Can I Put Awnings on My Screen Room?

Sunlight Shading

• The purpose of the awnings is a major consideration. For example, if the sun is extremely bright on the west side of the screen room in the afternoons, adding awnings in some fashion can make the space more comfortable. Premade awnings appropriate for standard windows are one option. Metal or wooden awnings can work, but consider retractable awnings made of fabric as well.

Conservative Choices

• Design does matter. Think carefully before adding bright or striped awnings to an existing screen room, because it can clash with the look of your home. Simple, neutral-colored shading can work best on high-end brick homes, for example. Devising custom awnings that harmonize with the colors of the screen room will help the awnings blend in versus stand out. Sketch the house and sun room in detail. Use colored pencils to envision the final outcome before adding awnings.

Shades and Blinds

• Interior blinds are an alternative to exterior awnings. Rolling down bamboo shades, for instance, will replace the need for outside awnings. Having movable shades works well in a windy area whereby strong winds can tear awnings loose from the exterior of the structure. If you live in a region where 60 mile-per-hour winds are common, for example, do not install any type of awnings on a screen room.

Brighter Options

• Awnings can visually enhance a vacation home or beach house. If your house is in a resort area, brightly colored awnings can improve the overall house design. For instance, if your house is made of bright blue stucco, awnings on a screen room may be blue and white striped. Place the awnings to look as if they cover an actual window opening, although they will cover a screened section of the room. Spacing and placement of the awnings should give an overall balanced look to the house and screen room. Avoid making the screen room stand out too boldly on its own.

Wood Framing Added

• Add framework strength to a screen room, if needed, before installing awnings. Install heavier framework inside the room with 4-inch screws, because awnings can easily weigh 50 pounds each. Use hardwood, such as oak or maple, as the added framework; the heaviness of awnings can easily split softer woods.