Canopy Buying Tips
Homeowners sometimes find that their homes are built such that
some windows or doors directly face where sunlight and heat are
at a maximum. Excessive exposure to the sun is also a concern
for decks, the house entrance and patios for specific seasons.
In addition, it happens that one gets home and is unable to
immediately find the house keys. If the door or front of the
house is not adequately covered, fumbling for the keys can be an
uncomfortable experience when one is under the hot sun or is
being drenched by the rain. These problems can be resolved using
canopies or awnings. These protective shades are generally
cost-effective and feature lightweight skeletal frames. An
awning or canopy can be made from a composite material, fabric
or even aluminum, and some come in retractable models with
manual or electric control.
1. Canpopies Are Just Plain Enjoyable
Retractable and roll-up canopies give the owner the option of
fully extending the shade during summer and rolling it up during
the winter. This is ideal particularly for the deck, which many
use as comfortable place to take a nap. The shade also allows
one to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the season. Some
canopies are even wired into the frame, so that homeowners can
also use what is effectively extended living space at night.
2. Avoid Having To Pay For As Much Air Conditioning During Summer
Figures from the US Department of Energy show that awnings can
lower summer heat on windows facing the south by 65%, while
eastern and western facing windows reduce such heat gain as much
as 77%. This could, therefore, lower your total electricity
bills during summer as you will need to spend less on air
conditioning.
3. Reduce Monitor Glare And Protect Windows
The woodwork around windows is also protected from snow and rain
by awnings and canopies, while furniture on the porch or patio
are also shielded from the elements. Open windows are possible
for a home even on rainy days with awnings. PC monitors and
television sets near windows on sunny days will benefit from the
reduced glare due to the awnings - an indication that the
cooling effect of a canopy is not limited to the outside. The
extension of this effect indoors has helped some homeowners
limit use of air-conditioning during the summer and lower their
electric bills.
4. Materials
Homeowners have a choice between outdoor fabric and aluminum as
the material for their canopies. Advantages of an aluminum
canopy include sturdiness and low-maintenance, although shape
and color options are limited. If the shade is made of fabric,
it would entail greater care and maintenance, although more
colors and shapes are available for this material type. Both
alternatives are possible for casement windows. Personal
preference and energy efficiency standards are key guides to
determining the canopy size and drop, or the amount of shade or
coverage provided. The Energy Department sets 65%-75% as the
maximum efficiency range for canopies covering windows facing
the east and west. For the south-facing side, the agency
recommends a lower coverage range of 45%-60%.
5. Style Vs Function
The choice in terms of size will involve a trade-off: some
individuals may prefer larger awnings to maximize protection and
coverage, while others may prefer smaller ones when more premium
is placed on the decorative impact. If emphasis is given to
aesthetics, many manufacturers already offer canopies and
related accessories in various shapes, designs and colors. It
should be noted that coverage by canopies or awnings can be
enhanced by using side panels, although these are not necessary.
Special canopy models are also in the market for windows that
open to the outside.
6. Added Benefits
Some canopies are also designed for easy assembly and
portability, making it possible to disassemble and transfer them
to areas around the house where they are most needed. These
mobile canopies typically feature braces or arms, rollers,
horizontal rafters and fabric shades or vinyl blinds and are
also applicable to recreational vehicles or trailers. Once the
target area for shading is determined, homeowners can establish
the ideal canopy width size and the number of sections needed
for coverage. Since canopy cuts vary in size, knowing the
measurements of the area will help the owner decide on the most
cost-effective combinations. Some awning or canopy manufacturers
offer track extenders to accommodate slight adjustments in
measurement. Once measurement issues are settled, the owner now
has the option to pursue installation as a do-it-yourself
project or to seek professional assistance from authorized
dealers.