Before you settle on a purchase from an awning manufacturer, you will want to make sure that you are sure that you are getting the best awnings possible for your property. This way, you will not spend the money and go through the trouble of installing them, just to later find out that you did not select the best ones for your needs. Here are some things that you will want to consider when trying to pick the perfect awnings:
The Material
There are the standard metal awnings and then there are the fabric ones. If you opt for the metal awnings, you will have to keep in mind that they will remain in one position. You cannot get extra sun exposure unless you climb a ladder and completely remove them. Then there are the fabric awnings. While there are some that would also have to completely come down in order to get more sunlight into your home, there are ones that can be rolled up and out of the way while still staying attached above the windows. This is something to consider if you suspect that you may want to have extra sunlight coming into your home at certain points of the year.
The Ease Of Cleaning Them
The more parts there are, the harder it can be to clean them. Also, metal awnings tend to clean up faster when you simply spray them down with a garden hose. While you can spray the fabric awnings, you will want to be careful to avoid spraying it with too much pressure, as the pressure could rip a hole in the fabric. Many people find that they have the remove the fabric awnings and clean them by hand using a mild soap and a soft bristle brush.
The Size
There are some awnings that are much bigger than others. While you know you have to select an awning that will fit for the width of your windows, what you need to consider is how far out they go away from the building. The further they go out away from your windows, the more shade you will receive. The closer they are to the structure, the more sunlight you will receive. This decision is one that needs to be made according to your own personal preference. You could buy a set of each and use the bigger ones in the summer months in order to help keep your house cooler. Then you can use the smaller ones in the winter in order to warm up the rooms a little bit by allowing more sunlight in.
With those considerations in mind, you will be able to find the set of awnings that are perfect for your home.