Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning Review: The Budget-Friendly Shelter Your Doorway Needs?

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes with a completely exposed doorway. For me, it was the constant battle with our back kitchen door. Every time it rained, a puddle would form right at the threshold, seeping under the door and turning the welcome mat into a soggy mess. Fumbling for keys in a downpour became a dreaded ritual, and the constant moisture was starting to take a toll on the wooden door frame. It wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a slow, creeping maintenance problem. An exposed entrance is an invitation for weather damage, premature wear on doors and windows, and a less-than-pleasant experience for you and your guests. This is precisely the problem the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning aims to solve—a simple, modern, and affordable shield against the elements. But can a lightweight, DIY kit really stand up to the task?

What to Consider Before Buying a Door & Window Awning

An awning is more than just a roof extension; it’s a key solution for protecting your home’s vulnerable points from sun, rain, and snow. By creating a sheltered space, it prevents water from pooling at entryways, which can lead to costly wood rot, damaged seals, and interior water damage. It also blocks harsh UV rays, protecting your door’s finish from fading and cracking, and can even help lower indoor temperatures by shading sunny windows. The main benefits are clear: enhanced protection, improved curb appeal, and a more comfortable and functional entryway. It turns a simple door into a proper, sheltered entrance.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner or renter looking for a cost-effective, straightforward solution for a standard-sized door or window. You’re likely a DIY enthusiast who is comfortable with basic tools and isn’t afraid to make a trip to the hardware store for specific mounting hardware. This product is perfect for protecting a porch door from rain, shielding a window from the afternoon sun, or keeping a small patio area dry. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in areas with extreme weather, such as very heavy snowfall or hurricane-force winds. Its lightweight construction is a benefit for installation but a potential liability in severe conditions. For those needing heavy-duty, all-weather protection or retractable functionality, a more robust, professionally installed fabric or metal awning would be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: First, measure your target area meticulously. The Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning offers a generous 80-inch width, perfect for covering a wide single door with sidelights or a large window. The 40-inch projection is also substantial, providing ample coverage. However, ensure you have at least 12-13 inches of vertical clearance above your door or window frame for mounting the brackets without obstruction.
• Weather Performance: Consider your local climate. This awning is designed to handle rain, sun, and light snow. The polycarbonate panels are UV-resistant and the sloped design helps shed water effectively. If you anticipate heavy snow loads, you will need to either clear it regularly or opt for a much stronger awning with metal support brackets designed for that purpose.
• Materials & Durability: The material composition dictates longevity. This unit features twin-wall polycarbonate panels, lightweight aluminum edge strips, and plastic support brackets. While aluminum resists rust, the plastic brackets are the main point of concern for long-term durability under constant UV exposure. For a higher price point, you can find awnings with all-metal frames, but for many applications, this combination offers a good balance of affordability and function.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: As a fixed, manual awning, there are no moving parts to worry about. Maintenance is simple: an occasional cleaning with water and mild soap is all that’s needed to keep the panels clear and looking good. However, the initial installation is the primary “use” challenge, and as we’ll discuss, it’s not as straightforward as the marketing suggests.

While the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning is an excellent choice for its price point, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from fixed canopies to large retractable units, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Modern and Lightweight Solution

Upon arrival, the box for the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning is surprisingly compact and lightweight. Inside, the components are nested together: three plastic support brackets, four lightweight aluminum rails (two for the front, two for the back wall mount), and two 40″ x 40″ twin-wall polycarbonate panels that join to make the full 80-inch width. A bag of hardware is also included. Our initial impression of the materials was mixed. The aluminum rails felt sturdy and well-extruded. The brown-tinted polycarbonate panels are extremely light, similar in feel to Coroplast, but designed for outdoor use. The plastic brackets, however, were the biggest question mark. They feel like a dense, heavy-duty polymer, but they are undeniably plastic. A common issue noted by users, which we also observed, was minor cosmetic damage. Our panels had a few small dents near the corners, likely from shipping, due to less-than-robust internal packaging. It’s a trade-off for the affordable price, but something to be aware of. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, and it’s easy to see how its neutral brown color could complement a wide range of home exteriors. You can see its clean, modern design and color options here.

A Deep Dive into the Nova Awning’s Real-World Performance

An awning can look great in a picture, but its true worth is only revealed during assembly, installation, and after it has faced its first real storm. We put the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning through a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation to see if its performance lives up to its promises. We focused on the entire user experience, from wrestling with the instructions to enjoying a dry entryway during a downpour.

The Assembly and Installation Gauntlet

Let’s be perfectly clear: this is not a project for the faint of heart, primarily due to the instructions. The included guide is little more than a single, exploded-view diagram with numbered parts. There are no written steps, no measurements for mounting holes, and no guidance for different wall types. You are, as one user aptly put it, “on your own.”

We began by assembling the frame on the ground, which we highly recommend. The two polycarbonate panels slide into grooves in the front and back aluminum rails. The center bracket then joins the two 40″ sections. A critical flaw, noted by several users and confirmed in our test, is the poor quality of the small self-tapping screws used to secure the rails to the brackets. They are soft, strip easily, and we found we were short by two. We immediately substituted them with higher-quality sheet metal screws from our own workshop for a much more secure fit. We also added extra screws to secure the center of the panels to the middle bracket, a step strangely omitted from the diagram but essential for preventing the panels from sagging or popping out.

Mounting is where the real challenge begins. The kit includes expansion bolts designed for solid concrete or brick. If you’re mounting to wood siding, lap siding, or anything else, you must purchase the appropriate hardware separately. We installed ours onto Hardie board siding over a wood frame. This required a stud finder, a level, and a set of 5/16″ lag bolts long enough to securely bite into the wall studs. The process absolutely requires two people; one to hold the surprisingly unwieldy (though lightweight) assembly in place while the other marks, drills, and fastens the bolts. For those mounting on brick, the challenge is even greater, as the bracket hole spacing may not align with mortar joints, often requiring the creation of a PVC or wood backer board as a mounting plate. While the process was ultimately successful, it took more problem-solving and extra hardware than a typical DIY kit should. If you’re ready for the challenge, you can explore the full kit details before you buy.

An Honest Look at Material Quality and Long-Term Durability

The saying “you get what you pay for” is highly relevant to the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning. The materials are a strategic mix of budget-friendly plastics and functional aluminum. The extruded aluminum front and rear rails are the strongest part of the assembly, providing good rigidity along the 80-inch span and a clean, finished look.

The polycarbonate panels are the functional core. They are a twin-wall design, meaning they have hollow channels running through them, which makes them incredibly light. The brown tint effectively diffuses harsh sunlight, casting a pleasant shade without completely blocking out light—a feature we particularly liked for our shady kitchen door area. However, these panels are not indestructible. We share the concerns of users who report the panels becoming brittle or breaking down after 2-3 years of constant sun exposure. While rated for UV protection, the thinness of the material suggests that longevity in harsh, sunny climates could be limited. Furthermore, their light weight makes them susceptible to damage from hail or falling branches.

The plastic support brackets are the most debated component. Out of the box, they feel dense and strong enough for the task. They hold the shape of the awning well and seem capable of supporting its own weight plus a light rain or wind load. The primary concern is long-term UV degradation. Plastic exposed to the elements can become brittle and crack over time. We saw reports of failures after a few years, which seems plausible. For moderate climates without extreme weather, they should suffice for a reasonable period, but they are not a “forever” solution like a steel or aluminum-framed awning. This product strikes a balance, offering functional protection at a price that makes a potential replacement in 3-5 years more palatable. This affordability is a feature that really sets it apart in the market.

Day-to-Day Performance: Sun, Rain, and Wind

Once installed, how does it actually perform? In this regard, the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning delivered exactly what we hoped for. The 40-inch projection is fantastic, providing a wide, dry area in front of the door. During a moderate rainstorm, it worked beautifully. Water channeled off the front edge, and the area at our threshold remained completely dry, solving the exact problem we bought it for. The sound of the rain on the polycarbonate is a gentle drumming, much quieter than on a metal awning.

As a sunshade, it is equally effective. It casts a significant shadow that noticeably cools the entryway and the interior room just beyond the door. The translucent brown tint is a great feature, preventing the area from feeling like a dark cave while still cutting down on glare and heat. We received several compliments from neighbors on its sleek, modern look, confirming that it can genuinely enhance a home’s curb appeal without looking cheap.

When it comes to wind, its performance is acceptable in light to moderate breezes. The entire structure is very light, so a strong gust will cause it to flex. We haven’t experienced any issues, but based on its construction, we would share the reservations of other users about its suitability for areas prone to very high winds. The large surface area could act like a sail, putting significant stress on the plastic brackets and wall mounts. For most residential settings with typical weather, it feels stable and secure enough to do its job reliably. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it works, especially when it rains. To check the latest price and availability for your home is a step towards a drier doorway.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience aligns closely with the general consensus from other users. The feedback is consistently split between praise for its functionality and appearance, and criticism of the installation process and long-term durability. On the positive side, many users, like one who was “nervous at first” but is now “in love especially when it rains,” celebrate how well it works. Many mention receiving compliments from neighbors on its appearance, with one stating, “Thought it might look cheap, but its pretty nice.” The effectiveness at keeping entryways dry and shaded is a recurring theme of satisfaction.

On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on a few key areas. The abysmal instructions are the most frequent complaint, with one reviewer stating, “Instructions are basically an exploded numbered drawing, and figure it out for yourself.” The necessity of buying better-quality hardware is another common refrain, with one user noting they had to use “screws from homedepot” and “lags from homedepot as they sent concrete anchors.” Finally, concerns about longevity are valid, with some reports of the PC board only lasting “2.5 yrs” or the whole unit “barely lasted a year.” These reviews paint a clear picture: it’s a great functional product for the price, provided you are prepared for a more involved installation and understand its material limitations.

How Does the Nova Microdermabrasion Awning Compare to Alternatives?

The Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning occupies a specific niche: fixed, affordable, and modern. However, if your needs are different, particularly regarding size, material, or functionality, there are other excellent options to consider.

1. HOMEDEMO 118″ Manual Retractable Awning

The HOMEDEMO Manual Retractable Awning is a completely different class of product. It’s a fabric, retractable awning that offers significantly more coverage with its 118″ width and height. This is a solution for creating a shaded outdoor living space on a patio or deck, rather than just covering a door. Its primary advantage is flexibility; you can extend it for shade and retract it during storms or in the winter. It is manually operated with a crank, and its construction is more substantial. Someone should choose this over the Nova awning if they need to cover a large area like a patio set and prioritize the ability to retract the awning when not in use. It comes with a higher price tag and a more involved installation process due to its weight and mechanical components.

2. Outsunny 8′ x 7′ Retractable Patio Awning

Similar to the HOMEDEMO, the Outsunny 8′ x 7′ model is a manual retractable fabric awning. Measuring 96 inches (8 feet) wide with an impressive 84-inch (7 feet) projection, it offers deep shade coverage. The frame is typically aluminum and steel, and the fabric is a durable, water-resistant polyester. This is an ideal choice for someone who wants to create a temporary “outdoor room” over a deck or window, providing significant relief from sun and light rain. It’s a direct competitor to other large retractable models and is a step up in both size and price from the fixed Nova awning. If your main goal is versatile patio coverage rather than simple door protection, the Outsunny is a compelling alternative.

3. Outsunny 12′ x 8′ Retractable Awning

This larger Outsunny model is for those who need maximum coverage. At 12 feet wide with an 8-foot projection, it can shade a significant portion of a deck, patio, or a large bank of windows. It features a robust aluminum and steel frame and a high-density, 280g/m² water-resistant fabric for enhanced durability. This is a heavy-duty residential solution for serious sun protection. You would opt for this model over the Nova awning if your primary goal is to create a large, comfortable, and shaded outdoor living area. The trade-offs are a much higher cost, a more demanding installation that must be secured to strong structural supports, and the maintenance associated with a large mechanical fabric awning.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Nova Microdermabrasion Awning Worth It?

After a thorough hands-on review, our verdict on the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning is a conditional recommendation. This awning excels at its core mission: it provides excellent, effective protection from rain and sun with a clean, modern aesthetic that belies its budget-friendly price. For the homeowner looking to solve the problem of a wet, exposed entryway without breaking the bank, it is a fantastic value proposition. It truly works, keeping you and your doorway dry and shaded.

However, this recommendation comes with a significant caveat: you must be prepared for the installation. The included instructions are poor, and the provided hardware is inadequate for most non-concrete installations and of questionable quality overall. If you are a confident DIYer who is comfortable improvising, making a trip to the hardware store for better screws and bolts, and can enlist a helper, then you will be rewarded with a highly functional and attractive awning for a fraction of the cost of other solutions. If you’re looking for an easy, out-of-the-box project with perfect instructions, this is not it. Ultimately, if you understand its limitations and are prepared for the installation journey, the Nova Microdermabrasion 40″ x 80″ Polycarbonate Awning offers unbeatable performance for the price.