If you are in the market for awnings, you know there are many options available. There are so many different options: you have to pick colour, size, electrical or mechanical and even what type of material you want to use for the awnings. Honestly, it can be very confusing when you have so many choices. Deciding the type of material you will use for your awning will help you decide everything else. The two main options for material are metal and fabric.
Metal is a really durable choice for your awning. Most metal awnings have a life span of about forty years, which is longer than the life of most people's mortgages. You might wind up selling your home before you have to replace your awnings. You will not have to worry about the elements damaging the awnings since it is made to withstand rain, wind and snow. Metal awnings can also be quite beautiful. One option is to have the awning painted in the colour and design of your choice. Another option is to get a frosted awning that looks like frosted glass but does not let the sunlight in. Unfortunately, metal awnings are much more expensive than fabric awnings and much more difficult to install. You will have to pay someone to install it. Metal awnings are not retractable so that will somewhat narrow down your options.
Fabric may not be as durable as metal, but it will still last a fairly long time. Fabric is also much cheaper than metal awnings. Not only is the actual awning much cheaper, the installation is also much cheaper. In fact if you are quite handy, you can probably install a fabric awning yourself. You can get any colour or design that you like. Also with a fabric awning you have the option of getting a retractable awning. Unfortunately, fabric awnings are more susceptible to fading and mildew so they will have to be replaced fairly frequently.
In the end you have to decide which type of awning you would like to have. There are benefits to both types of awnings. As mentioned above, metal awnings are more durable but more expensive. Fabric awnings are much cheaper but may have to be replaced much more frequently so they may eventually wind up cost you about the same as a metal awning. As you can see there is much more to awnings than just aesthetics.