Q: Can a retractable awning improve a home’s value?

• <div><p>A retractable awning won&rsquo;t necessarily increase your home&rsquo;s value very much, but it can offer a boost of aesthetic appeal to potential buyers. In the long-term, however, a well-placed awning will save you money on cooling and protect your deck and outdoor furniture from sun exposure during the hot summer season.</p></div>

Q: Can I open my awning in winter?

• <div><p>You can indeed open your awning in winter. It&rsquo;s a misconception that you can only open retractable awnings in the warmer months. In fact, modern awnings are strong enough to offer a little respite from the snow if you&rsquo;re someone who enjoys sipping hot cocoa outside on a beautiful winter day. But if a big storm is coming, such as a hurricane or a blizzard, it&rsquo;s best to close your awning until the weather calms down.</p></div>

Question 1

Can a retractable awning improve a home’s value?

Accepted Answer

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A retractable awning won’t necessarily increase your home’s value very much, but it can offer a boost of aesthetic appeal to potential buyers. In the long-term, however, a well-placed awning will save you money on cooling and protect your deck and outdoor furniture from sun exposure during the hot summer season.

Question 2

Can I open my awning in winter?

Accepted Answer

•

You can indeed open your awning in winter. It’s a misconception that you can only open retractable awnings in the warmer months. In fact, modern awnings are strong enough to offer a little respite from the snow if you’re someone who enjoys sipping hot cocoa outside on a beautiful winter day. But if a big storm is coming, such as a hurricane or a blizzard, it’s best to close your awning until the weather calms down.

Question 3

What is the best material for metal awnings?

Accepted Answer

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Stainless steel and copper are the most durable and will probably last the longest, especially when you compare them to fabric awnings. Steel is the most popular if your budget isn’t a top priority, but some people prefer copper awnings over steel because they are lighter, which makes them easier to install. Aluminum offers a more budget-friendly metal awning option that is still attractive and offers some durability, especially compared to fabric.

Question 4

What are the benefits of an awning?

Accepted Answer

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Awnings offer a number of benefits, including:

Reduced summer home cooling costs with lower solar heat gains
Protection from sun, rain, and snow damage
Increased curb appeal for your home

Keep in mind that awnings also have drawbacks, including the potential to reduce your view, block natural light, and create new occasional home maintenance needs.

Question 5

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.