An awning is another product that is popular in Australia that provides coverage and shade to patios, decks, and even windows and doors of a home. Just like any other coverage and shades, an awning also provides a wide variety of options to homeowners.

First, awnings are made of different materials that have different purposes. Second, Awnings have different designs available, and third, it is offered in different types. All of these factors contributed to the difficulty in choosing which one is the best for your home. It is best to familiarize yourself with the different types of awnings available in the market before you jump in and purchase one.

Below are all the types of awnings you can find in the market when you go shopping. Read each type and see which one will give you what you need.

Retractable Awning

The first type of awning that you can install in your home is the retractable awning. As the name suggests, this type of awning can be extended or retracted anytime you want.

With this type of awning, you can have an opportunity to provide a shade to your outdoor and at the same time, you can protect your awning when not in use.

When you vacate the space, you can just retract the awning to keep it away from any harsh environmental elements that can affect the lifespan of your awnings. Retractable awnings can operate on their own using a motor or manually via a hand crank.

For the motorized version of this type of awning, you can control it with the use of remote control, a button, or even sensors. If you want to install a retractable awning with sensors, you can program your awning to extend when the sun beams down on the space and retract when the weather gets windy.

Although the sensor awning can provide you with great convenience, it can be an expensive option for you. However, if you do not mind the cost, then this will be your best option.

But wait, before you get too excited about buying a retractable awning, you must as well know that there are different kinds of retractable awnings that will be offered to you. These kinds are:

Lateral Arm

The lateral arm retractable awning is a great mixture of design and function. When retracted, the awning fabric stays inside the enclosed cassette making sure the material is well protected. This cassette is securely mounted on the wall of your house with a sleek and clean design.

You can ensure that your awning fabric is completely protected by dust and dirt when not in use. The case is also watertight so no matter how hard it rains, the water will not seep through the cassette and to your awning fabric.

Fold up or Roll up Retractable Awning

The fold up and roll up retractable awning have the same functions but has a different design. The fold up for instance pleats up when retracted and creates a folding pattern.

This kind of retractable awning is more prone to dirt and debris getting stuck on the folds of the fabric and usually needs to be cleaned intensively.

The roll up on the other hand rolls into a tube when retracted. Because there are no folds to where dirt and debris will stay plus the tube is enclosed on a case, a roll-up retractable awning is easier to clean. The downside of the roll-up retractable awning is that it costs a little bit higher.

Drop Arm Awning

The drop arm awning is an awning that is retracted manually or automatically. It has a sidearm that controls and support the awning from the side of your house. If you retract the awning, it will be rolled on the case so that it will be protected.

Fixed Awning

The fixed awning is the complete opposite of retractable awnings. This type of awning is commonly mounted on the wall of your house and extended over to the space you want to cover. If you are looking for a constant shade in your outdoor space then fixed awnings is the one for you.

You may find two different ways of installing a fixed awning. One way is having an additional support pole on the extension to increase the awning’s durability. The second is an awning that does not have poles on the extended part that creates a more open space.

You do not have to worry about your awning getting damaged if you choose the fixed type. This awning is securely mounted on your wall and is sturdy enough to withstand all weather conditions.

Furthermore, you do not have to worry whether the fixed awning will complement your house design as you can have a wide option of styles and colours to choose from.

Portable Awning

The next awning type is the portable awning. This type of awning is freestanding and can be move from one place to another. If you opt for a portable awning, you can provide shelter in any place on your property without buying extra awnings as long as they can fit.

The most common portable awnings that you can find in homes in Australia are the umbrella, canopy and freestanding awning.

Its portability can be a plus but you must also know that it does not provide as much shelter as the wall-mounted awning does.

If you are on a budget and wanted to own a portable awning so that you can just transfer it anywhere you want, you can just go with the outdoor umbrella. It is the cheapest option of all and can be easily moved around.

Vertical Awning

A vertical awning is considered a modernized version of window blinds. It has the feature of a retractable awning and is commonly made with weatherproof fabric.

Unlike with other types of awnings that are installed overhead, vertical awnings are installed vertically which makes it look like a blind.

This awning does not only protect you from the heat of the sun or getting wet during a rain. It also provides privacy in your deck or patio whenever you need it.

Because it has the technology of a retractable awning, a vertical awning can be retracted if not in use giving you more open space.

Window Awnings

A window awning is a covering fitted above a window. It aims to provide shade from the direct sunlight that enters the house through the windows. If you are having a constant problem with the sunlight directly beaming on your window then a window awning is a great solution to your problem.

It functions the same way as window coverings that is installed inside the house such as curtains, blinds, and shades. However, window awnings are only installed outside of your house and can be more effective in blocking the sunlight.

Window awnings are commonly customizable to fit any size of windows. It can as well be great additional protection on your window to ensure that the sun won’t penetrate the interior of your home making it cooler.

There are so many styles you can choose from to fit the look that you want. You can go for a vintage window awning or a modernized design if you want a cleaner and sleeker aesthetic for your house.

A window awning is a great help all year round as it does not only prevent sunlight from coming in through your window, it also helps rain and snow from reaching your windowpane. You will be happy with how clean your window will be even during the snow season.

Door Awning

Another type of awning is a door awning. It has the same purpose as the window awning as most homeowners installed this type of awning to protect their door from the heat of the sun. If your doors are protected from the heat of direct sunlight, you can save on your electricity bill.

Without the sunlight penetrating your doors, you will never have to maximize your air conditioning, especially during summer.

Moreover, it can as well protect your door from rain and avoid the water seeping through the gaps on your door.

In Conclusion

There are so many options of outdoor awnings in the market that will make your shopping difficult. However, if you know what you want and what you need, you will never have any problems picking out the best awnings for you. In addition, you are now familiar with the different types of awnings which can also help you in choosing which product best fits your needs.