Awnings allow people to enjoy outdoor activities, avoid excessive heat, sun exposure, and mild rains by controlling the shading and light exposure on your deck, window, patio, terrace, or balcony. The use of shading will also help protect your carpet, furniture, and drapes by blocking UV rays.

Depending on which direction your window faces, awnings can reduce interior temperatures during warm weather between 8 and 15 degrees. This can reduce your air-conditioning energy costs considerably. Awnings can reduce solar heat gain by 65% on south facing windows and 77% on west facing windows.

Awnings can be stationary, freestanding, or retractable. Traditional awnings can have sides or be open, and pitch can be adjusted. A standard projection would be approximately half the height of your window. For example, a window that measures 48 inches in height would have an awning with a 24-inch projection.

All awning hardware must be mounted on either window frame or exterior wall to keep the awning level. If there is not enough room above window, patio, door, etc. awnings can be mounted on roof brackets.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com