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| | | Metal awnings are used to shade windows and doors on residential and commercial buildings. Usually made of lightweight aluminum, metal awnings are typically fixed above the window or door and do not retract. For information about retractable awnings, see How Much Does a Retractable Awning Cost. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Metal awnings cost $100 -$600 for premade sizes. Pre-made metal awnings are sold at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. Smaller premade metal awnings used to shade windows, often sized 2-4 feet wide and 2-4 feet deep, usually cost $100 -$300. Midsized premade metal awnings, at sizes 4-6 feet wide by 3-4 feet deep, often cost $200 -$400. Larger premade patio awnings can cost up to $600.
- Custom metal awnings are often priced by the square foot. Expect to see advertised prices of about $6.50 per square foot, but to pay $9 -$10 per square foot with all "extras" included. So a 10-foot by 10-foot custom metal patio awning costs $900 -$1000.
What should be included: | - Metal awnings should include the awning cover and sides (if the style includes sides) of the awning, supports, and hardware necessary to install the awning.
- A limited warranty is included with many metal awnings from reputable manufacturers and retailers.
Additional costs: | - Metal awnings may not include all hardware needed for installation. Expect to pay $5 or more for screws or other anchors and fastenings.
- Most home improvement stores do not offer installation for metal awnings either with purchase or as a separate service. Check with a local contractor or local awning retailer for estimates on installation for a stationary metal awning.
- Manual and simple motorized retractable awnings can be installed by a handyman or general contractor. For more information about finding a handyman, see How Much Does a Handyman Cost
- Metal awnings should be cleaned occasionally to keep the metal from corroding. For information about the cost of cleaning awnings, see How Much Does Cleaning an Awning Cost.
Discounts: | - Most stationary metal awnings are relatively simple to install. To save on installation costs, install the awning as a do-it-yourself project according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Shopping for a metal awning: | - Before purchasing a metal awning, measure the door, window or patio area to be shaded. Be sure to include clearances (space above and to the sides) of the window--some awnings require almost a foot of clearance around the door or window.
- Select an awning that will withstand the local weather conditions; in regions with heavy snowfall, a stationary light-aluminum awning might not be able to bear the weight of deep wet snow. Metal awning can also be damaged by high winds.
- Metal awnings can be used to shade home or business windows, deflecting sunlight and saving on energy (air conditioning) costs. The federal Department of Energy provides information to help determine the best awning for energy-saving value.
- Check with local, reputable contractors and handyman service providers to find an experienced awning technician.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to be sure that local awning retailers and installation contractors have a good business reputation before placing an order or making a purchase.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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