The use of awnings began in ancient Egypt and Syria, they were mostly used to provide protective cover to stalls and markets. The Romans were the one who brought a more luxurious and grand touch to these, they called it Velarium and it was used to provide shade to the audiences at amphitheaters such as The Colosseum.
In the late 19th century the awnings were being developed with retractive systems so that they can be rolled up during gusty weather. The awnings developed in the modern world are quite versatile. They are made according to the needs of the homeowner and are more user friendly than ever.
Making The Right Choice
Buying the right awning can be a formidable task and you might need to do a lot of market research and get in touch with a specialized awning expert like Awnings Newark. The cosmetics of your house are totally dependent on your liking. It is really difficult to decide the color themes and contrasts of your awnings.
The other thing you have to keep in mind is the construction of your house and where do you want to install the awnings. If you want the awning to cover your patio or deck then you must know the amount of sunlight hours and the direction of sun so you can get maximum cover.
The material used in the awnings should also be compatible with the climate of your area. For instance if you live in a cold and wet region you should go with Acrylic fabric awnings because they repel water really well.
The type of awnings will also be a choice totally dependent on you. The retractable awnings are best for you if you do not need a shade all the time. On the other hand, the fixed awnings are best for hot climates because the protection from U.V rays is needed throughout the day.
How does it increase the aesthetic of your home?
Whether you live in the sun-drenched southern US or you live in the chilly north of the country. You can seriously up your game by having your patio or deck covered by an awning. The variety of different colors and designs available these days is awesome. If you own a home with a minimalist architecture you can go with the lighter shades as it will compliment your sitting and recreational furnishings.
Houses that are grand and have a colonial architecture, should go with an awning that is more sophisticated and has intricate detail to it. This will help in keeping the looks more luxurious and give an expensive feel.
The covered area can be used for dining purposes or making an outdoor theatre. All of this can be experienced with the fresh air and always lighten your mood. Also you do not need to worry about the ever-changing weather just in case you live in such a region.
The lighting options available with the awnings are also an important aspect of your decision. The current trend is to use string lights because they look really good in night-time photos. The bokeh effect these lights give is quite pleasing to the eye. There are also some extravagant options such as retracting chandeliers and lamps.
The awnings will also protect your flooring, windows and doors. While giving the exterior of your house a make-over, the design of these things should be kept in mind. The upkeep of your patio and deck is important because it will reflect your personality.
Awnings can also help conserve energy and save you money on utility bills by providing the necessary shade and keeping your house cool.
Types of Awnings
- Fixed Awnings have a metal frame covered with a high-quality fabric. They can not be closed on demand and these are generally installed in places where protection from weather elements is needed throughout the day.
The fabric used in these is able to bear the harsh weather. The most common type of fabric used is acrylic, vinyl and polyester composite, metal sheets and natural materials such as wood and canvas.
- Retractable awnings are the one with the mechanism that rolls the awning up when not in use. The motorized awning is a user-friendly mechanism because it is easy to use and the awning can be rolled up in a matter of minutes if the weather gets too windy.
The retractable awnings have a longer life because they can be folded. They are the popular choice because almost every aspect of these can be adjusted such as the pitch, the slope and the cover being provided.
The only thing to keep in mind is that these awnings should be dry when they are folded otherwise they can get damaged by fungus and mold.
The double arms of these awnings are made up of a light metal such as aluminum so it does not pull the wall of your house when properly mounted.
Conclusion
The house you live in reflects your lifestyle and your individual identity. In today’s fast paced world you do not want to be left behind so the upkeep of your house is necessary. The decisions you make are determining factors of the future of your property. In easy words a properly planned renovation will not only increase the aesthetic value of your property but it will increase the resale value also.
This way you can also install new utilitarian appliances(such as motorized awnings) so the property will become more comfortable and attractive for your family to live. The properties have become increasingly filled with technology and innovation but this has only increased maintenance costs. A combination of modern and conventional technology is recommended.
At the end it draws down to your choices whether you want to install an awning to cover your backyard patio or you want a change in the color theme of your house. The suburbs are filled with houses that look the same and have the same general look. Only a truly creative mind will be able to create a unique architecture from the infinite choices available in this domain.