As glorious as Colorado’s 300 days of sun can be, we don’t blame you for wanting to catch a break every once in a while. If you’re hoping to enjoy your outdoor living space while staying cool in the shade (or staying dry during a spring shower!), a covered awning is a stylish way to do just that.
Our team at Krueger Brothers Construction believes that a life lived outdoors is a better kind of life, so we’ve compiled a list of stellar shade structures for you to consider. From versatile retractable awnings to stationary awnings that stand the test of time, these are the five best awnings available for your Colorado deck.
What Is an Awning?
Simply put, an awning is a roof-like extension that provides protection from the elements.
A well-built awning unlocks a world of possibilities for your outdoor living space: reading a book in the shade, grilling during a thunderstorm — even relaxing in the hot tub while the snow falls around you!
Awnings aren’t just functional, though. Because they come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, awnings can enliven your home with an added splash of personality. Here are the five best types of awnings for Colorado homeowners:
- Retractable awnings
- Portable awnings
- Mounted and stationary awnings
- Window awnings
- Motorized awnings
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are the most popular style. As the name suggests, you can extend them whenever you need extra protection for your deck, then retract them if the added coverage becomes unnecessary.
Retractable awnings are available with manual, electric, or remote-control operation. If you’d like to cut down on cost and don’t mind a light arm workout from time to time, manual is your best bet. If, on the other hand, you’re willing to spend top dollar for a luxurious experience, a remote-controlled awning will retract at the press of a button.
Remember: Awnings are built for durability, but they aren’t invincible! A retractable patio awning will sustain damage if it’s caught up in a strong wind gust. For added peace of mind, you can install a weather sensor that will automatically retract the awning in dangerous conditions.
The Bottom Line: Though retractable awnings are more expensive than the other types on our list, their adaptability and ease of use make them a top pick for Colorado homeowners.
Mounted and Stationary Awnings
Unlike the other awnings on our list, mounted/stationary awnings are designed for permanence. Consider this type of awning if you’ve got an area in your backyard that’s dedicated to sun- and snow-free relaxation.
These awnings can be attached:
- To the side of your home.
- Above a door or window.
- Directly to your deck.
- To a backyard gazebo or pergola.
Because these awnings are designed to be long-lasting, you’ll want to choose a material with world-class toughness. Metal has excellent longevity, but it’s prone to denting and rusting. Lots of Colorado homeowners opt for polycarbonate instead, because it’s durable and blocks out harsh sunlight.
The Bottom Line: If you want a long-term shade solution, we recommend a mounted/stationary awning that’s beautifully designed and carefully installed.
Window Awnings
Though window awnings don’t offer a great deal of coverage for your deck, they can still be a prudent upgrade to your home!
These awnings improve the lifespan of your windows by shielding them from bursts of rain and snow. Better yet, during Colorado’s warm summer months, they’ll cool your home by deflecting the sun’s rays. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised by the drop in their energy bills after installing outdoor shade structures.
Be sure to personalize your window covers based on the size, shape, and pattern of your windows. A high-end set of window awnings will improve the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space, boosting the overall value of your home.
The Bottom Line: To improve your home’s ability to regulate temperature and add character to your outdoor area, install a matching lineup of window awnings.
Motorized Awnings
We touched on the concept of a motorized awning in the “retractable awning” section, but it’s so cutting-edge that we think it’s worth revisiting.
Nobody wants the nagging stress of worrying about their shade structures each time a storm comes. If you equip your motorized awning with a sensor, it’ll detect the presence of inclement weather and retract all on its own. Not only is this technology sure to impress your friends and family — it’s a wise investment in the abiding value of your outdoor space.
The Bottom Line: For Colorado homeowners who want to go the extra mile, furnishing your awning with an electric motor is a tech-savvy way to cut down on stress.
Why Add an Awning?
If you’re on the fence about adding an awning to your deck, the experts at Krueger Brothers are here to help. We’ve put together five key benefits of installing an awning:
- Enhanced protection. An awning shields your deck and siding from harsh weather like rain, sleet, and snow.
- More space for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a midday brunch or watching an evening storm with your family, a carefully constructed awning will turn your home into the talk of the town.
- Improved energy efficiency. By reducing the amount of sunlight that enters your home (and deterring wind gusts in the winter), awnings help to keep your home’s temperature in the sweet spot.
- A boost in home value. An awning will increase the long-term value of your home, especially if it’s seamlessly integrated with the rest of your outdoor space.
- A chance to make the most of Colorado. Colorado’s gorgeous landscapes are meant to be fully embraced. With the newfound coverage from your awning, you’ll get to experience our state in all of its natural splendor.
Process of Adding an Awning
- Choose a location. Focus on the area that will give you the greatest value with the least amount of hassle.
- Select a style. By now, you’re an expert on the different types of awnings! If you’ve got a spacious deck, a retractable awning is a superb option; for folks who have a sprawling backyard, a freestanding awning might be the right move.
- Pick a fabric. Sift through the pros and cons of each type of material, aiming for one with the right balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Prepare to build — or hire a professional! Even for the simplest of awnings, DIY installation can be a pain. If you work with an experienced team like Krueger Brothers, we’ll guarantee that your awning is installed with precision and care from start to finish.
Costs to Add an Awning
As you might expect, the exact cost you pay for your awning will depend on many factors:
- Type of awning
- Size of awning
- Added features (motors, sensors, etc.)
- Your location
- Labor costs (if you don’t DIY)
These numbers aren’t set in stone, but our team has put together a rough estimate of what you should expect to pay:
- Umbrella and canopy awnings: $100 to $500
- Window awnings: $200 to $500 per window
- Mounted and stationary awnings: $500 to $3,000
- Freestanding awnings: $1,000 to $3,000
- Retractable awnings: $2,000 to $8,000
Get an Estimate for Your Dream Awning
Krueger Brothers Construction is Colorado Springs’ top installer of deck shade structures. We’ll listen carefully to your ideal vision for outdoor living, then work carefully to bring it to life. With over a decade of experience in the Pikes Peak region, our team is committed to excellence in everything we do.
Let’s work together to transform your outdoor living space into a safe haven for outdoor enjoyment.
Last Modified on 30 November 2022