Choosing an Awning: Making the Most of Your Investment

A home is more than just a place to lay your head at night; it is also the largest single investment that most Americans will ever make. For this reason, enhancing or protecting your home with a new awning or multiple awnings is more than an aesthetic choice; it is also a smart choice to ensure the long-term value of your home.

Short-term Savings vs. Lasting Value

While all awnings can provide protection from the sun and wind, there are other factors to consider when selecting the best awnings for your needs and your style. Many homeowners are tempted to choose their awning based on price alone.

However, this apparent bargain may turn out to be a long-term headache if you do not factor in the upkeep, maintenance, repair, and even replacement costs of certain types of awnings from the outset.

Consider the following pros and cons when choosing an awning for your residence:

Fabric Awnings

• • Pros: Fabric awnings are one of the most common types of awnings because they come in a variety of colors and the fabric covering for the awning inexpensive to purchase.
  • Cons: Depending on the structure of your home and the type of framing you select, the cost of the frame can quickly escalate. While fabric awnings do not require regular maintenance, they are less sturdy than metal awnings and may rip or tear in inclement weather. They also show signs of wear quickly, often requiring replacement every few years to maintain the appearance of your home.

Aluminum Awnings

• • Pros: Aluminum awnings can be inexpensive, particularly smaller ones in traditional shapes and sizes. Aluminum is eco-friendly, lightweight, and durable, giving these awnings a longer lifespan than the fabric ones.
  • Cons: Larger aluminum awnings can be very expensive, and aluminum dents more easily than other metals, requiring some maintenance to retain the aesthetic appeal. Aluminum tends to rust, so the awning will require a waterproofing treatment and monitoring to ensure that this does not become a problem for an aluminum awning as they are exposed to rain constantly. Additionally, aluminum tends to create a more modern appearance, so it does not complement certain styles of homes.

Copper Awnings

• • Pros: Copper is one of the most durable and sturdy metals used in construction, and as such copper awnings generally have a lifespan of two or three decades. This makes copper awnings an enhancement to your home that you can enjoy now and that you will be able to use as a selling point later. Copper ages well, developing a patina that changes color over time and creates a stylishly aged look. Copper can also be treated initially to avoid this coloration if you prefer the shiny appearance your awnings will initially have. Upkeep of this type of awning is minimal, and they are versatile enough to look great on any style of home.
  • Cons: Generally considered the best material for awnings, there is very little that can be said negatively about copper awnings. Although the initial cost is higher than some other choices, the minimal maintenance and incredible durability of these awnings mean that you will likely spend less on awnings overall.

When it comes to your home, value is often the deciding factor. Copper awnings are an investment in your home, and although they may cost more initially, they are a far better value in the end.