Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

The "Technology Connections" youtube channel recently discussed awnings too. (And it had more or less the same message as this blog.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhbDfi7Ee7k

And that has way more details than this. The only why supplied here is "we forgot" and "AC"

The TC video has a lot of details about why awnings are a great idea, and about how other places are still using them and getting good results; but the reasoning offered for why we don't use them any more... still boils down to "we forgot" and "AC".

Because those are the actual reasons.

AC was indeed important. But also:

We still sometimes use things like awnings, just in the form of 'porches' or modern-looking 'slat awnings'

Changes in architectural fashion has made some forms of awning look dated.

Fabric awnings need upkeep to keep them looking smart. When the awnings are above ground level, it's semi-expensive upkeep. Building owners are tempted to keep those tired, sun-bleached awnings in place rather than renewing them - contributing to the dated reputation of awnings.

Awnings also face competition from interior curtains and blinds, which are much simpler to maintain.

And there's shifting building use. A few decades ago an office worker would prize a desk by a big window with lots of natural light to read paperwork by, but in the age of PCs nobody wants direct sunlight on their screen. Internal blinds let workers control the light levels to match their needs.

>Awnings also face competition from interior curtains and blinds, which are much simpler to maintain.

But not significant competition. If the blinds are very reflective a small amount of sunlight might end up going out again but in general, once the solar radiation converts to heat you can't get it back out through the window. That is particularly true for modern multi-pane windows.

Awnings fail to deal with heat gain from the surrounding. So, in hot environments they can be less effective than insulating curtains inside the window which also help at night when it’s still 100+f outside.

This is especially true if you have an overhang, trees, etc providing even modest shade.

They would compliment each other because the purpose of the awning is to prevent the heat of the sun from entering the house. Once it's in, even if there are insulating curtains, the heat is still in the house.