If your home lacks an awning, you should move this feature to the top of your list of home improvement projects. Awnings provide more benefits than shade, and installation is relatively simple as far as home upgrades go. For the unconvinced, here are seven compelling reasons why installing an awning is a wise investment.
1. Provides Weather Protection
In its simplest form, an awning is designed to provide protection from sun, rain, and snow. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sunburn or getting caught in a sudden downpour. An awning can also prevent rainwater from pooling around your home’s exterior doors, protecting against accidental slips and falls.
2. Adds Visual Interest
Surprisingly, awnings also serve as architectural adornments that can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Modern iterations are available in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns. If design is your passion, awnings can give you one more outlet to express your personality as a homeowner in a visually impactful way.
3. Creates Outdoor Living Space
Awnings can transform your outdoor area into a functional and inviting living space. This extends your entertainment options to the outdoors for activities like al fresco dining, cocktails with guests, or relaxing in the fresh air. For ultimate customization, consider a retractable awning that can be fully or partially extended depending on the weather.
4. Protects From UV Damage
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading and damage to exterior paint, your expensive deck furniture, and even the decking itself. Fortunately, the shade provided by an awning can help mitigate that damage. If you have curtains or indoor furniture near your windows, the shade from an awning can protect those pieces from UV damage, as well.
5. Saves Energy Costs
Even if the curtains are drawn over your windows, direct sunlight can warm the glass from the outside, which can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Subsequently, your air conditioner must work harder to maintain a comfortable environment, and the difference will show later in your energy bill. Awnings installed over windows are effective at blocking these intense rays and help keep your power bill as low as possible during the summer months.
6. Easy to Maintain
Most awnings are made from durable, waterproof materials that are resistant to fading, mildew, and stains, making them easy to clean and maintain. Some possible maintenance tasks include periodic washing with mild soap and water, along with occasional inspections for signs of wear or damage. With professional installation and minimal, occasional attention, you can enjoy all the benefits of an awning for years on end.
7. Raises Home Value
If anything, installing an awning is a financial investment that can increase the overall value of your home. Homes equipped with awnings often command higher resale prices due to enhanced aesthetics and functionality. Thanks to all the other associated benefits, an awning is simply a valuable asset when it becomes time to sell your property. Adding an awning to your home not only enhances its visual appeal but also increases its functionality, making it a desirable feature for potential buyers.
Brooks Reynolds 
Sarah Ross 
Staff Account