the heat retention from the sun, and there are plenty of additional benefits that you may have not considered!. Awnings allow windows to be left open in the rain, and can enhance the value of your deck or patio by making them usable during heavy rain or any weather. They can also protect wood doors from water damage. They are beautiful, and functional- and these days its difficult to have the two together! While canvas remains the more traditional awning choice, many people today opt for metal or aluminum awnings instead- and there is good reason for this which we will discuss below. Metal awnings are the most cost effective, economical choice when it comes to patios and patio covers and would be a great addition to your home or business!

Durability


Both metal and aluminum awnings are more durable than canvas awnings. While canvas awnings need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, a metal awning may never need to be replaced. They are weather resistant, and hold up well against snow, rain and wind, as opposed to canvas awnings which only protect against sunlight. Metal awnings can be used for carports and will protect a car from the elements for years. with proper maintainence, a metal awning can last you 20-25 years!

Cost


Cost Awnings, especially multiple-awning projects, can be expensive. With fabric awnings, the different fabric choices can drive the price up substantially. Metal awnings, although less expensive than fabric awnings, can still be quite costly. However, because awnings block the sun from reaching windows and causing indoor heat gain, the awnings may pay for themselves with reduced cooling costs. Awnings are sometimes cheaper than their alternatives. An outdoor patio awning creates a covered area at less cost than a permanent roof.

Energy Savings


Although we have mentioned the potential energy savings throughout this article, we want to take a moment to be a little more specific. We know that energy usage is important to many Californians- and we can help.
You actually can feel the energy-saving benefits. In a typical home, more energy is transferred through glass doors and windows that through any other construction element. In fact, on a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation (infrared light) through glass is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the load on an air conditioner. Properly designed awnings can substantially increase energy saved over film and tinted glass alternatives. Studies by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers show that during the period of the day when the sun shines directly on southern-facing windows, a fabric awning reduces heat gain by 55 to 65 percent. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72 to 77 percent.

Aesthetics


Creative designers and architects can develop useful and intriguing designs for modern awning and canopy systems that incorporate shape, light, color, texture, graphics and structure, at modest cost. Most awning frames are custom made by cutting, bending and welding metal tubing, and fitting the fabric to the frame. With these custom methods, almost any shape and size can be attained and covered with awning fabric. Hence, the same surface can serve at least three necessary functions: weather protection, identification and architecture. So, when youre ready to take the next step and get that Aluminum Awning for your home or business, Patios4All is just a phone call away! Call us today for your free quote!

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