5 Questions to Ask When Installing or Replacing a Metal Awning or Patio Cover

Summer is around the corner, and your backyard needs some serious shade. Whether you need to replace your current metal awning or patio cover or are looking to have one installed, these are the awning questions you should consider before you take your patio project to new heights (and cooler temps). 

1. When do you need your awning work done? 

Maybe you’re on a strict timeline so you can show off your new awning or patio cover in time for an outdoor event, or maybe you’re just looking to make some improvements to your home with no specific time frame in mind. Whatever the case, try to have a general idea of when you’d like the work to be done so your local awning contractor can see if your schedules align or provide an alternative timeline. 

2. Where is the awning or patio cover installed?

The location of the awning or patio cover will not only impact the design of the awning or patio cover, but also how it’s installed and what prep needs to be done to ensure a smooth installation. Common places for awnings or patio covers include over patios and decks, above windows and doors, above carports and driveways, and over outdoor kitchens or barbecue areas. 

3. What features do you want included in your awning or patio cover?

There’s the awning or metal cover itself, and then there are the features you can add to it to customize it to your needs. Those features can include anything from LED strips or hanging lights to UV protection, side panels or privacy screens, and retractable elements. It helps to look at a variety of options to see what makes sense for your space and identify what add-ons can take your awning or patio cover to a new level. 

4. What best describes your awning project?

Is it a complete replacement job or a brand-new installation? A replacement may take less time, as the bones are already in place, and only the cover or awning itself needs to be installed. A brand-new installation, however, will require more planning, materials, and labor, especially for more complex designs. 

5. Where is your home located? 

Where you’re located also plays a part in who you hire to take on the project and how soon it can get done. If you live in a region with warmer weather where people spend a majority of the year outdoors, you’re likely to find a wider range of local awning professionals who have experience installing or replacing metal awnings and patio covers. On the flip side, homeowners who live in colder climates with longer winters may have fewer contractors to choose from, and their timeline may be impacted by weather conditions.