Q: What types of covers are available for awnings?

• <div>Besides the type of awning, you&rsquo;ll need to choose the type of cover. Your awning installation professional will review your options with you, including availability and costs. The types of covers you can choose from include:<ul><li>Wood, which is durable but can be damaged easily by rainwater and fire</li><li>Cotton offers flexibility, weatherproofing, and easy cleaning</li><li>Canvas is highly durable and is a good choice for retractable awnings </li><li>Metal is sturdy but is prone to rust</li><li>Polyester is easy to clean and is a more breathable option</li><li>Polycarbonate is highly resistant to UV rays and is difficult to damage</li></ul></div>

Q: When is it too windy for an awning?

• <div>It&rsquo;s best to keep your awning retracted if winds are 25 miles per hour or more to make sure your awning doesn&rsquo;t sustain irreparable damage due to wind. Some awnings can take winds up to 30 miles per hour without any damage, but it&rsquo;s best to consult the manufacturer&rsquo;s guidance. A good rule of thumb is if it&rsquo;s too windy for you to comfortably stand outside, it&rsquo;s time to bring the awning in.</div>

Question 1

Should I install retractable awnings myself?

Accepted Answer

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If you're handy, it might be worth trying to install retractable awnings yourself. Just keep in mind that motorized retractable awnings require much more know-how, and the risk of something costly going wrong (such as damaging your new awnings) is higher.

Mechanical awnings should be easy to install for the average person with some handyman skills.

Question 2

What can I use instead of lattice?

Accepted Answer

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There are many materials to choose from, including picket fencing, wood slats, galvanized metal skirting, dog-ear fence panels, scallop wood fence panels, bamboo screens, and other decorative screens. You can search for materials at local big box stores like Home Depot or scour online home improvement sites. Good search terms to use are fencing, skirting, and privacy panels.

Question 3

What types of covers are available for awnings?

Accepted Answer

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Besides the type of awning, you’ll need to choose the type of cover. Your awning installation professional will review your options with you, including availability and costs. The types of covers you can choose from include:

Wood, which is durable but can be damaged easily by rainwater and fire
Cotton offers flexibility, weatherproofing, and easy cleaning
Canvas is highly durable and is a good choice for retractable awnings
Metal is sturdy but is prone to rust
Polyester is easy to clean and is a more breathable option
Polycarbonate is highly resistant to UV rays and is difficult to damage

Question 4

When is it too windy for an awning?

Accepted Answer

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It’s best to keep your awning retracted if winds are 25 miles per hour or more to make sure your awning doesn’t sustain irreparable damage due to wind. Some awnings can take winds up to 30 miles per hour without any damage, but it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s guidance. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too windy for you to comfortably stand outside, it’s time to bring the awning in.

Question 5

What is the least expensive way to enclose a porch?

Accepted Answer

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The least expensive way to enclose a porch is with screens. These protect the room by preventing insects from entering and, if you live in a warm climate, provide excellent airflow during hot summer months. Screens cost far less than any other alternative, so if you are against getting permits, spending too much, or enclosing your porch in walls or glass, screens are the best choice.