5 Frequently Asked Questions about Awnings
January 1, 2019
Awnings are an excellent way to enhance home aesthetics, control sunlight and heat gain, protect property materials, and much more. And with spring and summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about upgrading your home with inside or outside awning materials.
If you’re like most homeowners, you likely have a question or two about these products and the steps necessary to make the best purchase for your home. Consider the following answers to the five most frequently asked questions we get at Dorchester Awning Company to get started:
1) Is an awning right for my property?
Awnings are great for providing sun and rain protection and for making a building more aesthetically pleasing. If you own a small business, awnings can bring attention to your business, increase outdoor seating areas, and provide a great space for signage. Homeowners often choose awnings to improve the overall look of their home and increase the usability of their patio and similar outdoor spaces.
2) Are awnings waterproof? Will I be protected from inclement weather if I stand underneath an awning?
With a few top-tier exceptions, most types of outside awning fabrics are sold as water-repellant and not 100% waterproof. Plus, because awnings are typically open on three sides, blustery winds can send water or snow sideways underneath the canopy. That said, an outside awning still provides excellent overall weather protection for your property. For example, during snowy Boston winters, awnings shield stairwells and doorways from the worst of sleet and snow build-ups.
3) What should I look for in a professional awning company?
Hiring an experienced and quality-oriented awning company will go a long way in ensuring your outside awning enjoys a long working life and looks great through even the worst Massachusetts winters. So it’s important to do a bit of background research! Begin by reading online testimonials and location reviews. Ask a prospective company for references of work similar to the type you are considering and a photographic portfolio of before, during, and after an inside or outside awning was installed. If the company has a storefront location with a showroom, be sure to visit and spend time looking at the available options.
While many awning companies will provide you with a free in-home consultation that includes product samplings, nothing beats a store visit where you can get a much clearer idea of the professionals you are hiring and the options they have available for you.
4) What matters more: Fabric color or type?
A professional awning company will walk you through all of the facets of purchasing and installing inside and outside awning materials. However, it’s important to note that although color matters, the type of fabric you choose will play a larger role in heat control. The darker a fabric is, the warmer it tends to get underneath, but the type of fabric you choose has a larger impact on how hot or cold it will feel in the awnings’ shade.
5) How long does an awning last?
Most awning manufacturers will warranty their products for five years, depending upon the type of fabric included. But with proper care, cleaning, and maintenance, an outside awning can last upward of 15 years, with some frames slated as lifetime purchases. At Dorchester Awning Company, we offer a range of maintenance and restorative services in addition to product sales and installations.
For more information about installing an outside awning, contact us today at The Dorchester Awning Company.
