How to install a window awning in a rental?

Question

HI everyone,

I live in a rental in Wollongong and looking for no isntallation rental freindly awning, or any othr idea that can cover the window from direct sun without blocking the wind. The windows are north west facing.

The left window is 3mx1m, and 1.5m,  Right window is 2mx1m both are  1.5m above groud.

I have shorlisted an awning and and umbrella, i do have some concrete blcoks and pavers in the back yard if needed

1st option:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/windoware-2m-x-1-8-2-9m-charcoal-renter-friendly-portable-awning_p0873623

2nd option:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-3m-round-maverick-umbrella_p3192538

or

https://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-3m-nova-round-stone-cantilever-umbrella_p0444267

Please suggest where to start ? Strict budget opetion

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @IramS

I’ve never seen one of those renter friendly blockout awning that @EricL recommended. I reckon that’s an excellent solution that won’t require you to fix anything to the property.

Nailbag.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @IramS

Having a think about what could be done…

I am picturing a large square/rectangular timber frame with the corners screwed together (or bolted) I would also add a center piece added in but that may block your view. This is made so it slips up against the eves above the window frame and at a diagonal of 30deg or more (40deg would be better)

Using shade sale or shade cloth this is draped over the frame extending by say 30cm either side. I would use a couple of pool noodles along the base to be able to wind out the sale when it gets windy or during winter.

The red is the timber frame, either screwed with 3 screws or bolts per corner.

The Blue is the shade sail or shade cloth.

The green line is pool noodles for rolling the cloth up easily. You will need a loop of rope to securing it rolled up.

The top green line under the eve is another pool noodle so it wont scratch the house.

Also potentially.

A rope from the top of the frame straight down to the ground and anchored there. This is stop the frame swooshing forward and banging the eve or wall too much. The diagonal contact point can also be secured with short T posts.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @IramS

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about installing awning in your rental home.

Your first option of using the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/windoware-2m-x-1-8-2-9m-charcoal-renter-friendly-portable-awning_p0873623

is an excellent way to get some cover for your windows. The only drawback of course is that you'll need to invest in a few of them as they are not big enough to cover your windows width.

The second option which is the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-3m-round-maverick-umbrella_p3192538

is a much more flexible option as you can move the umbrella to the ideal spot and fold it in when there is a storm or heavy rains are coming. The marquee will need a

https://www.bunnings.com.au/coolaroo-50cm-umbrella-accessory-cantilever-water-base_p0124013

to hold it in place which is an extra expense. It is possible to use heavy sandbags, but what is important is that there is a heavy base that will hold the umbrella in place.

The third option is to build a timber frame that looks similar to the renter friendly awning in combination with shade sail. Depending on what material you use it could end up costing just as much as the first two.

Personally, I would suggest the marquee umbrella because of its flexibility and the option of being able to put it away or take with you when you move to another place. I have owned similar marquee umbrellas and have used it as a car shade; they last a long time even when exposed to extreme UV.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @TedBear and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric