Quality awnings are an excellent way to improve outdoor spaces by providing shade and keeping items like furniture away from harsh sunlight and weather conditions. When you’re browsing for awnings, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is what kind of material to get. While there are many options on the market suitable for various environments, one material tends to stand out above the rest — aluminum.
Aluminum is a high-quality material with durability and strength. In this article, you can learn more about aluminum awnings, how this material impacts an awning’s life span, strategies for maximizing awning longevity and why aluminum is a superior material choice.
Understanding the Durability of Aluminum Awnings
Aluminum is a superior material for awnings because it has unique properties that ensure longevity and deliver long-term benefits and cost savings. Noteworthy aspects of aluminum awnings include:
- Corrosion resistance: A significant advantage of aluminum is the material’s corrosion resistance. As an outdoor structure, your awning faces various weather elements. Corrosion can cause significant problems for some materials and require regular maintenance or frequent repairs. While rain and snow can impact materials like iron, aluminum can resist the weather’s adverse impacts.
- Lightweight yet durable: Aluminum is lightweight but durable, making it excellent for structures like awnings. Aluminum’s enhanced durability prevents it from succumbing to common issues like warping, cracking, twisting or bending, improving longevity. Additionally, its light weight means your awning places less stress on the structure you attach it to, preventing excessive wear and tear over time. Installation can also be more efficient, translating to cost savings while ensuring a strong, durable structure for lasting peace of mind.
- Low maintenance requirements: Aluminum’s low maintenance requirements also contribute to its long-lasting durability. The lack of upkeep necessary to maintain your awning means you have peace of mind that it will perform well with simple cleaning to remove dirt and debris that can buildup over time. You can have fewer concerns regarding performance, save time and feel confident in your choice of structure for the years to come.
Comparing Different Types of Awning Materials
While every type of awning material can suit different needs, it’s beneficial to consider the fundamental properties of each type that can impact awning longevity and how these properties can be more beneficial in some situations than others. Take a look at how aluminum compares to other common awning metals:
- Aluminum vs. steel: Steel is also an extremely durable awning material option. This material can withstand many natural elements and can offer long life spans with proper care. However, steel is much heavier than aluminum, which means your awning may put excessive stress on attached components or be unsuitable for some locations. Additionally, the weight of steel, among other factors, can raise the initial price tag, making it less cost-effective for some buyers.
- Aluminum vs. copper: Like aluminum, copper is corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance. Copper’s properties make it a great choice when seeking enhanced durability. However, copper is softer than steel and typically more expensive than aluminum.
- Aluminum vs. galvanized steel: Galvanized steel awnings differ from steel awnings because they have a protective zinc coating. This coating prevents the material from corroding, making it more suitable for outdoor applications. However, like regular steel options, these awnings are heavier and can cost more than aluminum.
- Aluminum vs. wrought iron: Wrought iron awnings are more common in settings looking to create classic appeal through ornate designs. The elegance of wrought iron makes it an exceptional choice for heritage buildings and restoration projects. However, these awnings demand regular maintenance to ensure longevity and long-lasting beauty.
Factors Affecting the Average Life Span of an Awning
Aluminum awnings typically last between 20 and 30 years with proper care. It’s worth noting the factors that can impact your awning’s life span to determine your awning’s specific needs. Generally, these are the main factors to consider:
- Weather elements: Sun exposure, wind and rain can impact awning longevity. While aluminum can resist extreme weather conditions, it’s important to consider the long-term impacts of harsh weather. For example, extreme heat and excessive winds can impact your awning’s structural integrity, making it imperative to administer proper maintenance or repairs if you encounter severe weather.
- Maintenance routines: Maintenance and preventive care strategies contribute to the longevity of your awning. Dirt and debris will build on your awning over time, and simple cleaning techniques can significantly impact its life span. Proper maintenance keeps components functioning, helps your awning maintain its aesthetic beauty and enhances your property’s appearance.
- Finish and material quality: Protective coatings can prevent wear and tear. Options like powder coating and anodizing can enhance your awning’s corrosion resistance and durability. Anodic coatings help prevent pitting, chipping or flaking, and other types of coatings and sealants can deliver additional benefits to expand life spans.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial for a long-lasting and functional structure. Poor installation can translate to your awning being more susceptible to harsh wind, rain and other elements, potentially causing extensive damage to your awning or attached structures. Additionally, low-quality hardware and other components can lead to premature awning deterioration.
- Design or style: A final consideration is your chosen design or style. While many modern awnings feature motorized components or smart setups, intricate designs and complex styles can demand more maintenance. While you can maintain a long-lasting awning with these features, it is crucial to deliver the necessary care to ensure the function and integrity of these components.
Maintenance Tips to Extend How Long Aluminum Awnings Last
Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keeping your awning in good condition, and these strategies are easy to handle yourself. Generally, it’s best to clean your awning at least once every few months. For more in-depth cleaning steps, take a look at the tips below:
- Use a brush or broom to remove any dirt or debris buildup gently.
- Apply polish or cleaners to a soft cloth for cleaning.
- Rub the cloth and cleaning solution in a circular motion for even distribution.
- Use a dry, clean cloth to remove excess cleaning solution.
- Buff your awning with a clean cloth to restore shine.
- Try aluminum restoration products if you notice your awning becoming faded or dull.
- Always follow directions on cleaning or polishing solutions and only use suitable combinations.
As you craft a care plan for your awning, it’s also important to consider maintenance steps. Here are some common preventive strategies to implement:
- Inspect for damage or loose parts: As you prepare to clean your awning, take some time to inspect the structure for any damage or loose parts. If you identify any problems, try to determine the cause and avoid using the structure until you can address the issue.
- Address minor repairs promptly: Even minor issues can present significant problems over time. When small pieces stop supporting your structure or function incorrectly, other components often receive excessive stress. This additional stress can lead to the premature wear or failure of other parts, causing a much more costly issue. Always address repair needs promptly, and contact a professional if you have any concerns or problems.
- Request professional inspections and services: Although you can administer many maintenance steps on your own, requesting routine professional services can help extend the life span of your awning. Professionals can quickly identify any issues and have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose potential underlying problems you may not be aware of. As a general rule of thumb, aim to request a professional service annually.
Cost Analysis for How Long Awnings Last
Cost is often a significant consideration when deciding on improvement projects or which materials and components to use. Here, we’ll provide a breakdown of aluminum costs, including your initial investment and possible savings over time.
The exact cost of your awning can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the design, motorized components and the size of the structure. Like most awning types, aluminum awnings can appear to have a high initial cost. Here’s how aluminum compares to other materials:
- Steel awnings are often more expensive than aluminum awnings due to their increased weight.
- Copper awnings are typically the most expensive in terms of initial investment.
- Galvanized steel awnings often have slightly higher price tags than regular steel due to the addition of zinc.
- Wrought iron prices can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the awning design.
After the initial investment, aluminum awnings can offer opportunities for long-term savings. For instance, low maintenance requirements help you save money on repairs, cleaning supplies and professional service costs. Additionally, the long life span of aluminum awnings enables you to make fewer structure investments while you own the property. Furthermore, aluminum awnings can increase the building’s energy efficiency, creating opportunities for utility savings.
Benefits of Choosing an Aluminum Awning
If you’re still unsure whether aluminum awnings are the best choice for you, consider some other factors. These are a few of the many additional benefits of choosing an aluminum awning:
- Customization options: When choosing an aluminum awning, you can pick from various customization options, including paint colors, architectural features and designs to create a unique appearance or complement your existing architecture. Additionally, you can incorporate graphics and logos to make an aluminum awning unique for a business.
- Feature selection for durability: You can increase your awning’s durability by opting for advanced features. You can add features such as canopy support components, roof pans and drainage options to reduce the likelihood of premature wear and tear.
- Architectural beauty: Metal awnings offer visual appeal. You can make your business stand out from others nearby by installing an attractive awning that displays comfort and elegance to everyone who walks past your building. Plus, you can customize your awning to match your property’s architectural style.
- Energy efficiency: Metal awnings can reduce heat gain by as much as 77% by controlling the amount of sun inside your property. This enhanced efficiency can reduce cooling costs and lower your impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum Awnings
Whether you’re still debating between awning types or want to know more about your new aluminum awning, you might still have some questions. Here are the answers to some common questions:
1. How Long Do Awnings Last?
Life spans differ depending on various factors, such as maintenance, climate and installation quality. Metals generally have longer life expectancies than wood or fabric options. Aluminum is among the long-lasting options available, usually lasting between 20 and 30 years with proper care.
2. How Often Do You Need to Replace Awnings?
Aluminum awnings require little maintenance and last for years. Typically, you can expect to replace an aluminum awning every few decades. However, you will likely need to administer small component repairs or replacements more frequently to ensure overall structure longevity.
3. What Is the Best Awning Material?
The best awning material depends on your property and business. Every material offers unique advantages and factors to consider. If you’re looking for a cost-effective material that provides peace of mind and durability for decades, aluminum should be a top choice.
4. How Often Do I Need to Clean an Awning?
Regular cleaning and preventive maintenance are crucial for ensuring awning longevity. Plan to clean your aluminum awning every few weeks and repair all minor or significant issues promptly. It’s a good idea to have a professional inspection annually.
Find Long-Term Value and Performance With Sharchs Corporation
Aluminum awnings are a great investment for properties. With long-lasting life spans, immense aesthetic appeal and countless customization options, these structures offer a functional and beautiful way to create comfortable outdoor spaces.
When you need high-quality aluminum awnings, trust the Sharchs Corporation to deliver the exceptional craftsmanship and reliability you need. We craft all our products in the United States and take pride in our excellent customer service. With quick turnarounds and affordable pricing, we make it easy to find quality structures that meet your needs and budget. Request a quote to discover how we can add value to your business.