Been thinking about adding some shade to my south-facing windows before summer hits again. Looked into it a bit and seems like there's two main ways people figure out awning or overhang size: one is using online calculators/apps that just spit out numbers, and the other is doing the math yourself based on your latitude and sun angles. I'm kinda tempted to try the DIY math route (you know, nerd points and all), but wondering if it's worth the hassle compared to just plugging numbers into a calculator. Anyone tried either method and have thoughts on which worked better?
I went the DIY math route last summer—mostly for the nerd points, I'll admit—and honestly, it wasn't as tricky as I expected. Took a bit of head-scratching at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was pretty satisfying to see it all come together. Plus, it gave me a better understanding of how the sun moves around my place. Curious though, are you planning fixed awnings or something adjustable? That might change how precise you need to be with your calculations...
Adjustable awnings definitely give you more flexibility, but honestly, I've found fixed ones simpler and more reliable long-term. If your calculations are reasonably accurate, you'll get consistent shade coverage without the hassle of constant adjustments...just my two cents from years of dealing with summer sun.
Totally agree on fixed awnings being simpler long-term. A few things I'd add from my own DIY shade projects:
- Double-check your sun angle calculations for different months—June sun isn't the same as August.
- Consider roof overhangs or nearby trees; they can throw off your math unexpectedly.
- If you're going fixed, pick materials carefully. I've had canvas fade badly after just a couple summers, while aluminum panels held up way better.
Just some extra points from my own trial-and-error experiences...
Good points about material durability, especially canvas vs aluminum panels. Canvas is nice aesthetically, but I've also seen it degrade pretty fast in sunny climates. Aluminum or polycarbonate panels tend to hold up better long-term.
On the DIY math aspect, I've helped a few homeowners through the calculations before. It's not overly complicated once you get your head around the sun angle charts for your latitude. The key is being clear on exactly when you want full shade coverage—like mid-June vs. late August can make a big difference, as mentioned earlier. Also, don't forget to factor in window height and sill depth—easy to overlook but it matters.
Online calculators can be a good quick check, but honestly, doing the math yourself gives you a better sense of how everything interacts. Plus, if you decide to tweak your design later (like changing window size or placement), you'll already understand how to adjust your shading accordingly.
Good advice on the window height and sill depth—those little details can really throw off your shading if you overlook them. I learned that the hard way when I built a pergola a few years back. Thought I'd nailed the math, but didn't fully account for how deep my windowsills were. Ended up with some annoying glare sneaking in during late afternoons in July.
Also agree about canvas durability issues. I tried canvas awnings first because they looked great, but after two summers of intense sun, they faded badly and started fraying at the edges. Switched to aluminum panels after that, and they've held up perfectly since then.
Doing the math yourself definitely helps you understand how everything fits together. But if you're short on time or patience (like I sometimes am...), those online calculators can at least get you close enough to start planning. Then you can fine-tune from there.
Glad I'm not the only one who underestimated window sills... I thought I was being overly cautious measuring mine, but turns out even a small miscalculation can mess things up. Haven't tried aluminum yet—still skeptical about the noise factor when it rains—but canvas definitely didn't hold up for me either. Might give those calculators a shot next time, though honestly, math was never my strong suit...
"even a small miscalculation can mess things up."
You're spot-on there. I've seen plenty of DIY shade projects go sideways just from overlooking sill depth or how far the sun angle shifts in summer. Aluminum isn't as noisy as you'd think, but proper insulation underneath helps a ton... worth considering.
I learned this the hard way myself—thought I had my angles nailed down perfectly, but forgot to factor in how much the neighbor's tree grows each year... rookie mistake. Shade math is trickier than it looks, folks.
Been there. I once spent a full weekend building a pergola based on careful shade calculations—only to realize I'd done all the math assuming midday sun. Late afternoon? Completely useless... lesson learned, trust but verify your math.