Appropriate Awnings For Historic Buildings

Although awnings are remarkable building features they have changed little during their recorded history.

Appropriate awnings for historic buildings.

These traditional window awnings look great on all style homes and because traditional style awnings were so common until the mid twentieth century they are visually appropriate for many historic buildings. Flat metal awnings are appropriate on mid 20 th century storefronts. Used for over 100 years for cooling homes they are still as functional and stylish today. This preservation brief provides historical background information about diverse awning applications in the united states.

Lately building owners interested in historic buildings have rediscovered awnings. See more ideas about historical awning porch canopy. It provides suggestions on how historic awnings can best be maintained repaired and preserved and recommends the varying circumstances in which replacement or new awning design may be appropriate for historic buildings. A lot of people think that solid colors are more formal and appropriate but i really think it depends on the particular architectural elements of the house.

Also take a look at the use of awnings on historic buildings repair replacement new design for great detailed information. Awnings should relate to and fit within the masonry or frame openings of a window or door and should not cover over character defining features of a historic building. Not appropriate awning or canopy materials. Mar 27 2015 explore kent downtown partnership s board historical not so historical awnings on pinterest.

A wooden or fabric awning that isn t consistently maintained can be a major eye sore and decrease the value of your property. Fabric canopies and awnings are also susceptible to mold or rot. Backlit awnings and dome awnings are usually inappropriate for 19th century and other historic buildings while aluminum awnings may be perfectly. If awnings already exist on a historic building they should be evaluated to determine whether they are appropriate to the age style and scale of the building using the criteria identified below.

In other instances individual variances may be obtained. Plus fabric awnings have a much shorter lifespan than steel buildings because wind can cause the metal and fabric to rub together. The use of the historic roofing material on a structure may be restricted by building codes or by the availability of the materials in which case an appropriate alternative will have to be found. There are many local downtown core preservation programs that helped invigorate the awning s return.

Some municipal building codes allow variances for roofing materials in historic districts. Awnings or canopies that cover or obscure transom windows or that are used primarily for signage rather than for providing cover are. When you buy a new awning for your historic building choose one with a traditional style that is appropriate for your building.