City Awning Designs: Tips For Your Penthouse Awning

A city awning is a common sight, because awnings make so much sense. They’re eminently practical and they look great, no matter their style or color. That’s why an urban setting is ideal for a penthouse awning.

You might live in the heart of New York City or someplace smaller, but nothing says “city” like a penthouse. It’s the residence at the top. It’s very name declares you’re living above the crowd, whether your building is a few stories high or dozens. You get the proverbial bird’s-eye view, completely different from what people see from the street.

But you also get the brightest sun – and the glare and excessive heat that can come with it. And you’re the most exposed to wind and rain. You need a city awning, one specifically designed to shade and protect your penthouse windows and patio so you can use your outdoor space more often and enjoy it more when you’re out there.

But shopping for that just-right city awning can be daunting.
It’s easy to get hopelessly mired among the overwhelming options, not sure how to compare them or how to decide what’s really the best choice. You want shade, not a PhD in City Awning Design. So focus on the part you’re best at – deciding what you expect from your awning – then enlist a pro to help you figure out the details.

When you choose an experienced awning professional you’ll get a consultant who is part contractor and part decorator, expert at both. And they’ll know about any special city awning specifications you’ll have to follow. You want the best awning, so pick the best company, with people who are clearly excited about working with you. That way you can be sure you’ll get personalized attention to detail.

Before you make that call, think about these factors that are important for creating the perfect awning for your penthouse. Then meet with your consultant and let the planning begin.

  • What do you want your awning to do? A city awning can provide shade for outdoor eating, entertaining or just soaking up some warmth without getting toasted. But it can also cover play area for kids or a small dog run. So how large a space will you need to cover?
  • What direction does your penthouse face? Southern and western exposures get the hottest sun. If your home faces north you won’t get the direct sun, but an awning can still make you feel cooler, protect you from rain, help keep your windows cleaner and give you a greater sense of privacy.
  • If you’re near the water, it’s probably breezy most of the time. Even if you’re surrounded by neighboring high-rises it can get windy there at the top. Is your location subject to periodic strong winds?
  • Do you want a retractable awning or one that’s permanent?
  • Aesthetics are the fun part. You can choose polyester, vinyl or canvas fabrics including high-tech materials that are fire-resistant and virtually eliminate the sun’s harmful UV light. There are styles to match your building’s architecture or carry your interior design style out to your patio. Add stainless steel or copper finials to give your city awning a unique look, or add matching small awnings for individual windows.
  • Framing is usually aluminum or steel. Wood is beautiful for a permanent city awning, but who wants all that ongoing upkeep?
  • Ask about the warranty, both the length and the coverage. The best companies offer the best warranties.

A city awning can add unique style notes to your penthouse’s exterior space, giving it definition and a finishing touch. You’ll definitely want professional installation. The work will be done right and completed faster, ensuring your city awning is well-anchored and capable of providing years of refreshing shade.

Photo Credit: jphilipg via Flickr

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