Awnings Awnings work like the visors on baseball caps by blocking high-angle sunlight. On buildings, awnings can cover individual windows or sections of outside walls. Although they block unwanted solar energy in summer, awnings allow low-angle sun to reach the building in winter when it is useful. They are most effective on the south side of the building. Awnings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to match the style of your home.
Some awnings stay in a fixed position.
Others can be raised and lowered. No matter how they work, awnings are an easy way to add shading to an existing building. Shade Screens Outside shade screens prevent direct sunlight from entering a window. You should put these only on windows exposed to direct sunlight. Unlike insect screens, shade screens are specially made to block a certain amount of the sun's energy - usually between 50 and 90 percent of the energy striking the outside of the window.