Ways to Cool an Awning

Fans

• Using fans, suitable for outdoor use, can be positioned under awnings to help keep them cool. Use a fan, pointed up towards the awning, on all sides of the awning to provide maximum air flow towards the awning. Use the oscillating feature of fans to further cool down the surface of the awning by blowing a steady stream of air all around.

Portable Air Conditioners

• If you are going to be outside under an awning during periods of extreme heat and the situation does not allow for you to be indoors, cool the area down using a portable air conditioner. Run the air conditioner close to the building the awning is attached to and move all furniture and seating areas close to the air conditioner. To further enhance air flow, and to help cool down the awning, use floor fans positioned at the far end of the awning to blow the cooled air around.

Fabric Panels

• You can help keep your awning cool by using fans and portable air conditioners; however, you can further help cool down the awning by attaching fabric panels to the awning itself. On the three sides of the awning, hang fabric panels in light colors, made of fabric to help block sunlight from getting in under the awning. Use canvas or heavyweight material. Attached the panels to the top of the awning using Velcro for easy removal.

Reflective Material

• Installing sheets or panels of reflective metal panels to the top of your awning can help divert sunlight and prevent against heat being absorbed by the awning. This is a way to stave off heat reaching the awning and thus radiating heat downwards to those sitting underneath.

Trees

• Planting trees that provide shade right above an awning is an alternate way to help keep the awning cool. Though trees that grow tall enough to shade an awning must be tall and thus mature, you can use the trees you have on hand to determine where an awning should hang.