Just when you thought that choosing between a stationary awning and a retractable awning was difficult enough, bioclimatic pergolas entered the equation. The sleek design of bioclimatic pergolas with their adjustable aluminum blades certainly seem like a wise choice, but it’s important to not jump the gun and to make an informed decision. Below, you will find things to consider when choosing between an bioclimatic pergola and the tried and true fabric awning.

Exterior and Interior Changes

The choice between a metal awning and a fabric awning largely comes down to aesthetics. It’s important to first consider which style best suits your home. After all, an awning should be seen as an extension to your home and can dramatically impact its appearance not only from the exterior, but from the interior as well.

This is due to the fact that adding an awning can darken the room of the house next to which the awning is placed. Since fabric awnings are more sheer than aluminum blades, light can penetrate more easily. Though keep in mind that this will only happen if the blades are closed or when a fabric awning is not retracted. The bright side to this, however, is that since the light won’t penetrate through your windows, you’ll be able to control the temperature of your home much more easily as well as save on energy costs. Although metal awnings don’t allow light to penetrate through windows at all, fabric awnings actually do a better job of cooling your home. That’s because metal awnings will absorb the heat rather than reflect it whereas fabric awnings often come with UV reflective qualities.

Storm Protection

One of the biggest advantages when it comes to investing in an awning is that it will protect you from inclement weather. Although fabric awnings can withstand rain and some flying debris, they won’t be able to withstand much more. Metal awnings, on the other hand, can handle more intense winds and storms. Therefore, your location as well as how you plan to use your awning throughout the year are important considerations.

Both will help you protect yourself against the sun’s harsh rays in the summertime, but if you don’t plan on retracting your awning after the warm season ends, it might be best to consider investing in something a little more durable. Which leads us to the final consideration when it comes to choosing between and metal awning or a fabric awning:

Maintenance and durability

Evidently, aluminum blades will last longer and are more durable than fabric.Therefore, metal awnings won’t need as much maintenance as their counterparts. Since aluminum doesn’t rust, it’s likely that you’ll only need to replace a metal awning’s fixtures after 20 years, as these can corrode. Fabric, on the other hand, can be susceptible to mildew as well as corrosion. It therefore requires more maintenance — usually some light cleaning every few weeks, and a deep clean every few months. This does mean that the fabric will need to be replaced every 5-10 years, but that just means that you will get to keep up with current trends by making changes to the exterior of your home and enhancing your curb appeal.

Whether you have already made the decision of choosing between a metal awning or a fabric awning, or you’d like to get a professional opinion, Decor au Vent can help you throughout the entire process — from your project’s conception, to its final product.