Some awning designs perform better under duress than others. Perhaps that’s no surprise, but it’s an important fact to keep in mind if you’re about to invest in a new awning.
Given the right conditions, high winds can blow almost anywhere. Wind is a potential enemy of any awning because it puts the awning under additional pressure. That can create movement, which increases wear and tear. Poorly selected awning designs — or improper installation – run a higher risk of breakage or fabric deterioration. Just the constant pressure of continuous breeze can create problems over time.
Fully engineered awning designs are stronger and more durable than temporary structures.
Temporary canopies are fine in areas where winds are only occasional. Just remember to keep your eye on the weather forecast and remove your awning structure if you know a storm is coming. There’s no point in inviting problems.
For permanent installations, the stronger the wind, the stronger the materials should be. Structurally, steel is a better choice than aluminum. Wood is good, too. Metal architectural awnings have a lower profile so they can resist wind. Fabric stretched over a rigid frame is the most resistant to high winds. The fabric may billow a bit, and if you have a valance it will flutter, too. But that’s to be expected. It’s actually releasing tension when it does that.
Installation in windy areas requires extra-strong attachment points. In fact every detail from hardware to sewing thread contributes to the wind resistance of various awning designs. An experienced awning professional can help you determine what awning designs will work best in your location.
Retractable awnings are the worst possible choice for windy locations.
By their very nature they aren’t as sturdy, so you should never expect them to perform well in difficult conditions. Retractable awnings are intended to provide shade from the sun, not weather protection. And it’s nearly impossible to visually detect quality differences in retractable awnings, so it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
Look at it this way: if it’s too windy for you to feel comfortable sitting outside, it’s too windy for a retractable awning. If the wind comes up, you’ll have to retract it so it’s snug against the wall. For most applications, it’s wiser to simply choose a more appropriate awning.
Top quality awning designs are custom-built to match your needs.
So what are the typical wind patterns at your location? How do you plan to use your awning — year round, or just for summer weekends?
Coastal settings, rooftops and other locations with frequent breeze all call for materials, construction and installation methods proven to perform reliably under pressure. If you typically get more than just a breeze, you may want to reinforce your awning designs right from the start, by using extra posts or brackets.
No awning designs are fail-safe. If the wind is strong enough or sustained enough, it could damage your awning. That’s why it’s so important to perform an inspection after a storm. Look for things like loose bolts, cracked concrete footings, torn fabric or damage to the valance, if there is one.
Even a small tear or crack can quickly grow into a significant problem if left unattended. If you notice any problems, call your awning company right away to get their advice. The sooner you repair problems the sooner you can stop worrying about them. The longer they remain, the bigger and more expensive they’ll get.
Allowing an obviously damaged awning to remain unrepaired can make your neighborhood look tatty and send a negative message about your business. Your awning is a very visible marketing tool, but you don’t want that kind of visibility.
Knowing your local conditions and planning ahead to create awning designs that fit your needs will give you the sturdiest, safest awning and the greatest peace of mind when the wind blows.
Photo Credit: Triple Tri via Flickr
