How to Work an Awning into a New Building Design or Renovation

January 1, 2019

Adding awnings to a building can dramatically improve the look of the building, giving the structure a polished and completed look. When creating a new building for a home or business or remodeling an existing building, architects often design most of the essential features for the building.

However, it can be helpful for the architects and the home or business owners to consult awning professionals before adding the awnings to the design or the structure itself. Awning professionals understand the special issues that must be considered when adding awnings to a building and can add valuable insight that will help building owners avoid costly repairs in the future.

Environmental Considerations

Architects often recommend retractable awnings because of the versatility of being able to open the awning when desired and put it away when it is not being used. However, for areas that frequently endure high winds and heavy snow loads, retractable awnings may not be ideal. Awnings professionals can help building owners to understand the most ideal awning for the area, considering such factors as durability in weather conditions, resistance to humidity, and resistance to pollution in the area.

Area Restrictions

Restrictions may not just be by state or county. Many areas, especially historic areas, have neighborhood, district, or other localized restrictions. This may limit the style, color, or size of the awning that can be put on a new building or used to restore the look of an older building. Awning professionals will often have more specialized knowledge of the area restrictions and can help to ensure compliance long before the awning is ever actually installed. This can save costs and frustrations of having to replace a brand new awning because it violates a code that was overlooked.

Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of an awning are very important considerations. Low quality materials may seem to save costs up front, but often end up costing more down the road when the awning needs to be repaired. High quality stitching in fabric awnings can prevent leaks that may undermine the purpose of the awning.

High quality metals will deter rust longer, keeping the awning looking new and well maintained. A tattered, rusted, or otherwise damaged awning can detract from the appearance of a building and even pose a safety hazard; purchasing a high quality awning can help to prevent this dilemma.

Understand Maintenance Needs

All awnings have maintenance needs, though some require less maintenance than others. Awnings professionals can help building owners to understand what it will take to maintain the awning so there are no surprises. Having awning experts perform annual inspections on the awnings can also help to ensure that awnings stay well maintained and that small repairs are made and larger issues are prevented.