How To Install an Awning

Installing an awning over your home’s entryway can provide much-needed protection from the elements while adding a stylish accent to your exterior. This project is an excellent way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality. This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert showcases how to install an awning on a house with vinyl siding in the video above and in this guide.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Choosing the Right Awning

Selecting the appropriate awning for your home is incredibly important. Consider factors such as:

• Size and coverage area
• Material (fabric, metal, or polycarbonate)
• Style (fixed or retractable)
• Color and design to complement your home’s exterior

Creating Custom Mounting Blocks for an Awning

Creating a flat surface for mounting the awning is important for homes with vinyl siding.

Measuring and Cutting

1. Use the awning template to determine the size of your mounting blocks.
2. Cut PVC boards to the appropriate length and width using a miter saw and table saw.
3. Trace the vinyl siding profile onto the side of the mounting blocks.

Customizing the Blocks

1. Use a band saw to cut out the traced profile on each mounting block.
2. Sand the cut edges smoothly with a random orbital sander for a clean finish.
3. Assemble the mounting frame by attaching the side blocks to a longer board using stainless steel screws.

Preparing the Mounting Surface for Your Awning

Verifying proper placement and sealing is necessary before attaching the mounting blocks to your home’s exterior.

Positioning the Mounting Frame

1. Hold the mounting frame in place on the exterior wall to determine the ideal position.
2. Mark any areas where the frame overlaps siding joints and cut small notches to allow for a level fit.
3. Use a level to verify the frame is straight before marking screw locations.

Sealing and Securing

1. Apply a silicone sealant bead along the mounting frame’s top edge to prevent water infiltration.
2. Secure the frame to the house using stainless steel screws, verifying they penetrate the wall studs.
3. Apply two beads of silicone sealant across the face of the mounting frame to create a watertight seal for the awning.

Installing the Awning

With the mounting surface prepared, you’re ready to install the awning itself.

Positioning the Awning

1. With a helper, carefully lift the awning into place above the mounting frame.
2. Align the awning with the pre-drilled holes in the mounting frame.
3. Make sure the awning is level and centered over the entryway.

Securing the Awning

1. Insert lag bolts through the awning frame and into the pre-drilled holes in the mounting frame.
2. Use an impact driver to tighten the lag bolts, securing the awning in place.
3. Install washers and decorative caps over the lag bolts for a finished look.

Finishing Touches for Your Awning

After the awning is secure, there are a few final steps.

Sealing and Caulking

1. Apply additional silicone sealant around the edges of the awning where it meets the mounting frame.
2. Use a caulking gun to fill any gaps between the mounting frame and the siding.
3. For a clean finish, smooth the sealant with a wet finger or caulk-smoothing tool.

Cleaning and Inspection

1. Clean any excess sealant or debris from the awning and surrounding area.
2. Inspect the installation to verify all bolts are tight, and the awning is secure.
3. Test the awning’s stability by gently pushing on it from various angles.

Additional Considerations When Installing an Awning

When installing an awning, it’s important to be mindful of your local climate and weather patterns. Here are a few additional considerations:

• Wind resistance: Choose an awning designed to withstand high winds if you live in a windy area.
• Snow load: In regions with heavy snowfall, confirm the awning can support the additional weight of accumulated snow.
• UV protection: Opt for materials with UV protection to prevent fading and degradation over time.

Awning Maintenance Tips

Clean the awning regularly with mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup. Inspect the mounting hardware and frame annually for signs of wear or loosening. Periodically check the sealant around the mounting frame and reapply if needed. To enhance durability, consider applying a water-repellent treatment every few years for fabric awnings.

Awning Installation Safety Precautions

Safety should always be a priority when undertaking a do-it-yourself project. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

• Ladder safety: Use a sturdy ladder and make sure it’s on a level surface before climbing.
• Protective gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and hearing protection when using power tools.
• Weather conditions: Avoid working in extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain.
• Helper: Always have a second person to help lift and position the awning.

Our Conclusion

Installing an awning on your house can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that can significantly enhance your home’s exterior and provide practical benefits. With the right tools, materials, and careful attention to detail, you can DIY-install an awning that protects your entryway.

Resources

For this project, Gilbert uses an Icon awning base kit manufactured by Feeney, Inc., with a matte black frame and a clear finish.

Gilbert creates the proper-sized PVC mounting blocks by following the template of the vinyl mounting block to measure and trace where the French cleat will be cut. Then Gilbert uses a miter saw to square the edges of the board and cut the boards to length for the mounting bracket. After, Gilbert uses a portable bandsaw to cut out the cleat for each piece of PVC. Gilbert uses an electric drill to securely mount the blocks to the exterior siding using exterior-grade screws.

To mount the awning, Gilbert first applies a silicone sealant along the backside of the bracket to keep it watertight. Gilbert then uses an electric drill to make pilot holes on the mounting blocks and chooses exterior-grade heavy-duty structural screws to secure the awning to the siding. Finally, he applies silicone sealant around the edges of the awning to ensure no water can penetrate the siding.

Expert assistance is provided by Feeney, Inc. All other products can be found at home centers.

Materials

• PVC boards
• Silicone sealant
• Awning kit
• Stainless steel screws
• Lag bolts
• Washers and caps

Tools