Installing copper window awnings in your dream house is the easiest way to beautify your home and protect your windows from harsh weather.
If you want to find out which copper awnings are the best for your home, then keep reading. We’ll go through the benefits of installing these awnings and the most appropriate awning styles for windows.
What Is a Copper Awning?
An awning is a secondary roof-like structure that provides shade. It is usually attached to the wall on one side and extends beyond the wall to provide cover to the ground right underneath the awning.
Window awnings are specially designed structures that are made to match the proportions of each window for a perfect fit.
Window awnings are made from all kinds of materials such as fabric, wood, steel, aluminum, and even copper.
Copper window awnings are made out of the purest copper, which is a sturdy metal, so these high-quality awnings will last for years to come.
Window Awning Benefits
Window awnings are not just a piece of fancy ornamentation. They have many benefits, such as:
Sun Shade
Overhanging awnings keep your windows cool even in the scorching sun. If you have windows facing south or west, they will receive a lot of sunlight during the day. Awnings don’t just keep your windows cool but they also protect the inside of your house.
Paint can peel off the walls faster in rooms that receive a lot of sunlight. Too much sun can also make fabric fade faster.
So, over time your curtains and drapes may lose their vibrant color if exposed to the sun for too long. Copper window awnings are a quick-fix solution to this problem so that you can protect the expensive furnishings in your dream house and make them last longer.
Awnings also create a shaded space right under your windows. You can use this space creatively to keep flower boxes or small potted plants.
Many houseplants wilt if exposed to the sun directly, but if you keep them under an awning, they will thrive in the shade.
Minimize Energy Bills
Window awnings can also help you reduce your energy bills. The awnings shade your windows, keeping the window panes cool so that less heat radiates off of them and into your room.
It keeps the inside of your room from heating up too much so that you do not have to keep the air conditioning on blast all day long in the summers.
According to a recent study, 20% of the load on your AC is a direct result of sunlight coming in from the windows. So, window awnings are a smart way of retrofitting your house to reduce your energy consumption.
The study found that homeowners could save as much as $200 annually in electricity bills. Energy prices are projected to rise over the coming years, but copper window awnings last for years on end. Just think about all the money they could save you each year in electricity bills.
Frost Protection
Awnings protect your windows rain or shine. They protect your windows in all kinds of bad weather from hail storms to a full-blown blizzard.
Awnings can shield your windows from small debris like sticks and leaves in a storm. They also provide frost protection for windows in the coldest winters.
The awnings also protect your house from old drafts that can leak in through the windows in winter.
Privacy
Fixed awnings over windows can provide some privacy for your rooms. The awnings create enough shade so that outsiders cannot observe the inside of your rooms from the street even if you have your windows open.
If you have a window seat, you should definitely get copper window awnings so that you can sit in peace without being observed.
With permanent awnings, you can keep the windows open to enjoy a breeze and read your favorite book or sip your coffee without any privacy concerns.
Cost-Effective Ornamentation
A beautiful custom copper awning is a great way to glam up your dream house without spending too much money.
Copper awnings have a beautiful shine to them that looks lovely when the sun hits it. Over the years, the copper oxidizes and develops a soft green color that gives your home a lovely whimsical appearance.
In fact, the green copper patina is highly valued by architects because it adds to the beauty of an existing structure.
Old cathedrals and other stately buildings often have copper domes that develop teal patinas as the years go by. The patina adds a picturesque effect to these regal buildings and adds to their old-world charm. With copper awnings, you too can give your dream house that same old-world ambiance.
Copper Window Awnings Outlast Other Types of Awnings
Although window awnings are made out of many different materials, copper is by far the most ideal awning material for a number of reasons:
- Fabric awnings are prone to damage in stormy conditions. High winds can rip and tear the fabric.
- Rainwater can collect on top of the fabric awning. The pooled water can weigh down the awning and start to seep into the window frames.
- Fabric awnings also lose their color after prolonged exposure to the sun, so they need to be changed almost every year.
- Wood awnings are more sturdy compared to fabric ones. They can also be carved into many different styles and have a more rustic appearance compared to metal awnings. However, wood awnings are not as durable as copper awnings.
- Wood awnings can also get damaged in wet conditions. Humidity and rainfall can soak the awnings and the excess moisture can rot the wood. Rotting wood is unstable and the awnings could break apart if not changed immediately.
- Copper awnings on the other hand are naturally water-proof. The patina or copper oxide layer that forms on top of the copper protects it from further rusting or water damage. This is why copper awnings last for years to come.
Copper Awnings Styles for Windows
Let’s look at some of the most popular copper awning styles for windows:
Standing Seam
The standing seam window awnings are simple yet elegant. They consist of a flat sheet of copper that gently slopes downward. They are supported by a pair of spear iron brackets that add to the beauty of these copper awnings.
The standing seam is a contemporary awning style that works well with any kind of building, but we recommend these for modern-style homes.
The standing seam is available in different sizes including a large size seam that consists of a wider copper sheet. A pair of French Quarter iron brackets can be added for support.
Slight Sweep
These window awnings are made from pre-fabricated sheets of copper. The awnings are attached to the wall on one side and have a gentle downward sweep.
They are supported on both sides by a pair of iron brackets such as scroll brackets. If you are getting a handmade metal awning, then you can get the copper sheets and iron brackets customized to match the design of your house.
Arched Awnings
These beautiful awnings consist of a sheet of copper curved into a gentle arch. They are supported by two blacksmith iron brackets.
These window awnings would look amazing on any kind of house, from traditional mansions to modern units.
You can make your house look even more warm and beautiful by installing light fixtures around the arched awnings so that they really stand out.
FAQs: How to Choose the Perfect Copper Entry Awnings for Windows
Do window awnings increase the real estate value of your house?
Yes, window awnings add beauty to your home. They are low-cost and metal ones such as copper awnings can last for years. Getting copper awnings is like a one-time investment that helps your house look beautiful for a long time. Plus, a well-kept house in good condition has a higher real estate value compared to run-down buildings and neglected homes.
Can copper awnings be customized?
Yes, you can easily get a custom design for copper awnings. Customized pieces are handmade and can be made to match the paint on your walls and the overall style of your house. The awnings are also made to match the size of your windows.
What is an iron bracket?
An iron bracket is a supported rod that is designed to stabilize copper awnings and keep them fixed in place. Iron brackets are available in many different styles, such as a simple spear bracket or the more elaborate French Quarter style.
How to remove the patina on copper awnings?
Although the patina is valued for its beauty, you can get it removed by professional awning cleaners if you want your copper awnings to remain bright and shiny.
Bottom Line
We hope this article has helped you with choosing the best copper window awnings for your home. Remember, copper awnings are the most long-lasting. They are also available in many different styles, so you will definitely be able to find something that meets your preferences.