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Even if you live in an area of heavy snowfall, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have an awning. Many people who live in snowy climates enjoy using them throughout the winter.
In areas of high altitude where the sun is especially strong, an awning can offer protection from the sun’s intense rays while giving you the opportunity to sit outside and appreciate nature. According to most manufacturers, awnings block at least 98 percent of harmful UV rays. It can also be retracted to allow the sun to warm your home to help you cut down on heating costs.
Because of the possibility of heavy snow, a retractable awning is best. It is easy to keep snow off of and can be retracted when necessary. Likewise, by choosing one that holds up in the snow, you can keep it open when the snow does come to protect your patio from becoming covered by the fluffy white stuff.
There are three factors to consider when choosing an awning for a four-season climate: durability, fabric, and ease of use.
The 3 Factors to Consider
1. Durability
An awning that will be used in a winter climate needs to withstand freezing temperatures, biting winds, and heavy snow. That means the awning’s fabric needs to be durable. This is defined as being waterproof, mildew and stain resident, flexible, fire and wind-resistant, and easy to clean.
2. Fabric
The type of material you choose is vitally important. A vinyl awning is considered to be the most durable, especially for four-season climates. Awnings made of acrylic, polyester or cotton often do not hold up to the elements as well.
3. Ease of Use
On top of being durable, your awning needs to be easy to use in any kind of weather. This means that you should be able to extend it in winter without worrying about it freezing and getting stuck. Similarly, you should be able to keep it closed and know that it will be safe as inches of snow accumulate on it. Awnings that hold up in snowy climates should also have a slight slope to them so that the snow and rain can run off at the end.
While it is fine to keep your awning extended throughout parts of the winter, however, especially to keep your deck or patio clear, it will at times be necessary to retract it to keep it safe from the elements. Many people who live in snowy climates enjoy opening their retractable awnings year-round and have found the best ones by checking out awnings reviews on retractableawningsreviews.com. This has helped them ensure that their awnings make it through the winter with the least amount of damage.
After the winter, you also want to know that your retractable awning endured all those wintry blizzards without it rusting or becoming damaged. It still needs to be in the best shape possible to provide shade during the hot summer months when you will really want to relax outside.
Living in a snowy climate does not mean you can’t have an awning attached to your home. With all the options available, you are sure to find one that suits your needs!