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As people are becoming more cost-conscious and environmentally concerned, window awnings have increased in popularity. They are an affordable way to improve the appearance of your home while reducing energy costs, as they provide shade and limit the amount of sunlight and heat that enter your home through windows.

However, not all awnings are created equal, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the awning materials available will help you make the best choice when deciding on awnings for your home.

- Fabric: Awnings made of canvas are probably the most popular style of awning, because they are inexpensive and come in every color and a variety of patterns. However, fabric awnings are not as durable as other awnings, and are particularly bad in inclement weather. Excessive amounts of rain can cause pooling on the awning, leading to discoloration, mold, and deterioration of the material. Too much sunlight will lead to fading, and high-speed winds can cause the canvas to pull away or tear. This type of awning needs to be maintained and replaced regularly, which can end up being very costly.

- Wood: Wood also comes in a variety of styles and can be a very versatile material for awning construction. While wood stands up too wind better than fabric, it can age poorly when subjected to extreme temperatures. Further, wood is not a good choice for wet climates, as the wood itself can rot and cause water to collect between the building and the awning, leading to rotting issues with the building as well.

- Steel or Iron: Both of these options are much stronger than either fabric or wood, and offer great aesthetic appeal. However, these heavy metals are exactly that - heavy! Their excessive weight makes them difficult and expensive to work with, making them a costly and less versatile material choice.

- Aluminum: Aluminum offers great protection against rain and sun. It is a durable and inexpensive choice for awning construction that comes in a limited range of styles. As a result, aluminum is a common choice, and since it lacks the stylistic diversity of some of the other options, you are more likely to see the same awning on your neighbor's home that you have on your own.

- Copper: Copper is the ideal balance of visual appeal and functionality. It offers all of the sun and rain protection of aluminum with many more styles available as well. It is the most durable material available and requires little maintenance as it ages. More durable than canvas and wood, lighter and more inexpensive than steel and iron, and more stylish than aluminum, copper awnings are the perfect balance of style and practicality for today's smart consumer.