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Porch is a great addition to your house for relaxing in the summer. It is an extension of the indoor space that takes you outdoors. But to enjoy a porch you need a safe good quality awning that can withstand well, the action of the elements. Porch awnings are today used in residential homes, caravans, campers and commercial establishments.

Whether it is the front porch or the back porch of your hose, the basic function of a porch awning is to provide a roof to shelter from sun and rains. Porch awnings also prevent premature deterioration of patio or other outdoor furniture. Today, porch awnings are also used to add to the beauty of the house. People now go for awnings in attractive designs and colors. After all, awning of the porch is the first thing visitors to your home notice. An ugly awning can give the wrong impressions.

There are many kinds of porch awnings. The simplest types of canopy are made from simple canvas. Then there are awnings made from aluminum, metals and synthetic materials such as acrylic, polyester and vinyl. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Canvas awning: Among these the canvas is the cheapest to buy and install. Being light weight, canvas does not need strong mounting supports. Plus, canvas comes in a wide variety of colorful designs. However, canvas is not very long lasting. It needs proper maintenance to make it last longer. Canvas fabric to day comes treated to be water repellent and resistant to molds and mildews.

Aluminum porch awnings: The more durable types of awnings are made from aluminum and synthetic materials, but they are expensive and may not suit the budget of many. Despite its cost aluminum is one of the more popular awning materials. It is durable and very resistant to the elements. Aluminum has the added advantage of being a low maintenance, more attractive and sophisticated awning material. It comes in a variety of colors that are resistant to fading and peeling.

Metal porch awnings: The style and construction of a metal porch is the same as that of an aluminum porch awning. Metal awnings are more durable and costlier. Metal awnings are best suited for places with harsh climate or in commercial establishments where the wear and tear is more. That is not to say they cannot be used in normal residential houses.

Caravan porch awnings: Canvas and synthetic materials, used for tents, are best suited for a caravan porch awning, especially if you are going for a long trip. These flexible awnings help extend the limited space of your camper or caravan. You can have extra storage space or with a bigger awning you could also have a dining room or an extra bedroom. These awnings have frames of aluminum or steel to make them resistant to the elements. Caravan porch awnings come in a host of colors and designs that will add to the beauty of your caravan. It was difficult to install them till a few years. Advanced technology has now made them easy to install. Caravan porch awnings are almost always retractable or collapsible; therefore dismantling them has become simpler. They are cheaper than full porch awnings.

Retractable porch awning: If you can afford it, you should go for a retractable porch awning. A retractable awning is what it says. The awning can be rolled back to give you an al fresco porch. Retractable awnings lend some flexibility to the porch. If the weather is right you can relax or entertain right under the open sky. Canvas is normally used for retractable porch awnings.

Porch awnings are normally custom made to accord with the measurement of your porch. There are no such things as standard porch awnings since the area to cover with an awning varies widely. It is best to hire professionals to install a home awning, since they are more permanent structures and are more exposed to the elements. The professionals will also give you useful tips on how to prolong the life span of your porch awning.