When summer comes, it moves with it warm weather. This is the time that homeowners often start searching for a way that they can make more use of the outdoor spaces that surround their home. With the addition of one of the types of patio awnings available for your house, you can get the shaded protection that you need to create additional living space. These awnings add value and functionality, as well as making your home more attractive at the same time.
All it takes is an awning canopy, and you can transform your patio into a luxurious outdoor living area. With the awning protecting the patio area from the wind and rain you can safely furnish the area. You can create the ideal living room outdoors.
One of the best things about having installed an awning is that you can go ahead and use the newly created outdoor area to entertain your guests and have good summer patio and garden parties. A lot of people find that something is relaxing about gathering with their friends in an outdoor setting. They find that people find it easier to unwind and mingle more freely. They seem to enjoy themselves more than they would in a confined indoor setting.
There are two very distinct categories of awnings; fixed and retractable. The names of the groups sum them up straight away. If you decide on a fixed awning, you will have no ability to move or adjust it to suit different needs at a later date. And because it is a fixed structure you might have to get the right building permits first. Once in place, it will be part of your home for good unless you have a reason to demolish it.
A permanent awning also requires a frame, which will include support poles. These may cause an obstruction and compromise the enjoyment of the view of your surroundings. If you have children who are always playing around the patio area, then the structure could also be a safety hazard as usually they are placed along the edges of the patio. The children could easily run into them while playing.
The retractable type of patio awnings will fully retract against the home whenever you want to have full light or in the case of an impending storm. There are two types of retractable awnings: The standard model that uses a hand crank, and the motorized type that utilizes a small motor and an electronic remote control to adjust the settings.
Having decided you want an awning, you now have to decide which kind is best for your home. The decision between the two categories might seem quite simple, but you must consider the consequences, do you want to use it all year round, do you have children who could injure themselves, or do you want a system you can put away out of sight when it is not required. Do a little of research, ask your neighbours who have patio awnings and comprehend how they made their decision. Ask the salesperson but do not just buy one on a rushed decision.