If you do not currently have awnings covering your homewindows, then you need to learn about the benefits of fabric window awnings.While there are many types of residential window awnings that all have theirunique benefits, many homeowners love fabric awnings because they are asstylish as they are functional.

Read on to learn four fabric window awning benefits, so youcan make a more educated decision when you choose your new home window awningtype.

1. Reduce Home Cooling Costs

After you install fabric awnings over your home windows, youwill likely see your home cooling costs drop during the summer. Window awningsblock much of the sun's heat before it hits your home windows. Awnings canreduce the solar heat transferred through south-facing windows by up to 65 percent whileblocking up to 77 percent of the solar heat transferred through west-facingwindows.

When you want to encourage the sun to naturally heat yourhome during the winter, simply remove your awnings or have a professionalremove them for you. If you install motorized retractable fabric awnings, thenyou can press a button to retract them when you want more sunlight in aroom.

2. Protect Windows From Sun and Water Damage

The average set of home windows needs replacementevery 15 to 25 years when well cared for. However, they can last evenlonger than this when they are well-protected with window awnings.

Window awnings protect your home windows from the sun'sharsh UV rays and other outdoor elements, including rainwater. Window framesand seals can become cracked and brittle over time as they are exposed to thesun's harsh UV rays on a daily basis. When window seals fail, they can createwindow drafts.

Wooden window frames can become water damaged when exposedto too much rainwater. After water penetrates wooden frames, mold and mildewcan begin to grow on the frames, which creates a health hazard.

Fabric awnings protect your home windows from the sun's UVrays and rainwater. Be sure to choose fabric awnings covered with a waterproofcoating for optimum protection from rain.

3. Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

Fabric awnings are typically made of either waterproofcanvas or vinyl-coated polyester. Both types of fabrics are available in a widevariety of colors and even patterns. You can choose an awning fabric color thatmatches or complements your home.

If your home is painted or covered with siding that isneutral in color, then you can add a pop of color to your home when you installbrightly colored window awnings, such as blue or green ones. Keep in mindthat light-colored fabric awnings reflect more of the sun's UV rays thandark-colored awnings, so choose a lighter-toned awning fabric when maximum sunprotection is desired.

4. Prevent Fading of Carpets and Upholstery

You likely want to keep the furniture in your home and yourcarpeting in good shape for as long as possible. However, if you don't haveprotection for your home windows, you allow the sun's harsh UV rays to fadefurniture upholstery and carpet fibers. One of the main causes of fabric-fadingin the home is exposure to the sun's UV rays through home windows.

In addition, many of today's more environmentally friendlyfabric dyes are less permanent than old dyes. These dyes fade can more quicklywhen exposed to the sun's harsh rays.

After you cover your home windows with fabric awnings,you’ll experience less fading of furniture upholstery and carpeting as yourhome awnings block solar radiation.

Keep these four benefits of fabric residential window awnings in mind as you decide if you want to install awningsover your home windows. Contact the awning professionals at Lexington Tent& Awning to discuss home window awning installation today.