Add A Room To Your Home With A Patio Awning

Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio off of your backyard that only gets half the use it could because of rain or far too bright sun? Installing a patio awning to shade and protect it can be almost as good as adding a room to your home!

When choosing a patio awning, you'll need to consider a number of things ? the area that needs to be covered, the structure on which the awning will be installed (usually your house), the weather conditions in your area, the cost and the aesthetics. There are many types and styles of patio awning available to suit your needs ? once you're certain what your needs are.

The most often stated reasons for installing a patio awning are:

- Protection from Weather

A patio awning provides shade from the sun and cover from rain, to extend the usability of your patio and make it more comfortable at all times of the day.

- Protection of Your Investment

Patio furniture and wood floors or patio carpets are a substantial financial investment. A patio awning helps protect that investment from the damaging UV rays of the sun. In addition, if your patio has full glass sliding doors, the patio awning will also help protect the carpets and furnishings inside your home from those same harmful rays.

- Energy Efficiency

Besides shading the patio itself, installing a patio awning can reduce the heat of your home's interior by as much as 70%, which can be a major savings in electricity if you're paying for air conditioning.

- Low construction costs

Patio awnings ? even fancy retractable ones with built-in lighting and heating ? cost far less than adding a full room to your home, but in many cases, the effect is almost the same ? expanded living and entertainment space.

- Aesthetics

Patio awnings come in an almost limitless array of colors and designs. A well-made patio awning can add beauty to your home while providing shade and comfort for you.

What type of patio awning is best? That depends on your patio, where you live, and how you use your patio. Some of the most popular styles and their best setting are listed below.

- Fixed Patio Awning

Fixed awnings are not usually recommended as patio awnings. They're designed to withstand extremes of weather conditions, and cannot be rolled back. If you're planning a patio area that you'll sometimes want to expose to full sun, a retractable awning is a far better choice.

- Retractable Patio Awning

Retractable patio awnings are designed to be retracted during extremes of weather to prevent damage to the awning. They can be retracted via a hand crank or a motorized pulley, and some of the latest styles even feature automatic wind and rain sensors to close the awning whether or not you're there to push a button. You can choose patio awnings that retract completely into a compact 'cassette' frame, that have installed lighting or heating, as well as patio awnings that are specially constructed for windy areas or for full tilt-angle control to adjust your shade precisely.

A consultation with a professional dealer and patio awning installer will give you the best idea of what sort of patio awning will suit your needs best.

Garry John has contributed to several home improvement sites including http://www.uk-awnings.org.uk/awnings with details of http://www.uk-awnings.org.uk/patio.htmlpatio awnings

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Israeli Armored Personal Carriers drive to the Gaza Strip, near Israel's border with Gaza, southern Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009.  Israeli tanks, infantry and aircraft hammered dozens of Hamas targets overnight Wednesday as Israel's leaders discussed whether to expand the 12-day operation meant to stop rocket fire into Israel. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)AP - Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt after a three-hour lull to allow in humanitarian aid. Hamas responded with a rocket barrage. Despite the heavy fighting, strides were made on the diplomatic front with the U.S. throwing its weight behind a deal being brokered by France and Egypt.



President-elect Barack Obama gestures during a news conference at his transition office in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, where he introduced Nancy Killefer, not shown, to the newly created position of chief performance officer. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - Pointing with concern to "red ink as far as the eye can see," President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs — even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy.



Illinois U.S. Senate Appointee Roland Burris, left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)AP - Senate Democrats beat a hasty retreat Wednesday from their rejection of Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor, yielding to pressure from Obama himself and from senators irked that the standoff was draining attention and putting them in a bad light. Burris said with a smile he expected to join them "very shortly."



Workers put bullet proof glass on President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Reviewing Stand on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)AP - The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.



President-elect Barack Obama is welcomed by President George W. Bush for a meeting at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, with former presidents, from left, George H.W. Bush, Bill  Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP - Confronting a grim economy and a Middle East on fire, Barack Obama turned Wednesday to perhaps the only people on the planet who understand what he's in for: the four living members of the U.S. presidents' club.



Vice President Dick Cheney waits for senators to arrive to administer re-enactments of the Senate oath, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - Vice President Dick Cheney said Wednesday it would be a mistake for President-elect Barack Obama to scrap the Bush administration's terrorist-fighting policies designed to prevent future attacks on the U.S.



AP - A federal judge has ordered the arrest of an Alabama sheriff who was held in contempt of court for failing to adequately feed jail inmates while profiting from the skimpy meals.

This undated handout illustration provided by The Johns Hopkins University shows the massive 30-foot wingspan of the toothless pteranodon, left, was surpassed by that of Hatzegopteryx, right, at 40 feet or more. Pterosaurs, sometimes weighed more than 500 pounds, and yet they soared above the other dinosaurs. Experts couldn't figure out how  because no bird can get that big could get off the ground. A new study has figured out how they did it: By leaping into the air from all fours - unlike any other flyers in history (except the vampire bats). (AP Photo/Johns Hopkins University, Mark Witton)AP - The Jurassic version of jumbo jets — huge flying creatures weighing hundreds of pounds — is a mystery of dinosaur-era flight: How did something so big get off the ground? A Johns Hopkins University biologist thinks he has figured out the answer.



AP - An eastern Pennsylvania man may face up to 37 years in prison for tearing open a neighbor's door with a chain saw. Police say 34-year-old Robert Kane began sawing through the front door of Jamie Zaleski's apartment in Scranton while Zaleski and several friends ran out the back.

In this Nov. 30, 2008 file photo, New York Jets coach Eric Mangini looks up at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cleveland Browns have agreed to hire Eric Mangini as their head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)AP - Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Mangini's contract has not been finalized.



An Israeli soldier jumps off an armoured personnel carrier (APC) after crossing into Israel from the northern Gaza Strip January 7, 2009. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)Reuters - Israeli aircraft and tanks pounded the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and troops battled Palestinian guerrillas on the ground as U.S. backing for a proposed truce raised expectations of an end to the 12-day-old offensive.



President Bush greets President-elect Barack Obama at the White House, November 10, 2008. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, the result of an economic recession that has cut tax receipts and caused massive government bailouts of banks and automakers.



Senate-designate Roland Burris talks with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as Senator Richard Durbin sits in Reid's office on Capitol Hill, January 7, 2009. (Larry Downing/Reuters)Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday to swear in Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.



United Auto Workers (UAW) President Ron Gettelfinger (C) addresses the media as UAW Vice-Presidents listen at the UAW Solidarity House in Detroit, Michigan December 12, 2008. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)Reuters - United Auto Workers bargaining teams are arriving this week in Detroit as the union gears up for negotiations with General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, which are mandated to cut labor costs under a $17.4 billion federal bailout.



Eggs are stacked up at an egg farm in San Diego County, July 29, 2008. (Mike Blake/Reuters)Reuters - An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.



Reuters - The case of Ali al-Marri, accused of being an al Qaeda "sleeper" agent and held for 5-1/2 years at a U.S. military prison in South Carolina, will be an early test for President-elect Barack Obama.

A door gunner on a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter keeps a watch on the terrain during a resupply mission in eastern Afghanistan December 25, 2008. (Bob Strong/Reuters)Reuters - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.



Bernard Madoff is escorted in a vehicle from Federal Court in New York, January 5, 2009. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)Reuters - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff should be jailed for violating a court order by mailing $1 million worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry to friends and family, U.S. prosecutors told a court on Wednesday.



Smoke billows following an Israel air strike in Rafah near the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.(AFP/Said Khatib)AFP - Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.



A local worker controls a gas valve and the gas pressure at the gas-main center of FGSZ Natural Gas, in Vecses, Hungary. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday laid down terms for a resumption of Russian gas shipments via Ukraine to Europe as tens of thousands of Europeans suffered heating cuts amid freezing weather.(AFP/Attila Kisbenedek)AFP - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday laid down terms for a resumption of Russian gas shipments via Ukraine to Europe as tens of thousands of Europeans suffered heating cuts amid freezing weather.




Heat Up the Hot Tub from 20,000 Feet

Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the appliances in... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides being naturally... Read More

Country Home Accessories

Country home décor is the most sought after home interior and it's... Read More

Modern Rugs Add Color, Texture, Interest and Space Definition To Your Room

Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines.... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home decorating.Color affects... Read More

Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For Selecting Perfect Flooring

DESIGN STYLESWith thousands of colors and styles to select from today it... Read More

Planning Your In-Wall Speaker System

So you've finally decided to get your favorite music throughout your house.... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Trees and How They Can Affect Development when Applying for Planning

Like most folk, I believe that more can be achieved in life... Read More

Electrical Home Inspection: What You Need to Know!

Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to your new... Read More

Pool Decks ? Add Ambiance to Your Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained in popularity... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about. But, the... Read More

Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years in many... Read More

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a... Read More

Asphalt Paving Driveway Maintenance Tips

Asphalt paving or Hot Mix Asphalt is typically what one thinks of... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth

It's now well into the new year and the residential development scene... Read More

11 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper: How to Get Rid of Ugly Wallpaper!

I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again. The only... Read More

Consumer Guides: Finding A Quality Contractor and Power Washing Tips

Power washing is the application of high pressure water spray. Some of... Read More

Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes

Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless steel, and... Read More

Mexican Artisans Promote the Use of Recycled Copper in the Fabrication of Their World Famous Copper

For many years copper has been the main raw material used by... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light on your... Read More

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Rights of Light to Adjoining Neighbours Windows - What You Should Know

Rights of light - What a minefield this topic is when developing... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence. It's been... Read More

Choosing Blinds For Damp Atmospheres

There are some important things to consider when choosing blinds for the... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to understand the... Read More

The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams

A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools you can... Read More

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with basements will... Read More

Contractor Referral

"As a contractor with 16 years of experience and speaking on behalf... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't know why?... Read More

Light Up Your Kitchen with the Right Lighting!

The proper lighting in a room can make or break it. With... Read More

How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface

My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is good and... Read More

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!

Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you miss the... Read More

How To Identify A Quality Interior Shutter

1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be smooth and... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and... Read More

An Introduction to Air Compressors

Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and are often... Read More

Operation Closet

When the wife comes to you one fine day and says, "dear,... Read More

Repairing Your Own Machine Components

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the repair of... Read More

Housing and Smart Houses; Energy Self Sufficient Possibilities

Housing and smart houses. I believe that we could have avoided this... Read More

Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home

Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the basement knows... Read More

Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the following issues:... Read More

Five Ways to Create a Healthy Home

Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy or unhealthy?... Read More

Brighten Up Your Patio With Sun Catchers

Sun catchers add sparkle and beauty to any room in your home.... Read More

The Art of Ice Dam Removal

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not... Read More

10 Things To Consider Before Planning And Installing A New Bathroom

Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make improvements to... Read More

Aluminium Conservatories

The conservatory is a popular addition to homes around the world and... Read More

Single hung aluminum window glass repair

Let's talk about repairing broken glass in an aluminum frame single hung... Read More

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally ready to... Read More