Summer is here, with its scorching heat. As it gets really hot during the day, you cannot even imagine sitting outside on the deck.
Your favorite place becomes unpleasant for you, and enjoying a relaxed evening with your friends and family during summer seems nearly impossible. However, we got a solution for you.
There are many shades and awning options that you can choose as sun blockers for your decks.
Deck awnings for summertime are one of these options and these awnings can be effective in blocking direct sunlight and can also enhance the outlook of the area covered.
Why Do You Need Awnings?
With awnings, your deck can be covered, and the amount of sunlight reaching it reduces.
It provides shade from the constant glare and makes outdoor sitting more enjoyable and lively during the summer.
Awnings provide the best protection not only during the summer season but also during the harsh winter season.
Types of Deck Awnings
Retractable Awning
Retractable deck awnings are the most popular style of awnings used everywhere.
When needed can provide you shelter and shade during the sun, and when you do not need them, it can be retracted.
Though they cost a bit more than any other awnings as they can be operated manually with a hand crank or with the remote-control operation.
Senor-triggered retractable awnings are also available and offer many conveniences but cost a lot.
You can bring out your creative self with retractable deck awnings that are easily customized, and you can customize the design to your needs and preferences.
Part of Retractable Awnings
The various parts of awnings include;
● Cover/Fabric
● Frame
● Cassette or the mounting Brackets
● Motor/Accessories
When choosing the deck awning, the quality of the fabric of the cover has to be kept in mind.
You should always go with more durable and color retention fabric.
The benefits of choosing a durable fabric are many as they last longer and you will be saved from constant worries of changing the fabric because the color has faded.
Considering other components of retractable awnings is also important while getting one for your deck in the summertime.
Fabric material comes in canvas, polyester, and vinyl-coated. A sewn or glued option is also available and sewn mostly lasts longer than others.
Though retractable deck awnings are costly, however, in the long run can save you money.
They can keep the temperature of your home during the summer peak at around 10-15 degrees cooler than the outside, and you won’t have to turn your air-coolers and air-conditioner on.
Fixed or Immovable Awnings
Are you looking for deck awnings that you don’t have to fiddle around and provide shelter 24/7? Then fixed awnings are what you need.
The fixed and immovable awnings are firmly installed and provide permanent protection.
They are attached to the sides of the house, just above the windows and doors.
They require less maintenance and are quite affordable as compared to retractable awnings.
Fixed awnings require changing the cover as it gets faded during the summertime or frequent rainfall.
You can go with metal or polycarbonate deck awnings as metal lasts for a longer time.
However, the drawback of the metal cover is that it absorbs much of the heat and transfers it to your deck.
So, what will be the point of having awnings, right? Metal can also rust and dent could be produced.
The polycarbonate deck awnings absorb the UV rays of the sun and let in some of the light. They are durable.
Portable Awnings
We all love things that can be moved around without much effort and are also budget-friendly.
Portable awnings are easily movable around the deck, in whatever direction you want.
Sun changes the direction, you can change your portable awnings direction. Sounds doable.
They are perfect for occasional use when you are having a get-together, or a party. You can easily place them during the summertime, and enjoy the shade.
You might be wondering what could be included in the portable deck awning.
Umbrellas, canopies, and shade sails are some examples of portable deck awnings.
Umbrellas
One of the cost-effective options that you could look for in your deck shade is an umbrella.
They provide flexibility and can easily be moved.
You can use the fabric design and color that complements your outdoor sitting place and make most of the awning.
Canopies
Canopies are the other example of portable deck awnings that consist of four legs and a roof.
They can be installed anywhere and provide flexibility.
Mostly the retractable and fixed deck awnings are considered the reliable option, however, canopies could be installed as a cheaper alternative for the summertime.
Why Should You Go With Canopies?
There are many advantages of using canopies, however, we are bringing to you some of them;
- They take only a few minutes to set up. So, in case your friend calls you in the morning that they will be coming to your place for lunch, and your home is smelting, you can set it up right away.
- You do not need an expert to do it for you. You got to help yourself.
- You can move them anywhere for the shade. Yes, anywhere.
Freestanding Awnings
Freestanding also comes under portable deck awnings. You can use them for shades and protection against intense summer heat.
They can be folded or rolled up easily, and that is the best thing about them. They can freely move around, and provide shades.
Features to Consider While Buying Deck Awnings
There are plenty of things to consider while getting a deck awning for summertime, and most importantly you have to go with the best option keeping the budget in mind. Some things are;
- The fabric must be durable and heat resistant.
- During the summertime, you not only have to protect yourself and your family from the sun rays but also the frequent precipitation. Choose Water-resistant material.
- The prices and cost for deck awnings vary. Retractable deck awnings are the most expensive ones, however, if you want to get a customized awning, the cost will be increased.
- Some awnings can be motorized and can be controlled via an application. Sounds cool, no? You can consider this feature while deciding the right awnings for the deck.
- You can check out integrated systems as well such as lighting, heating integrated systems.
