Home Improvement

What Is the Purpose of Window Awnings?

Window awnings have been around for hundreds of years.  While they were once only available as a stationary covering, today’s awnings have come a long way.

They are now available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and styles, and the best part is they can even be retracted!  Window awnings can be matched with historical buildings or modern architecture; there is something for every need.

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What Is the Purpose of Window Awnings

There are several practical reasons to choose window awnings, these range from energy savings to enhancing the aesthetics of your home.  Continue reading to learn more about the many wonderful reasons, window awnings remain a popular addition to homes across the country.

Let in The Fresh Air

One of the classic reasons for choosing window awnings is for protection from the outside elements.  This was especially important in years past, before the invention of AC, but remains a worthy reason to consider adding window awnings.

During the mild days of spring and fall, it isn’t always necessary to run the AC when the house begins to feel stuffy.  Instead, it can be nice to let in the fresh air and enjoy a cooling breeze.

Unfortunately, spring and fall can bring with them unpredictable weather conditions, subsequently limiting the amount of time the windows can be left open.  With window awnings in Denver, you can enjoy letting the windows open even if it begins to rain.

This offers a double benefit as your windows themselves will last longer and be less prone to deterioration if they are regularly protected from the elements.  Instead of being hit by the scorching sun, UV rays, snow, and rain, your windows/frames will be protected from the brunt of the elements.

This ensures you will get long-lasting performance from all windows in your home, saving you money on window replacement.


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Keep Your Landscaping Intact

If you have invested precious time and money into your home’s landscaping, it can be problematic when heavy rain falls and pummels your delicate plants.

Window awnings can help to reduce the impact of heavy rain on landscaping around the house, by redirecting the rain down and off at an angle that falls away from your plants.

Lower Energy Costs

During the months when it is far too hot to open the windows, window awnings are still beneficial for an entirely different reason, your energy bill.

Since window awnings prevent the heat from penetrating through the windowpane, they can significantly decrease your cooling costs, without ever sacrificing your comfort.

Statistically speaking, window awnings have been shown to reduce heat gain by as much as 65 percent!  The benefits don’t stop here, as window awnings are helpful in reducing energy costs year-round.

Since much of your heat is lost through the windows during the cold winter season, awnings can be helpful in keeping the biting wind and cold from seeping inside.  This is a great way to cut down on your annual heating and cooling costs, as well as reduce your family’s environmental impact.

Protect Your Investments

Everyone knows furniture, decor, and floor coverings are expensive.  Thus, it is extremely frustrating when you realize that the new couch is already discolored due to harsh UV rays beating down on it through the living room windows.

Eliminate this scenario by adding window awnings.  They are the perfect solutions because, unlike blinds that completely close out the natural light, window awnings allow ample natural light to filter in without damaging heat, and UV rays.  Hence, your favorite home furnishings will look like new for years to come!

Create Your Unique Look

Window awnings are a great way to add curb appeal and uniqueness to your home.  In many parts of the country, entire neighborhoods are made of similar or exact architecture.

If you feel like your home blends in with the neighbors, adding window awnings can be a great way to make your abode stand out from the others on your street.  The best part is, window awnings simply look great!

Are the Benefits Worth the Investment?

Adding window awnings to your home is a time, as well as a financial commitment.  As such, you want to be sure this upgrade is worthwhile.  Hence, you may be wondering how much the cost and grief with being associated with window awning maintenance.

If this is the last nagging question holding you back from taking the plunge on window awnings, fear no more.  In general, window awnings are a low-maintenance addition that provides so many great benefits to your life that you will wonder how you ever lived without them in the first place.

Not to mention, you are in control when making decisions about the material you choose for your awning, leaving it up to you whether you choose a material that requires less or more maintenance.

If you were considering aluminum awnings due to their popularity, be aware that they require a special cleaning soap, as regular soap will cause them to corrode.

If you choose this option, the cost of the cleaner is typically affordable; however, consider if you are willing to spend the money and time to visit a hardware store for the right cleaner, before taking the plunge.

Furthermore, you can expect your window awnings to become dirty, over time since they are daily assaulted with weather conditions, dirt, dust, bird droppings, sap, bugs, and other contaminants.

Due to the harshness and grime brought forth by the winter season, you can expect your awnings to be quite dirty each Spring.  You can easily bring them back to a like-new condition by periodically giving them a good scrub.

The easiest way to do this is with an awning cleaner, mixed with warm water, and applied with a soft bristle scrub brush.  Apply gentle pressure and scrub until no debris and dirt remain.

Rinse the area with clean water and gently pat dry.  It is important to carefully dry each awning, immediately after cleaning, to ensure no cleaner or water spots are left behind that could lead to discoloration.

The bottom line is, depending upon the material your awning is made of, maintenance will vary slightly.  Maintaining fabric awnings will merely require regular cleaning; whereas, aluminum options will need to be cleaned, as well as painted within the span of a few years.

This step is crucial to ensuring your aluminum is long-lasting and looks great for years to come.  Thus, prior to making decisions regarding material, it is important to fully consider which option will work best with your lifestyle, budget, and available time.

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Published by
Perla Irish