Best of Porch Motorhome Awnings

Porch motorhome awnings offer an alternative to the more bulky full size awnings, and give you more protection than the simple retractable kinds. As such they are a compromise between the two, both in terms of cost and in ease of use. A porch awning is mainly designed to give you a bit more living space, or storage space, depending on your needs.

They are designed to fit all types of motorhome, and are attached with support arms and ground fittings. Many people use them to put their dirty clothing and shoes in, which stops any unpleasant smells entering your home. There is also the option to extend and customise the size of the porch by adding side panels and windows. Windows will offer more ventilation and allow a cool breeze to flow throughout the entire motorhome on very hot days, whilst keeping the actual awning space cooler as well.

Full size annexes can also be added with the necessary attachments and poles. This may be an option if you have bought a porch size awning but want to upgrade without having to pay for the more expensive annex sizes. On colder days there is the option of buying a heater to keep things warmer. A ground sheet is a useful addition, and most of these are made from anti rot materials and are easily cleaned off after use.

Storage is a consideration when you are travelling, and the smaller size of porch awnings gives them an advantage over larger, more bulky designs. If you have a retractable design then you can always attach the porch to that for extra support. You can also buy stand alone, or driveaway porches, and these give you more freedom whilst on your travels because you can just drive away and leave them standing.

Make sure you take your measurements down first. Also ensure that the porch will not encroach over any windows or side doors of your motorhome apart from the one's you actually want to cover. This is a common mistake made by many owners who find the size is too big to fit just right. Read up on the dimensions first, this is the golden rule. Check the height as well, so that it matches the height of your motorhome.

Porch awnings offer a perfect compromise between the larger annexes and the retractable models. The prices reflect this as well. A well looked after porch will offer comfort and protection for years to come, and make a useful addition to any motorhome.

New Did You Know That Awnings Can Save You Money?

In today's economy saving money is important. An American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers study showed that an awning can reduce heat gain by 55 to 65 percent on southern-facing windows and 72 to 77 percent on western exposures. This results in a direct energy savings for you. A porch awning is a great investment for your front or back porch. 

Consider these benefits of having awnings on your porch or windows:

They reduce your energy costs by cooling the air adjacent to your home
They provide additional shade when the sun is lower in the sky to increase your porch enjoyment
They add privacy
They can be used to convert your porch into a screen porch
They add ambiance and curb appeal to your home

Awnings come in all price ranges, styles, and models  

You are sure to find one to fit your specific requirements. Perhaps the most versatile style awning is the motorized retractable awning. This allows you to retract the awning at the touch of a button (some are remote control). Both the manual and motorized retractable models give you an energy advantage all year long. In the summer, the awning will decrease the heat on your porch or your windows. In winter, retract the awning to allow the sun's rays to warm your home thus decreasing your heating bills.  

Another nice feature is that some awnings are designed for windy areas. These models usually have reinforced supports, can be angled back to the wall or placed vertically on the floor, reinforced mounting plates, and heavier fabrics. In addition, you can find wind sensors that you attach to your awning so that it will automatically close on windy days. You won't have to worry about your awning when you are on vacation.  

Awning accessories  

You can easily convert some models to screen rooms giving you an enclosed porch.  Lighting kits are also available for awnings to make them even more versatile. Not only that but you have a wide variety of awning fabric color choices. From solids to stripes, you can find a pattern and color to suit your decorating needs.  Awning fabrics are usually made from water-repellent acrylic materials to look attractive and last a long time. Most fabrics protect you from UVA and UVBs rays. Choose a light color or light color combination to reflect as much heat as possible.  

Aluminum awnings are meant for long wear and provide a weather tight seal. However, there doesn't seem to be as many color and design options.

Considerations when purchasing awnings

When purchasing an awning makes sure it drains well. Consider where your awning will be located as water runoff could be an issue. The size of the awning will dictate how much water you'll have to direct. In addition to water, make sure your awning can be vented to release any trapped hot air.  

Now you know a few considerations when purchasing and installing a porch or window awning. In the summer time, additional shade gives you more opportunities to really enjoy your porch.

Elegant Introduction to Metal and Aluminum Porch Awnings

Welcome to the website! Metal deck awnings are an attractive alternative to other forms of sun shading and enclosure -- uncomplicated, durable, and the price is right. First and foremost, they block out the sun and other elements and encourage you to use your deck or patio when you otherwise wouldn't due to temperature and other weather conditions. Another advantage to Metal deck awnings is that they protect patio furniture and other accessories from fading, raining damage, or getting blown away in hurricanes (as Florida residents know) and high winds. No awning or fabric sunshade can claim to do that, and metal is much more durable than any of these as well. And in actuality, though they're called "Metal deck awnings" they aren't just for decks! Metal covers have a wide range of applications, from decks and porches to carports and boat covers, to standalone structures.

Construction: The majority of Metal deck awnings are aluminum, and they have advanced a great deal in recent years in terms of asthetic appeal. Modern aluminum patio covers are sleek , elegant and designed to match wood and any other materials your home might be built from. Not all Metal deck awnings are enclosed either. Some are designed to block some, but not all sunlight, such as the open lattice style. Deck awnings can also come in vinyl, a sturdy and maintenance-free material that outlasts its wood counterparts ten to one.

The best forms of aluminum covers are rust resistant and don't require paint - if you purchase a more inexpensive version that requires periodic touch-ups you'll need to get a certain kind of paint designed especially for use with aluminum and alumawood structures.

Installation: Many Metal deck awnings come in a convenient do-it-yourself kit that is easy enough for most homeowners to install. There's also a variety of plans available for people with more construction experience. Keep in mind, if you build your own patio cover than it's on you if it ends up having any kind of problem down the line: leaks, wobbles, gaps and crevices. To properly construct your own patio cover, you must have knowledge of where to insulate, where to reinforce, where the lighting will come from, and so on.

For those who can't or rather wouldn't fool with building or assembling a metal patio cover themself, there's always the option of hiring a contractor to handle the particulars. If you go this route, you can be sure the get the right variety of patio cover for your home and particular climate, and have it profesionally added in a way that doesn't look like an afterthought.

Prices: Keep in mind going in that a metal patio cover is going to be a fairly significant investment on your part. To give you an idea, here's a break down of several popular models, their sizes and pricing.

12' x 14' Open Lattice Aluminum Cover, attached, maintenance free: $ 1600
10' x 20' Arrow Buildings Vinyl Deck cover, attached, vinyl-coated w/ galvanized steel: $ 1600
10' x 20' Classic Solid Aluminum Cover, attached: $ 1500
10' x 18' Classic Aluminum Solid Cover, attached: $ 1400
10' x 20' Classic Open Lattice Aluminum Cover, attached: $ 2200
8' x 10' Vinyl Patio Cover, attached: $ 2000
20' x 14' Vinyl Patio Cover, attached: $ 4500
8' x 10' Vinyl Patio Cover, freestanding: $ 2600
20' x 14' Vinyl Patio Cover, freestanding: $ 5000