Awnings are the materials you place on windows and doors to act as a shield against the strong weather. It simultaneously provides a sense of privacy while also allowing good air circulation inside the home. Like all other materials, there will always come a time when you need your awnings to be replaced. Take note of some warning signs before deciding if it’s worth replacing or repairing.

  • Check if the material can be repaired.

Constantly checking the awning, especially after a major disaster, will help you decide better if the awnings needs to be repaired or replaced. Some common problems can be easily solved by a few repairs like replacing any missing or broken screws or bolts, or  wiping off elements that may crowd the awnings’ visibility.  

  • Consider how old the material is.

Materials used in awnings vary in terms of usage, cost, and durability. They also vary in terms of how long it will last. 

  1. Polycarbonate is a strong material that is capable of withstanding strong weather conditions. The material is 250x stronger than glass, and is known for its durability and is commonly used as skylight or transparent roofing. For smaller applications, like the window atop your kitchen, or entrance doors, you may opt to buy polycarbonate sheet awnings for convenience. Polycarbonate awnings have a UV-protection sheet that blocks the harmful UV rays without blocking the natural light. The material itself is also a sturdy protection from inclement weather. Because of these reasons, polycarbonate awnings can last up to 10-15 years.
  2. Fabric- The use of fabric as awning was a long-standing material used for a long time. Fabric awnings is a frontrunner in terms of design and overall accessibility, because it has a wide range of choices for your application. Moreover, compared to other materials, it is relatively cheaper and can be easily replaced once it tears down. To keep stains and molds from accumulating on its surface, it is better to clean it regularly. Fabric awnings can last up to 5-10 years, with proper maintenance. 
  3. Aluminum- Aluminum is a popular material for window awnings because it is lightweight and durable. It requires little to no maintenance and tends to last up to 25 years. 
  • Compare efficiency of the material before and after it showed signs of replacement.

There may be cases like color fading or sun splotches which may make the awning look aesthetically unappealing especially if it is placed somewhere with daily foot traffic.  These are caused by natural elements- sun and heavy rain from long term exposure. Often, the faded colors are simply a layer of dirt that needs to be washed away. If this isn’t the case, consider replacing if it is aesthetically unappealing. Sometimes, the material does not look in its best condition and it’s enough reason for you to replace it. If there is physical damage on the material e.g., visible dent or damaged frame, you should consider replacement. Harsh and inclement weather tend to damage the material, even those made with the highest quality materials. 

  • Calculate the cost between the repair and cost.

Think of the long-term effects of repairing and replacing the material. Consider the cost of the awning, how much would the repair be, and if it would perform well long after it has been repaired. Some small repairs can lead to an even bigger cost, so make sure that you weigh down all your options. 

 

There are several reasons why you may need door and window awnings- remodeling the house, updating the exterior, and raising the quality of the property. You may also use awnings for practical reasons such as helping air circulation at home, or giving privacy to the people inside. Good thing is, there are a lot of awning materials to choose from. If you are looking for polycarbonate awnings that’s guaranteed to last for a long time, contact Polylite, one of the trusted polycarbonate suppliers in the Philippines. Besides door and window awnings, Polylite offers a wide variety of architectural products, varying from polycarbonate products (solid polycarbonate, twin wall polycarbonate, corrugated polycarbonate), to aluminum composite panels (ACP), and acrylic sheets. Contact us for more details.