Introduction to Canvas and Deck Awnings

Introduction to awnings

Canvas deck awnings for home are shades which open and retract above the entrance or window of a building. Stores that line a major street will often have one, which may be emblazoned with the logo of the establishment to serve as both outdoor shades and advertising. Deck awnings can also be added to homes for exterior shading, either over a door and window for additional protection from sun and rain. Awnings also serve as excellent patio shades.

There really are so many different types of awnings for decks that this page will serve as just an introduction to the topic for you. For example, consider that the frame of the awning can be metal, so one can outfit the house with aluminum awnings or metal awnings.

Increased energy savings

Canvas awnings may seem like a serious investment, as they are often not cheap. But the cost is offset by the upside, which is the energy savings. Like other outdoor shades which deflect light and heat from entering through house or building openings, awnings insulate considerably against the heat of the sun. Some have measured differences of 5-10 degrees inside houses with and without canvas awnings over particularly bright windows. Therefore, one may expect to save dramatically on cooling costs during warm times or in regions of the country which are very warm all year round. Additionally, the awnings will decrease the amount of strong light from entering the home that can damage or discolor carpets and upholstery. Combine an awning with a mister and outdoor misting fan, which tackles the cooling problem by using both evaporative methods (the fan blows air over the mist and increases evaporation) and reflective methods, to really bring down your costs and increase comfort.

Retractable awnings last longer

Some climates necessitate the use of rectractable awnings for home. In climates that are very cold and experience heavy snow, a deck awning can collapse due to the weight of the snow. The frames of deck awnings are generally not very strong, as they need to be light and flexible for opening and closing easily. Besides snow, rain water can also damage them if given a chance to collect and add weight. Therefore, the canvas awnings should be adjusted such that falling snow and rain runs harmlessly down. Similarly, very strong shear winds can twist and damage the metal frames permanently. To combat this problem, some have automatic detection systems which retract in strong winds. This is because heavy gusts of wind can also severely damage them. Nowadays, even without a detection system, canvas awnings are easy to open and close because they can be mechanized and controlled with just a switch. Home or shop owners can control everything remotely from the comfort of the inside. Read more at our page about different types of retractable awnings.

Over an entrance (or free standing?)

Home awnings for decks can also be put over entrances near patio areas as exterior shades. During pool cookouts, shade umbrellas and canopies can provide free-standing shade. However, near a house, canvas awnings can do the same job. As expected, canvas awnings serve the dual function of insulating the house interior from heat, as well as people who are outside on the patio trying to enjoy the summer weather either by lounging around a pool or grilling burgers. For people who are worried that their favorite spot to grill in the yard is too far from the house, a freestanding awning may be perfect for the job.

Advanced, space-aged materials

Awning material has really changed in the past hundred years. In the beginning, humble canvas was used because it's quite a sturdy, robust material made from common cotton. But as consumers became more demanding for durability as well as resistance to both water and microorganisms such as fungus and mildew, producers turned to advanced fabrics, many synthetic, which had these properties. As a result, one can choose from amongst many kinds of awning material.

Added value to the house

On top of providing this functionality, deck awnings also add to the value of your house. Done right, it can be a distinctive and classy touch that is rare in other houses of the neighborhood. Because these outdoor shades are not conventional structures, they need extra care that can be provided with spray systems and special cleaning fluids. Dead leaves and soil can make the surface fabric or polyesters dirty. Even if the shade is composed of microbe resistant fabric, it can grow mold and other nasty things if it is not cleaned regularly. One major problem with canvas is that it is highly susceptible to getting dirty and microbial growth. This has resulted in many consumers switching to synthetic fabrics which are dirt and microbe resistant.