The Pros and Cons of a Front Porch Awning

Adding a front porch awning to your home is an increasingly popular home improvement project. A front porch awning basically adds a water-resistant covering over your porch, often alongside a raised deck or veranda if one isn’t already there. This creates a sheltered zone from weather conditions such as sun, rain and snow, meaning you can sit outside your home in virtually all seasons.

When it comes to front porch awnings, the options are endless! With various materials and types of awnings available – fixed or retractable – you’re sure to find the perfect one to complement your home’s style.

Yes, a front porch awning may require a bit of an investment, but think of all its benefits! Not only does it provide shade and protection from the elements, but it can also add value and curb appeal to your home.

And with some care and maintenance, your front porch awning will last for years. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests while staying cool and comfortable.

So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to add a front porch awning, consider all the positives and imagine yourself relaxing in the shade on a hot summer day. It’s a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret!

A Front Porch Awning: The Pros

Front porch awnings deliver several benefits for homeowners, which is why they have become so popular; here are some of the biggest ones:

Weather Protection

The most apparent advantage of a front porch awning is that it keeps the worst of the outside weather conditions off your porch. This could be keeping the sun’s glare out of your eyes and UV rays off your skin or sheltering you from rain and even snow, meaning you can create a comfortable outside living space, whatever the weather. So don’t let the weather ruin your outdoor retreat! A front porch awning is your key to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can relax and unwind without worrying about the sun, rain, or even snow. So take control and create your own slice of paradise today!

Energy Savings

It mightn’t be the first thing you think of, but a front porch awning can help you save money on energy costs. That’s because awnings help reduce the solar heat gain of your home by up to 20°F, meaning you spend less on AC to cool your interior rooms. While this means awnings deliver benefits all over the country, they can be especially noticeable in sunbelt areas, with energy savings of up to 46% during sunny times, translating to over $200 off your electricity bills.

Shielding Outdoor Furniture

When outdoor furniture or decorations, such as carpet or painted walls, are exposed to the sun over long periods, they can get color-bleached and become dry and brittle. Installing a front porch awning means you can keep the harmful UV rays and heat off your home’s property as well as its people.

Increased Curb Appeal

The design choices that have become widely available, especially in recent years, mean that a front porch awning isn’t just purely functional; it’s also a chance for stylistic expression. A beautiful awning setup makes your home look better, which, combined with the extra comfortable living space created, adds value to your home.

Widely Customizable

There are numerous styles of awning and materials you can use to get the look you really want for your front porch. The first step is choosing from fixed awnings or retractable, and if those retractable awnings should be operated manually or motorized. Then you have your materials; choose from canvas or PVC-coated nylon or a sturdier choice of metals or hard plastic. There’s also the angle of the awning and, of course, the colors of the primary material and trim to consider. Pretty much whatever kind of front porch awning you want, your provider should be able to deliver.

A Front Porch Awning: The Cons

It’s important to know all sides of the story, including the potential downsides of installing a front porch awning. While the benefits are plentiful, it’s only fair to mention a few of the trade-offs:

Cost

The price of a front porch awning can run from $500 to $10,000, with an average installation setting you back around $2,500 – $3,500. This isn’t a small amount of money, especially if your heart is set on a motorized retractable awning covering a very large space. The price can be quite a significant consideration.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unlike your slate or tiled roof, the materials used for the awning are liable to collect dirt and grime over the course of the year and need regular cleaning. Long-term, your front porch awning will also pay the price in wear and tear for keeping the worst of the weather, such as strong winds or heavy snowfall, off your porch. This can mean that the material needs replacing along with its structure, especially the retractable arms, if exposed to too much weight or pressure. The cost of fabric repair or replacement can be up to $1,000, while the arms, brackets and springs that support it can also cost hundreds of dollars to replace.

Compatibility

Unfortunately, depending on your home’s location and how it’s built, a front porch awning or the specific type you want may not be possible. Section 3015 of the International Building Code (IBC), which is in place in most states, including California, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida outlines what can and can’t be done with front porch awnings.

Final Thoughts on Porch Awnings

A front porch awning can be a great addition to your home and has become a popular home improvement project nationwide, especially in the South and Southwest. A front porch awning protects you, your family and your guests from the worst elements, whether it’s searing sun or driving rain. Additionally, an awning can also save you money by reducing interior heat and lowering energy bills, as well as raising the value of your home. However, the drawbacks of the front porch awning include potentially high initial cost and the fact that it will need regular cleaning and possibly replacement parts or repairs.

Whatever your vision for a front porch awning for your home, it’s always best to talk to the professionals to see what your options are. At Screenmobile, our operators install awnings year-round in your area and can tell you all you need to know with no obligation. To find out more, contact your local Screenmobile operator now.