Whether you are looking for a little overhead protection at your primary entry door or want to protect a full patio, custom awnings are a logical investment. These exterior fixtures provide adequate protection from the sun and precipitation, and they can also add a bit of aesthetic appeal to the house itself. Even more noteworthy, you can get awnings in a wide array of styles, shapes, and materials. Therefore, creating a style that perfectly suits your home is an easy feat.  

While there are many types of customizations you can go with when it comes to awnings, you may struggle to pin down what is best for your needs and preferences. Take a look at a few questions to find answers to before picking the right custom awning for your home. 

What property feature are you looking to protect?

Are you looking for protection for your windows so you can open them in the rain or bright sunlight? Or, are you looking to protect a back porch or patio? Maybe you only need a small awning over a frequented side entry door. The answer to this question can be important when it comes to picking the awning type and features. 

Do you have a preference when it comes to awning shape?

The awning shape will play a big role in the overall aesthetic appeal of the finished installation. However, the shape can also be important when considering things like the direction of water runoff or how the awning can handle heavy amounts of snow or ice. For example, a concave awning is not the best choice in areas where heavy snowfall is an issue because the inset shape may prevent the snow from naturally rolling off. By contrast, a sloped or dome-shaped awning will likely not accumulate snow. 

Are you interested in certain awning features?

Awnings can come with a lot of different features that appeal to the average homeowner. A few additional features you may want to consider include: 

• Water-resistant materials 
• Frame sealers or finishes for corrosion prevention 
• Resistance to fading with UV exposure 
• Retractable functions 

When it comes to additional features, retractable awnings are easily one of the most popular options. For example, if you want an awning over your patio, you may also like the idea of being able to retract the awning when you want to use the patio for stargazing or soaking in some sunlight.