Sun and Shade Planning
Shade is the product you are buying, and it moves across the day and the year. These guides use the same solar geometry as our shade data and shade calculator to show where an awning's shadow actually lands on south, east, west and north exposures, and how projection, pitch and valances change it.
How Much Shade Does an Awning Provide? Shade Depth, Area and Quality Explained
At summer solar noon a 10 ft awning on a south wall with its front bar at 7.5 ft shades roughly 7 to 9 ft of ground across the US, but less by the September equinox and much less on west walls in late afternoon. Shade depth equals horizontal reach minus front bar height divided by the tangent of the sun's profile angle, so projection, front bar height, wall direction and time of day all matter.
Read the complete guideChoosing an Awning by Patio Orientation: South, East, West and North-Facing Patios
Which awning works on a south, east, west or north-facing patio, with hour-by-hour shade depths, the low-sun problem on west walls and a solution table.
Sun Angles for Awning Design: Seasonal Sun Height, Sun Paths and How to Use Them
Noon sun altitude by latitude at solstices and equinoxes, sun paths, profile angles and solar time, with worked examples for sizing patio and window awnings.