Any motorhome owner will tell you that an awning makes great sense. They offer a simple solution to the elements and keep you dry in the rain, whilst giving welcome shade from the sun. The main benefit is that they are very easy to erect and fold away. There are two main types, these being the manual and the retractable versions.

The retractable motorhome awnings are probably the easiest to use, and you can even purchase automatic versions that take a matter of minutes to erect. These are especially useful in windy conditions because they do not blow about whilst you are attempting to fold them out. The awning fits on the side of your camper van or caravan in a neat storage block that also gives good protection from rust and wear when not in use.

Manual retractable awnings can also be quickly erected by way of simply releasing the support straps and using an awning hook to unfold the canopy along the support tracks to it's final position. Both kinds are widely in use all over the world, and hundreds of campers enjoy their simplicity.

A patio is the ideal place to keep your family or friends entertained especially during the warmer days and nights of summer. Many people prefer to install awnings over their patios to protect them and their furniture from the harsh sun that can burn skin and fade furniture.

When it comes to choosing a new patio awning you will quickly find that there are two main types that have their own advantages and disadvantages. You should carefully consider the pro and cons of each before you go ahead and purchase your new awning.

Free-Standing Awning

A free standing awning is ideal when you need to move your protection around the yard. You can have it standing on the lawn, near the pool or over the patio. They are simple to install and are light enough to be moved by one or two people. These awning are durable and tough enough to be left out all year round but you will need to secure them to the ground to ensure that they don't get blown away in high winds.

Retractable Awnings

A more expensive but popular and elegant choice for your patio is a retractable awning. These are the type of awnings that will turn your patio into an outdoor room. You will be able to relax or entertain outside during the summer months and with the addition of a heater this can continue throughout the year.

After the awning can be installed, it can be extend to a position that will best shield you from the sun. On colder days or when you want to be in full sunlight, the awning can be fully retracted against the house.

One question I receive over and over again from potential home buyers looks a little something like this: "I would really like a home that includes a covered patio or deck, but is it really worth the extra expense?" Similarly, many current homeowners wonder if buying a cover for their patio is worth the price as well.

My answer to both of these questions is an emphatic YES! Patio covers are not merely an expense that you would enjoy in your leisure time, they can actually be an investment that improves your home's value! So if you are going to spend money on something that you enjoy, why not spend it on something that could actually improve your bottom line?

Why can patio covers and awnings increase a home's value? Because a cover can increase the area of your home that is "useful," and because it can protect your deck from the elements and prolong it's life.