Window Awnings: Block the Heat Before It Hits the Glass
Air conditioning fights a losing battle against a south- or west-facing window with no shade. The sun heats the glass, the glass radiates into the room, and your HVAC runs nonstop trying to compensate. A window awning stops that cycle by blocking solar heat before it reaches the window surface.
M2 Decks & Enclosures installs Betterliving window awnings for homeowners across 14 counties in southeast and south-central Wisconsin. From downtown Milwaukee condos to lakefront homes in Oconomowoc, window awnings are one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce cooling costs and improve comfort.
Two Configurations: Open and Cassette
This is the first question most homeowners ask, and the honest answer depends on how you plan to use the space.
Without Cassette: Available from 3 feet to 32 feet wide. The awning retracts against the wall above the window. This is the simpler, more economical option, and the wider maximum width makes it suitable for covering multiple windows or wide picture windows.
With Cassette: Available from 3 feet to 16 feet wide. The fabric retracts into a protective aluminum cassette housing. The cassette shields the fabric from UV, rain, and debris when the awning is retracted, extending fabric life. For homeowners who want the cleanest look and longest lifespan, the cassette is the better choice.
Fabric Options
Window awnings use fabrics from the Craft-Bilt Northport Fabric Collection — over 100 designer colors and patterns. The same solution-dyed acrylic used in our retractable patio awnings, built to resist fading and weather.
Window awnings are one of the most visible elements on a home’s exterior, so color selection matters. We see a lot of classic stripes on traditional homes in Waukesha, Brookfield, and Delafield. Solid earth tones work well on contemporary builds. We bring samples to every consultation.
Motorized or Manual
Depending on the model and size, window awnings can be Somfy motorized or manually operated. For ground-floor windows you can easily reach, manual operation keeps the cost down. For second-story windows or hard-to-reach locations, motorized with remote control is the practical choice.
Motorized units integrate with the Somfy TaHoma app and can accept Rain & Sun Sensors and Wind Sensors for automatic operation. That means your window awnings respond to the weather even when you’re not home — useful for lake houses and vacation properties around Jefferson, Walworth, and Fond Du Lac counties.
Energy Savings Are Real
Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain through windows by up to 65-77% on south-facing exposures. That’s a meaningful reduction in cooling load. For homes in our service area — particularly older homes in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha without modern low-E windows — the energy savings can partially offset the cost of the awnings over time.
They also protect interior furnishings. UV through unshaded windows fades carpet, hardwood floors, upholstery, and artwork. A window awning is significantly cheaper than replacing a sun-bleached sofa.
Common Applications
- Living room and family room windows facing south or west
- Kitchen windows over sinks (reduce glare and heat while cooking)
- Bedroom windows (improve morning comfort)
- Storefront windows for commercial properties
- Multi-window spans on large homes in Pewaukee, Muskego, and New Berlin
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Call M2 Decks & Enclosures at 414-491-9334 or request a free quote below. We’ll evaluate your windows, recommend the right configuration, and help you choose a fabric that looks great on your home.