Awnings are probably the most versatile and useful addition to the home, both for covering decks or patios, and for window protection. They have been used for centuries in many cultures, both for protective purposes, such as open-air markets, as well as distinctively designed for business recognition, especially for restaurants and hotels. However, it can be very expensive to have an awning commercially installed.
Do-It-Yourself awning kits are a much more feasible and inexpensive method of achieving the same results. For a reasonably skilled DIY enthusiast, even building an awning from scratch can be a weekend project.
Benefits of Awnings
Awnings are of great benefit during the warm weather months, by providing shade from the sun and rain, increasing the usefulness of the deck or patio during all warm weather conditions. The ability to relax, fully protected from the hot sun, while still enjoying the fresh air, makes an awning a valuable addition.
Awnings placed on windows, especially southern facing windows, will reduce the solar heat from entering the home, saving on air conditioning costs. This is a much brighter solution than heavy, light-blocking draperies. Covering the patio or deck with an awning also permits extended use of this area during cooler weather, allowing you to continue grilling foods for healthier meals, even year round. Installing an awning over an entrance door provides protection from the elements while unlocking and entering the home.
Types of Awnings
There are many types of awnings from which to choose. The first consideration should be whether the best option for your home will be a fixed or retractable awning. The fixed style, as the name implies, remains in position at all times, while the retractable style allows you to choose when the cover is in place. Retractable awnings are normally constructed with sturdy awning material that will endure years of exposure to the weather.
However, the fact that they can be retracted when not in use, either by means of a crank or motor, further extends the life of the fabric. The retractable awning can be especially useful for windows, extended when the sunlight is not wanted in the home, then retracted to permit the sun to add solar warmth to the home when desired. However, there are many beautifully styled fixed awnings that will enhance the beauty of your home, while also providing protection. Either type are widely available in easily installed awning kits, with all materials and instructions included.
Once you have decided on the type of awning, fixed or retractable, the next choice will be the desired awning cover material to be used. If you have not already made that decision, spend a little time browsing online for ideas, or look around the neighborhood, snapping pictures of any awnings you see that interest you. It can be amazing how many different materials are used for this purpose.
Most retractable awnings are constructed of fabric, while fixed awnings can be made of wood, acrylic plastic, fabric, metal, shingles, or polycarbonate. While all these cover materials have advantages and disadvantages, budget and personal preference will most likely be the deciding factors. Checking local building supply stores and online sites to find awning material for sale will be an excellent method of deciding how much to budget for your project.
DIY Awning Installation
If you have chosen one of the awning kits, they should include all materials needed to complete the project, except for the required tools. They should also contain step-by-step instructions. Many building supply stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, have books that contain excellent tips, plans and other helpful information.
However, to get you started on a built-from-scratch awning, the first thing needed is information on how to build an awning frame, as this is the basis of the entire project. While the frame can be constructed from many different materials, the basics of a wooden frame will be detailed. These basics can be adjusted for any other materials you choose, from metal conduit to PVC piping.
Attach a header board, usually 2×6, along the side of the house, leaving at least 2 inches or more to allow room for the roofing. It is vital that the header is firmly attached to studs for stability. Next, place the support posts, using treated 4×4 or larger, on concrete footings, at least every 8 feet for proper support.
The footing can be as simple as digging a hole and filling it with concrete, if not using existing deck or patio supports. The length of the support poles will determine the pitch of the awning, and you will want enough pitch to allow rain or snow to drain off. If you are not sure of how to calculate the pitch, it can be determined by resting a board on the installed header and sloping it toward where the end support posts will be placed. As you may be too close to tell, have an assistant stand back and judge that the slope angle is sufficient. Then measure the support posts accordingly, allowing extra if the posts are to be placed into pre-dug holes, instead of being fastened with brackets on the surface of the footing. After the support posts are in place, securely attach a header at this end also.
Once the basic beginning and end of the awning roof is in place, attaching hangers to the headers to hold the rafters is much easier than toe-nailing them into place. These hangers should be attached to hold 2×4 rafters on 16 inch centers, flush with the header top. After all the rafters are in place, there is really nothing left except installing the actual roofing of your choice.
The beauty of installing this wooden frame is that the roofing can be easily changed when desired. It is also much sturdier and resistant to wind and weather damage and will easily support any type of roofing material desired. Before making any home renovation, however, always check building permit requirements or restrictions.
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