They say mistakes are inevitable, but the truth is, they can be prevented altogether if you know precisely what to avoid. There are so many individuals who are doing DIY awning installation on their homes but end up making a lot of mistakes that could have been avoided in the first place. 

You can check out the most common mistakes people make when installing an awning. This way, you will be aware and know how to avoid them when you encounter the same mistakes. 

Taking Wrong Measurements

Most individuals mess up a lot in awning installation during measurement. A problem will surely arise if you use incorrect measurements, as you will never obtain the precise units. As a result, you will have to install an awning that is smaller or bigger than the size of the area. 

You can use a tape measure with distinct units on it. It is the ideal measuring device that you can use to ensure that you will get the exact numbers that you need. It is advised to start measuring at the window or door height. 

Next, acquire the width after taking height measurements. Although the awning won’t lower to match the height of the window or door, it is still important to know so that the awning can cast a shadow over the area.

The majority of awnings will have their height and width specified. You can be certain of locating and installing the appropriate awning after you have the dimensions of your window and door.

Selecting the Incorrect Awning

Awnings come in two basic categories: fixed and retractable. Fixed awnings, in contrast to retractable awnings, are fixed in place with numerous stands and a frame and cannot be opened and closed as needed. 

This isn’t necessarily a drawback. If the factors that harm awnings, such as sudden storms and strong rain, are not common where your property is located, you do not need to get retractable ones. 

However, if you only choose to get a fixed one to avoid further complications and overlook the fact that your awning will need to withstand the outer environment, you’ll be making a serious error.

Choosing the Cheapest Available Model

When installing an awning, one of the aspects that should be taken into account are things such as fabric, price, quality, and simplicity of maintenance. Unfortunately, some people make the error of choosing the lowest option by solely taking the cost into account.

Even though you may be on a tight budget, a cheap awning could be of the lowest quality or least durable kind. Moreover, a  high-maintenance awning might be purchased, which would be more expensive in the long term. So, in addition to price, pick an awning that is dependable, long-lasting, and simple to maintain.

Using Standardized Window, Door, and Patio Designs

Awnings will need to be erected in several locations throughout your house, including the patio, where a different kind and size of awning is required. When you decide to install awnings on the doors and windows, specific awnings will also be required. 

In the misguided idea that every window and door in the house will be the same size, too many individuals purchase random awnings. Even if the doors and windows may appear to be the same size, it is always advisable to measure them and confirm their dimensions before moving on to anything else. 

If you have two patios, resist the urge to choose awnings that are similar and assume they will all fit on one patio. There are a few awnings that are designed expressly for windows, which you must be careful of as you may mistakenly install them on your door or patio. 

Additionally, certain awnings are primarily designed for doors, so you’ll need to install the appropriate type and size of the awning in the appropriate location.

Taking It on Beyond Your Capacity

When we begin measuring and documenting windows and doors for awnings, the majority of us ask, “How hard can it be?” The difficulty arises when there are too many variables to take into account, and if you attempt to accomplish the task on your own, you will almost certainly make mistakes. 

It’s preferable to operate at least in pairs because it’s simply too difficult to keep track of repetitive activities on your own. 

Of course, this isn’t because you can’t measure accurately. In this manner, neither person will be distracted as one measure and the other records. The entire process would then go more smoothly and in half the time it would have taken if you were alone.

Neglecting Correct Installation

Even though adding an awning may seem like a great do-it-yourself project, it is not always the best choice. You won’t want to jeopardize the security and comfort of others because of a poor awning installation. 

The last thing you would want while enjoying the cool outdoors with your visitors is for the hundreds of pounds of an awning to collapse on them. Therefore, it pays to hire a competent awning installer who can also offer advice on the ideal awning size and style for your particular house. 

Don’t forget to research the specialist to make sure you are working with someone who possesses the required knowledge and experience in the field.

The Coastwide Shade Sail team will gladly help you with installing awnings on your property. We will help you from choosing the right awnings up to the installation process. So, don’t hesitate to contact us now and inquire about our products and services.