Awning Attached to House: Simple Shade, Big Change

When the summer sun hits my small brick house, the living-room turns into an oven. I did not want to close the curtains and sit in the dark, so I looked for an easy fix. The answer was an awning attached to the house—a cloth roof that opens and closes like a tiny umbrella on the side of the wall. After one weekend of work, the room is cooler, the furniture is safer, and the patio looks like a café in France. Here is the whole story, told in plain words.

1. What Is an Awning?

An awning is a frame of metal arms plus a piece of strong fabric. The frame bolts to the wall above a window, door, or deck. When you open the arms, the fabric stretches out and makes shade. When you do not need it, you roll it back. There are two kinds:
  • Manual – you turn a hand crank.
  • Motorized – you push a button on a remote.
I chose manual because it costs less and has no wires.

2. Why Attach It to the House?

  • Stays put: Wind cannot blow it away.
  • No extra poles: You keep the floor space free.
  • Looks neat: The fabric hides inside a small aluminum box when closed.
  • Saves money: Less sun inside means the air-conditioner runs less.

3. Picking the Right Size

My deck is 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep. The shop told me to buy an awning that is 10 inches wider than the deck on each side, so I took a 12-foot wide model. The drop (how far it comes out) is 7 feet. This gives shade from noon until sunset.

4. Tools You Need

  • Drill
  • Masonry bits (for brick)
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Ladder
  • Socket set
  • Pencil
That is all. No special skills.

5. One-Weekend Install Guide

Friday night

Open the box, lay the parts on the floor, read the paper once.

Saturday morning

  1. Measure and mark the height: 8 feet 6 inches above the deck.
  2. Check with a level; draw a light pencil line.
  3. Drill six holes into the brick; push in plastic anchors.
  4. Ask my neighbor to hold the main bar; bolt it to the wall.
  5. Slide the fabric roll into the bar; lock with pins.
  6. Hook the hand crank; roll the awning open and closed three times to test.
Total time: two hours, including coffee break.

6. First Week Results

  • Inside temperature drops 5 °F (about 2.5 °C).
  • Glare on the TV is gone; no need to close blinds.
  • Birds sit on the rolled fabric and sing; free entertainment.
  • Rain drips off the edge, so the deck boards stay dry.

7. Small Care Tips

  • Roll it in when wind is over 25 mph.
  • Wash the cloth with mild soap once a year.
  • Spray silicone on the joints every spring so they move smooth.

8. Cost Check

  • 12-foot manual awning: $299
  • Anchor bolts and tax: $31
  • Two hours of my own labor: free
    Total: $330—less than one month of my old power bill in July.

9. Design Trick

I picked stripes in navy and white. The dark color blocks 95 % of UV, but the white lines keep it cheerful. From the street the house looks taller and cleaner, like it got a new haircut.

10. Final Thought

An awning attached to the house is a small change that gives big comfort. It costs little, installs in one morning, and saves money for years. If you can turn a crank and drill six holes, you can do it too. Open the fabric, pour a cold drink, and watch the summer become friendly again.