How to Install Patio Awnings
Installation of a patio awning is an attractive way to provide shade and relief from outside heat. This way, you can spend more time outside with your family and enjoy outdoor activities on your patio. You will need to have a drill, a hammer, a level, a caulking gun, and a pencil. First, unpack your awning and lay out all of the parts.
Using ladders, measure the width of your awning out on the wall of your home or the eaves of your porch, depending on where you will locate it, and mark it off with a pencil. Using a caulking gun run a straight line of caulk between the markings. With a helper, position the awning in place, making sure that it is perfectly level, and then secure it to the eaves or the wall. You can do this by drilling pilot holes and then use the drill to screw in the awning. Now spread another layer of caulking along the wall or the eaves to create a joint. Screw the brackets to the awning and then caulk over them to prevent subsequent rusting. Fold the awning brackets down and drill pilot holes into your wall or eaves and then screw the awning in with your drill.
This will complete a basic installation. However, if your awning has a motorized system to open and retract it, you will have to install the motor as well. This will require having an outlet within reach or, if you bring in an electrician, you can connect it right to an electrical circuit in your home. Always turn the power off to the circuit by unscrewing the fuse or flipping the circuit breaker before doing such work. Once you have made the connection, just follow the instructions of the manufacturer to install the motor. Some come with remotes or you can run the wiring through a wall switch.
