One of the most devastating things for any human being is the inability to go outside and enjoy the summer sun or simply sit with a mug of tea, enjoying the brisk nature of Autumn. However, both pose certain risks. One causes sun burn and possible disease, with the other possibly leading to wide range of seasonal sicknesses. What can you do besides put on the proper clothing and hope for the best? House awnings, like patio and deck awnings, are a great solution.
What is an Awning?
Put simply, an awning is a shading device attached to a building at a degree that allows it to catch sun and rain. The oldest known of all exterior patio awnings is known as the velarium. Used in Ancient Rome, this retractable awning provided shade to Roman royals as they viewed the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum. Since that time, awning technology has evolved considerably. For instance, most awnings are now motorized so they can be automatically extended and retracted. Typically, the mechanism is controlled by a wall mounted switch near the installation site.
What Are the Benefits of Installing Deck Awnings?
- Improved Comfort
- Natural Air Conditioning Equals Lower Costs
- Protection from the Sun
One of the biggest advantages of using deck awnings is their ability to grant improved comfort year round. When you use awnings for decks and awnings for patios, you can enjoy your time outdoors whether it is pouring rain or the sun is shining high in the sky. Many who install awnings for homes are doing so for the single reason of wanting an area where they can sit with a book, a drink, and friends and family while watching the seasons fly by.
Consider, when you use lightly colored, yet thick curtains you can keep your home cool from the inside. Properly installed deck awnings, for example, can reduce 65% of heat from southern windows and 77% from eastern and western windows, according to the Consumer Energy Center. Naturally reducing the amount of sun hitting your home in such high amounts will go a long way in knocking a sizable amount off the $280 Americans pay on average for air conditioning annually, according to CarbonRally.com.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting well over 3.5 million people. One of the main causes of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun and its harsh UV rays. Deck awnings provide a considerable amount of protection from these dangerous rays. In fact, certain awnings have high enough UV ratings to almost completely shield us from UV radiation.
Installing deck awnings or other types of awnings for your home can be the key to getting a great new aesthetic. However, for many homeowners there are more important benefits to consider; greater comfort, reduced utility costs, and protection from the dangers of the sun number among those. If you want an easy way to improve these things for your home, what is stopping you from using a high quality awning for your deck or patio? Read more like this: Awnings for patio