Awnings are common in Europe, where nearly one of three homes has one.

But in the United States, where only 3 percent of houses use awnings, they're more of a novelty. That number is growing, however, because people want to spend more time outdoors on their patios, porches and decks.

"They add another room to your home," says Greg O'Brien, who had a fabric awning installed on his Leawood, Kan., house a year ago.

Before, O'Brien's west-facing patio would become uncomfortable when the temperature hit the 80s. In summer, it felt like an oven.

With the awning, O'Brien, his wife, Kendra, and their 2-year-old son, Griffin, use their patio more. It's become the spot where the family's golden retriever, Sam, takes naps.

Typically, awnings reduce the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. Another benefit of O'Brien's awning is that it cools his living room, which has a large picture window, and hearth room.

"People with a southern or western exposure who use an awning definitely don't have to run the air conditioning as often," says Mike Chael, owner of Kansas City Tent & Awning Co., which installed O'Brien's awning. "So many houses these days have big banks of windows, but the homeowners don't want heavy drapes blocking the view."

Awnings also block out ultraviolet rays.

O'Brien's awning is retractable, the most popular type for homes. The awning runs on a motor instead of a manual crank system, which O'Brien had to use a few days while he waited for an electrician to install an outdoor power outlet.

Now he uses a remote control — inside or outside — to automatically roll up the awning in heavy winds and storms. An awning can last eight to 10 years, and keeping it out of bad weather can prolong its life.

The typical 14-by-10-foot awning starts at $3,500. Motorization adds $800, and remote controls an additional $300.

Maintenance involves occasional scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent.