Different Awnings Parts for Different Styles
The reinvention of awnings has made them available in a multitude of different styles. Before purchasing, learn about which style is best for your home.The Stationary Awning
As the name suggests, this awning will stay put. Permanently installed to your home, a stationary awning is a good idea if you live in an environment that gets sun year round. This style is popular for many Southern homes as it protects against the constant barrage of heat and sun.The Retractable Awning
Do you live in an area that gets hit with the weather of all four seasons? Then a retractable awning could be the best option for your home. Awnings will collect leaves, debris, snow and even catch those occasional big gusts of wind, so the option to retract the awning during adverse weather is beneficial in making it last.The Motorized Awning
The motorized awning is a high-tech version the retractable awning and is perfect for those who don't want to mess around with pulling the awning back yourself. Some styles of motorized awnings even have a sensor that can detect rain and will retract or extend appropriately. With everything being technological in this day and age, why not awnings?Parts of an Awning
An awning has many different parts. Some parts may differ depending on the style of awning.Fabric Attachments
This part is the attachment of the awning’s fabric to the framework. It consists of the molding, which is a track system that latches the fabric onto the frame. Lacing, screws and staples help anchor and secure the fabric, preventing it from movement.
Substrate
The substrate is where the actual framework is attached. The substrate is an underlying surface beneath the frame, further ensuring the stability of the awning.Shapes
Awnings come in a variety of different shapes. The shape of the awning framework is an essential part of an awning.Shed
This is one of the most common shapes for an awning. The shed shape is highly versatile and the pitch can be changed for any structural style.Concave
The concave shape of this awning style has a slight curve in its middle. This makes for an eye-catching design that looks great on any architecture.Convex
Convex awnings have a middle curve that is the opposite of the concave awning. It's shape is also known as a waterfall awning.Gable
The gable awning is triangular in shape, coming outward from the wall in which it's mounted.Dome
Perhaps one of the most traditional shapes of an awning, the dome awning has been around for centuries. This interesting shape sets this awning style apart from the others.Valance
The valance hangs below the awning framework, it's meant for decorative purposes. Valances help embellish the look of an awning; sometimes the fabric of the valance is scalloped at the bottom for an ornamental look.Pulley System
Retractable awnings will typically have a pulley system that allows the awning to expand and contract. Ropes go through the pulley and can be pulled by the operator. For motorized awnings, there are more gears and parts involved but it has the same functionality as a retractable awning, the difference being the expanding and contracting can be done with a remote rather than manually.Expansion Anchors
These anchors fasten the awning to the surface of the building. A hole is drilled into the brick, concrete, or other material, and the expansion anchors are inserted into the holes to hold and support the awning. Anchors can be made from a variety of materials, like epoxy or aluminum.Arms
The arms of an awning offer support and angle off the sides of the awning to the building it's attached to. Arms are often made of a strong material to make sure the awning is not easily moved by wind or other outdoor elements.
