Awning Options: Functional Aesthetics

From an aesthetic standpoint, Hamptons shingle-style begs for exterior window adornment. But functionality and protection also play key roles when it comes to window fashion on the sun-drenched East End. Awnings, which are pleasing to the eye, also serve the practical purposes of blocking solar rays and providing shade.

With 63 years in the business, C.E. King & Sons in East Hampton is considered a go-to place for all things awning. Owner David King, whose company also offers free-standing canopies, shutters and marine canvas products, said during a recent interview that he prides himself on providing homeowners with myriad options for creating attractive and functional window and patio areas.

“The beauty of installing awnings is simple to understand,” Mr. King. “Not only do they keep heat from entering the house, saving money on energy bills, they also create space you can utilize from all year.”

Mr. King added that anyone who enjoys the outdoors would reap the benefits from awning installation.

“When the sun is shining, sitting beneath an awning poolside with friends and so forth, awnings are a great way to find that escape,” he said. “And they look good. It creates an entirely different appeal.”

C.E. King offers a variety of awnings in varying styles, including fixed and retractable options. Fixed awnings are more permanent and adhere to the structure of the house, while retractable awnings give the option of being rolled up or unfurled. Mr. King reported that C.E. King fixed-fabric awnings are warrantied up to one year through the East Hampton company and five years through manufacturer warranty.

“Acts of god, we can’t control, but we’ve been in business for a long time and our reputation is important to us and we feel our longevity gives people a certain amount of comfort to know that we are not simply going to walk away from our product,” he said.

Warranties through C.E. King for retractable awnings cover hardware, fabric and motors, from five to 15 years, depending on the component. The company offers maintenance service as well, but Mr. King noted there other options for homeowners when it comes to awning upkeep.

“Depends how much energy you have,” he laughed. “You can grab a hose and spray it down, remove pollen and dirt etc., or you can grab a ladder and get up there with a scrub brush and some soapy water. If neither idea appeals to you, we’ll come out and take care of it for you.”

Earl Brock, owner of Brock Awnings in Hampton Bays, also offers a variety of awning options for East End homeowners. Mr. Brock, who has been in business for 38 years, said he places importance on creating simple solutions for homeowners who are considering revamping the look of their home through awnings.

“Our first meeting with a customer is usually not sales oriented,” Mr. Brock said. “Even though we will give you a price, it’s more about educating the customer and teaching them about what awnings are available and what they can or cannot do for you.”

First and foremost, during the initial consultation, Mr. Brock noted, homeowners need to keep dimension and weather elements at the forefront of their minds.

“With retractable awnings, we’re more limited by dimension because these awnings can only stretch so far. Also, depending on where you live, especially if it’s close to the shoreline, you have to keep the immediate weather conditions in mind,” he said. “Some awnings are not built to take intense weather conditions. And if not, then we suggest fixed frames, which are a permanent addition to the house which provide shade and an extended living space.”

The company offers limited fabric warranties for eight years and 30-year warranties for framework, Mr. Brock said. His company also offers winter maintenance service, which he said is important in preserving awning integrity and extending the life of the awning.

“The key to keeping awnings looking sharp is to perform frequent maintenance,” he said. “When we’ve had a harsh winter or moving from a wet spring into summer, you might find a bit of mold but we tell folks to leave it alone. More often than not they’ll try to use detergents or bleach that will only detract from the overall quality.”