Standing-seam awnings
Sloped metal panels with defined seams for a durable, familiar roof-like appearance over windows and doors.
Metal Awnings
Architectural metal awnings for windows, doors, and storefronts.
Universal Awning fabricates and installs rigid metal awnings for commercial facades and residential properties. The projection, panel profile, frame, finish, and attachment are designed around the building rather than adapted from a standard size.
Peter's LandingRepeated architectural metal awnings
MaterialsAluminum, steel, standing-seam panels, and project-specific infill
PlacementStorefront windows, doors, tenant bays, offices, and residential facades
Design factorsProjection, slope, drainage, attachment, finish, and facade rhythm
Planning the system
Metal awnings give the facade a permanent architectural element
Unlike fabric, a rigid metal awning keeps the same material appearance year-round and can be detailed as part of the building. It may use a standing-seam skin, flat or formed panels, open slats, or another project-specific infill over a fabricated frame. Our metal vs. fabric commercial awning guide compares the two options in more detail.
The awning still has to do practical work. We review the window or door below, sun direction, projection, drainage, signage, mounting surface, and the way several awnings align across the facade before finalizing the structure.
Shade windows and doorsProject over openings to reduce direct exposure and provide a consistent architectural line.
Repeat across tenant baysUse a coordinated profile and spacing across retail, office, or mixed-use facades.
Add a permanent finishChoose metal when the project calls for a rigid surface and a low-change appearance.
Work with modern or traditional buildingsAdjust slope, panel type, frame depth, and finish to suit the architecture.
Available configurations
Metal awning profiles and materials
Metal awnings can be simple or highly detailed. The appropriate system depends on the facade, the required projection, panel direction, drainage, and the intended architectural effect.
Explore all shade systemsFlat-panel metal awnings
A clean rigid surface for contemporary storefronts, offices, and mixed-use properties.
Open-slat awnings
Metal frames with spaced members that provide partial shade and a lighter visual profile.
Custom infill and finishes
Project-specific frames can coordinate with wood-look panels, perforated elements, or other approved facade materials.
Project planning
A row of awnings should read as one facade decision
When several awnings repeat across a building, the top line, projection, spacing, panel direction, and support details should be coordinated. Small inconsistencies become obvious across a long storefront elevation.
Attachment surfaceConfirm wall construction, connection points, waterproofing, and existing facade conditions.
Projection and clearanceCoordinate doors, windows, signs, lights, sidewalks, balconies, and service access.
Panel and runoffSet the slope, seam direction, edges, gutters if needed, and where water will discharge.
Finish consistencyConfirm metal, color, sheen, visible welds, hardware, and repeated details.
Common applications
Where metal awnings are commonly specified
Metal awnings suit properties that need permanent facade shade and a material that reads as part of the architecture.
Retail and mixed-use buildings
Repeated tenant bays, storefront windows, service doors, and pedestrian-facing facades.
Retail projectsOffices and commercial properties
Window lines, lobby doors, employee entrances, and renovated building exteriors.
Office projectsIndustrial and service properties
Entrances, windows, work areas, and durable exterior upgrades.
Industrial projectsResidential architecture
Windows, doors, patios, and modern exterior details where rigid shade is preferred.
Residential projectsSelected work
Metal awnings as part of the building design
These projects show a repeated wood-look infill treatment and a dark open-metal frame, both mounted directly to commercial facades.
Project process
From facade review to metal awning installation
The frame, skin, supports, drainage, and finish are coordinated before metal is cut and fabricated.
Survey the facade
Measure each opening and document the wall, clearances, signs, lights, utilities, drainage, and access.
Develop the awning profile
Set the projection, slope, frame, panels or slats, supports, edge treatment, and finish.
Review drawings and connections
Confirm repeated dimensions, attachment details, material samples, and installation requirements.
Fabricate and install
Build the approved metal awnings and coordinate lifting, staging, attachment, and field alignment.
Metal Awnings questions
Frequently asked questions
What metals are used for exterior awnings?
Metal awnings may use aluminum or steel framing with standing-seam panels, flat panels, slats, or other project-specific infill. The material and finish are selected for the design and exposure.
What is the difference between a metal awning and a metal canopy?
A metal awning is commonly a smaller facade-mounted projection over a window, door, or storefront. A metal canopy usually provides deeper coverage over an entrance, walkway, loading area, or drop-off.
Can metal awnings be made in a custom color?
Yes. Available finish options depend on the metal and project requirements. Color, sheen, and samples should be approved before fabrication.
Can several metal awnings be aligned across one building?
Yes. Repeated awnings can share a coordinated height, projection, profile, panel direction, and finish across tenant bays or window groups.
Do metal awnings require drainage planning?
Yes. The slope, panel direction, edges, gutters when applicable, and discharge location should be reviewed so runoff does not create a problem below.
What is needed for a metal awning estimate?
Provide the property address, facade photographs, approximate opening sizes and projection, plans or elevations if available, preferred metal or finish, and any landlord or architectural criteria.
Request a custom metal awning estimate
Send photographs of the building, approximate opening sizes and projection, and any available elevations or finish direction. We will review the facade and discuss an appropriate metal awning profile.