Living in Australia, there’s one thing that we all understand about the weather; it gets hot. Very hot. Certain parts of the house and outdoor areas can be more exposed to the sun than others. For example, a bedroom on the western side of the house or the patio around the pool.
One of the most cost-effective ways to lower the heat in those areas is simply to stop the sun beating directly on the various surfaces. From the patio or deck, to sun-facing walls and windows. This is where an awning comes in handy as you have the ability to not only block the sun on the hot days, but you can also retract it when you would like to let in more light.
Location
The perfect place to start your awning project is to consider the location (or locations) you would like them. Budget will play a part of course, but the top priority comes down to your goals – are you trying to create shade and protect outdoor furniture or place an awning over a room that gets particularly hot?
Speaking of budget, it is worthwhile to not only think about the upfront costs – consider also that strategically placed awnings can lower cooling costs in the home by up to 77%
Types of Awnings
There is a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing an awning for your home. From an automatic awning to a fixed frame or pivot arm; there is a lot to consider! There is almost endless options available.
Awnings come in the following styles;
- Automatic (motorised)
- Bullnosed
- Fixed Frame
- Folding Arm
- Pivot Arm
- Straight Drop
- Ziptrak
Check out our awnings page and feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to help guide you through the process.
Materials
There are almost endless options when it comes to choosing materials. This is great as you can choose an awning that really compliments your home. Our awnings come in different materials for different applications. Some of the materials include:
- Cotton
- Canvas
- Polyester
- Woven Mesh
- Acrylic
- PVC
Canvas
Canvas is a traditional favourite as it has 100% blockout properties. It’s also long lasting and comes in a variety of colours and designs. All of our canvas is Australian made.
Woven Mesh
Woven Mesh is a great choice when you want to block out the sun but still allow light in. You can also still enjoy the view without having your room baked in the sun.
Acrylic
Acrylic is lightweight and versatile and allows sunlight in without the heat of the sun. Acrylic is also available in a wide variety of colours and designs.
PVC
PVC comes in clear and tinted options and is a popular choice for outdoor entertaining areas. PVC allows for an unrestricted view whilst keeping out the elements. It also seals in the heat during the colder months and is ideal for use all year round.
Awning Style
Homes across Australia reflect different architectural styles. From the traditional Queenslander home, to a modern ‘Scandy’ design, it is important to choose an awning that complements the style of your home.
Awnings come in a range of styles from colonial to contemporary to cottage style and traditional. With the range on offer, you should have no trouble selecting an awning to suit your home.
In conclusion
Awnings are a great investment. With a massive range of fabrics to manage the amount of light that doesn’t block the view, awnings can turn any space into a design feature! They keep out the elements, can be hand operated or motorised and can even be used to help keep your pool cool.
There are many factors to consider when choosing awnings for your home. We offer a free measure and quote service; and, we can also guide you through the process of choosing the right style of awning for your home. Get in touch today to find out more.
