Awnings Provide Functionality and Curb Appeal

You know what they say, everything old is new again. After years of living as if resources were unlimited, many homeowners are now looking for ways to conserve and preserve. In order to do this, a number of people are looking to the past for inspiration.

Today the applications of rain barrels, recycling and smaller homes are considered to be well-established methods of saving and conservation. Each was considered commonplace before temporarily falling out of fashion before being resurrected again. Often the revival of such ideas and concepts comes as a result of realizing a change wasn’t as successful as previously thought. As a result, there’s a desire to look to the past for ideas that worked before.

First Uses of Awnings

As far back as the Egyptian pharaohs and the Roman Empire, awnings were used as a way to shade humans and animals from the sun and inclement weather. Made of simple reeds or cloth, the awnings provided an element of shade and comfort. Use of the awning continued through the post-Civil War era with the invention of canvas awnings and retractable features. Later, the awning was incorporated into the pre-fabricated homes constructed for soldiers returning from World War II.

The shade-producing element of the awning continued to find application in homes until it was displaced by the wide-spread use of air-conditioning. Where consumers once only had access to air conditioning in theatres and other businesses, the introduction of air conditioning units within the home provided consumers with an alternative to the awning’s cooling qualities.

Flexibility of an Awning Addition

Whether your home has a window unit or central air conditioning, few would deny the comfort benefits an AC unit can provide. What’s quickly overlooked though is that it’s more efficient to block the heat before it gets inside home and needs to be cooled. In fact, an awning can reduce heat gain by 55 to 65 percent on southern-facing exposures and 72 to 77 percent on western-facing exposures, according to the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers. Awnings also help to reduce glare within the home by 94 percent. As a result, more and more consumers are realizing the many benefits of adding an awning to their home. Best of all, the newest generation of awnings offer a number of styles that can be customized in terms of materials, motorization, placement and sizing.

Awning Installation Benefits

• Lower energy costs
• Protect drapes and furnishings inside from fading
• Provide a shaded outdoor space and protection from weather
• Number of awning options
• Ability to add valances, side curtains and screen accessories
• Additional outdoor living space
• Add curb appeal
• Improve resale value

If you’re interested in learning more about how an awning addition can beautify the look and energy efficiency of your home, talk to the awning experts at Continental Siding.

This article was brought to you by Continental Siding in Kansas City, your Midwest siding company. We’re a leading provider of home improvement products and services that aim to help homes stay looking great and performing well.