Aluminum awnings are decorative and functional devices that function as canopies over exterior doors and windows. Available in a wide range of designs, the awnings are generally easy to install, require nothing more than routine maintenance, and help to enhance the appearance of the home. Aluminum awnings are also very helpful with managing the temperature in the home as well as providing protection from inclement weather.
In general, metal awnings are shaped in a design that is roughly triangular. The devices are mounted over doors and windows to create shade or protection from excess sunlight, rain, snow, and other weather conditions. These simple window covers make it possible to still enjoy natural light, but help to minimize the entry of sunlight into the home, thus making it easier to cool the interior space.
Many homeowners choose to use aluminum awnings over exterior doors as well as windows. Along with providing visual interest to a plain façade, the awnings serve the practical purpose of providing partial protection from the elements for anyone standing on the front stoop. This attribute can be appreciated when attempting to balance packages and insert a door key while a rainstorm is taking place.
It is not unusual for aluminum awnings to be coated with some sort of protective agent, such as baked enamel. The addition of this extra layer of protection helps to prevent corrosion and extend the life of the awning. At the same time, the protective coating also makes the task of maintaining the awnings much easier, since they can basically be rinsed off using the garden hose.
Along with the traditional triangular rigid awnings, there are also designs that allow for retracting the body of the awning. One approach uses a roll design to the body of the aluminum awnings, making it possible to use a hand crank to lengthen or shorten the body of the awning according to the desires of the homeowner. Another option is the retractable awning, which can be extended to provide more overhead coverage further away from the window, or retracted to allow additional sunlight into the home.
Different designs for aluminum awnings can often be found at home improvement stores, hardware stores, and lawn and garden shops. While most awnings are constructed as a single unit, there are aluminum awning kits that require some assembly before installation. Because of the lightweight construction, it is possible for homeowners to install the awnings using tools that are often found around the home.
