5 Things You Should Consider Before Buying an Awning

Purchasing an awning can easily spruce up any home or business in no time at all. Awnings and canopies are excellent for patios and providing a bit of shade to outdoor areas. Of course, investing in canopies and awnings can be a hefty expense so it's important to ask yourself a few questions before you make a purchase.

From weighing the overall curb appeal to deciding on additional signage, buying an awning requires a little more effort than you might have originally thought.

What type of awning are you buying?

From retractable awnings and patio covers to aluminum awnings, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can even select different fabric types like canvas to amp up the curb appeal. While deck and patio covers and retractable awnings are often the most popular, there are also door awnings that are excellent options as well. Also, if you want an all-year experience, you may want to choose an acrylic awning over a canvas awning for the durable material or a retractable awning that won't be constantly subjected to the elements. It's all about deciding what matches your aesthetics and overall needs.

What company are you buying from?

Say, for instance, you live in the Chicago suburbs. One Google search for the term "Chicago awnings" shows you a wide selection of canvas awnings, aluminum awnings, and retractable awnings. In fact, for some homeowners, the sheer number of search results can be a little overwhelming. However, it's always a good idea to start by looking up some buyer reviews to take a peek at a given company's overall reputation. From there, you can start comparing price points and narrowing down your selection. Even though you may be sifting through several businesses to find the right fit, you'll be glad you did the extra research.

Are installations included?

Unless you really consider yourself more of the DIY type, you probably want to find a business that will handle the installation process on your behalf. Think of your new awning as a miniature roof, in a sense. If you wouldn't feel comfortable installing a new roof, you may not want to install a new system. Of course, it's important to remember that not all companies will include an installation in the final total. This may require an added fee so you'll want to budget for installation.

What's the warranty like?

Materials like canvas and other fabrics are prone to tearing and rotting if they aren't properly maintained. Also, sometimes accidents just happen. Depending on the warranty, you'll either have full coverage throughout the warranty period or you'll have a prorated warranty. Opting for a full warranty can easily save you from some out-of-pocket expenses in the event that something goes wrong with your new system.

Should you invest in a protective hood?

A protective hood is often recommended if you're going for a roof-mounted system or you simply want some added peace of mind. The hood keeps a portion of the fabric covered and clean. This helps maintain color consistency and, for motorized units, can provide some added protection from the elements. After all, you don't want water entering the motor and damaging an expensive system. This is especially important because most warranties won't cover water damage to the motor. If you're worried about the longevity of your purchase or you're simply looking to cover all your bases, a hood is often worth the investment.

Purchasing an awning can be a great investment if you know some of the right questions to ask. Whether you're trying to cover your deck in the hot summer months or you're looking for a canvas awning to help boost your home's profile, consider all your options. It can help you make a smarter purchase.