Awnings add charm and beauty to almost any architectural landscape that they are a part of. In addition to their good looks and complimentary styles, awnings block out damaging sun rays while admitting daylight inside. Awnings also offer some tremendous energy efficient advantages that you may not have realized.



Awnings have been adding character to a variety of different style buildings and homes for nearly two hundred years. Simple in appearance and designed to be functional, the very first fabric awnings were only installed when and where they were needed. Originally, the awnings sole purpose was to shield unwanted sunlight and precipitation, and not to be decorative. You might say that the unique visual appeal they’ve added to our streetscapes was an unintended consequence. Before the invention of air conditioning, awnings provided natural climate control by allowing cool air to circulate throughout interior rooms while the windows were left open. They were also very beneficial to store owners in a way that allowed people to continue with their window shopping on rainy days.



As time went on, mechanical air conditioning became readily available to anyone that could afford it. Many thought that the old fabric awnings were outdated and unnecessary, and had them removed. Little by little, our streets and neighborhoods started to lose some of their distinguished character that the traditional fabric awnings provided.



Home and business owners soon realized that awnings provided beneficial shading. When used properly in conjunction with air conditioning, the awnings natural shading allows you the option to purchase smaller, less expensive air conditioning systems. Cooling systems would also last longer because they wouldn’t need to work as hard to keep inside temperatures stable and comfortable. So it wasn’t long before the awning started to make a strong comeback.



This advanced way of thinking paved the way for new aluminum and fiberglass type awnings to be produced. Canopies and sunshade systems, in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, frames and fabrics became readily available. Patios, balconies and recreational vehicles are more enjoyable during warm and inclement weather.



Some savvy businesses owners add their company’s name, logo, phone number and address to the exterior of their awnings and canopies. They use their awnings as billboards and business cards to help spread local commercial identity for their business.



Interior shades and blinds are useful and decorative. Whey closed, they reduce the amount of light coming inside, as seen by the naked eye. They also help prevent your carpet and furniture from fading, and keep outsiders from seeing in. However, don’t be fooled into believing that they are a replacement for awnings. Interior window shades and blinds do absolutely nothing to prevent unwanted heat from penetrating your windows. When the suns unobstructed rays hit the outside surface of your windows, the light immediately converts to heat as it passes through the window. From there the heat blasts right through the interior window shade and into your home.



A properly installed awning will not only help reduce summertime heat from passing through your windows, they will aid in eliminating unwanted glare and keep your valuables from fading. Keep in mind that the actual effectiveness of any awning will be determined by the size, type and location of your windows as well as the climate you live in. One thing is for certain; your air conditioning system will not have to work as hard or as often. This means that you can lower your cooling costs by 25% or more and easily dress up your home or business at the same time.

Written by Dan Piercefield for http://www.the-awning-advantage.com