How to Install an Aluminum Awning

| Last Updated: August 20, 2021

Tools Required
  • Carpenter’s level
  • Electric drill with bits
  • Caulk gun
Materials Required
  • Awning
  • Hangers and braces
  • Sheet metal screws
  • Braces
  • Silicone caulk
  • Ladders

Before You Begin

You’ll need the help of someone strong enough to hold the awning while you work on securing it above the window.

The project involves assembling the awning and then fastening it with interlocking male and female hangers.

Carefully read the directions that come with the awning to understand how it fits together and is fastened to the siding.

Look at the different parts and hardware that come with the unit and identify the hangers, braces, and sheet metal screws.

Step 1: Assemble the Awning


With the end sections in a vertical position, hold the top section in place with the roof rail ends resting on top of the curved rail. The end section should extend approximately 5/8-in. behind the wall rail in the roof. This allows the end to be flush with the wall when the male header is inserted into the female wall hanger.

Step 2: Connect the End and Top Sections


Align the screw holes that have been predrilled through the top cross rail over the curved rails of the end sections.

Drill 1/8-in. pilot holes or drive #8 x 1 1/4-in. sheet metal screws through to connect end section to the top section.

Step 3: Install the Awning


Center and level the female hanger at the desired height over the window. Drive #8x 1 1/4-in. sheet metal screws or appropriate masonry fasteners through the hanger into the wall. Apply silicone caulk above the hanger. Raise the assembled awning until the male hanger interlocks with the female hangers.

Lower the awning into position against the wall. Secure the ends against the wall by drilling a 3/16-in. hole through the wall rail and attaching it with #8 x 2-in. sheet metal screws or appropriate fasteners.

Here are other related articles that might interest you.

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.