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How Much Wind is Too Much for an Awning?

June 7, 2022

If there’s one thing about the weather we can predict, we can predict  it’s going to be unpredictable. You’re enjoying a nice, sunny day when BAM! Up blows a strong wind out of nowhere. Will your awning survive? Our SummerSpace® Retractable Awning selections are of the highest quality. These will withstand more than many bargain brands, but awnings by nature are designed to protect you from sunlight, not high winds. Let’s talk about retractable awnings and wind load.

How Much Wind is Too Much for Your Retractable Awning?

In times of strong winds or other bad weather, we highly recommend you retract your awning as heavy winds can cause damage. 

As a general rule of thumb, if you are not comfortable sitting on your deck or patio it is too much wind for your awning and it’s time to retract it.

In high winds, the fabric of your awning gets whipped around relentlessly. Even with the highest quality fabrics like the Tempotest® Fabric used on SummerSpace awnings, harsh wind conditions can cause damage. And it’s not just the awning fabric that can suffer in the wind. Your awning’s arms are built to be durable with forged metal and intelligent design. However, in the presence of especially strong winds frame damage can occur. In addition to the wind, you want to protect your awning from debris or other objects the wind may be carrying.

Why Retractable Awnings Are Ideal for Windy Areas

If you live in areas known for frequent winds, what you need is a motorized retractable awning. Motorized retractable awnings close quickly, so when those sudden winds kick up, you can close the awning quickly and get inside before any damage is done. Think of how this usually plays out: you’ll be outdoors with the kiddos, a book, something to sip on, perhaps a tray of food, and most certainly your phone or tablet. You need to get the awning closed quickly with that handful, and SummerSpace awnings close in a few seconds with the touch of a button.

Retractable awnings are not designed to be left open unattended. When you come indoors, close your awning.  A wind sensor and automatic timer control are additional options to help make sure the awning is never left open overnight or in windy conditions. This helps prevent critters from taking up residence under your awning! When retracted, SummerSpace awnings are tucked neatly away, discouraging the intrusion of pests. Also, regularly opening and closing the awning lets the local animals, birds, and insects know it’s not a safe, out-of-the-way spot to set up habitat.

Why High-Quality Awning Construction Is Essential

At SummerSpace, our awnings are known for their unrelenting strength and high-caliber performance. The frame of each awning is constructed with the finest materials including cast or forged arm joint components, high-grade aircraft quality extrusions, and a durable SummerShield® powder coated finish. In addition, our fabrics come with a Hi-Clean® or Teflon® Extreme Finish to protect your fabric from the elements. Our retractable awnings are manufactured in our Maine factory from start to finish by our hardworking and skilled craftsmen. Overseeing the entire process in-house, we can guarantee excellence in quality and performance for our customers.

At SummerSpace, all of our awnings Performance Series awnings are strong enough for commercial use. However, the primary purpose of an awnings is solar protection. Enjoy shaded comfort with a SummerSpace Retractable Awning and in periods of strong wind, simply retract your awning to avoid any problems. If you have questions about our awnings and the wind, contact our team. Order your SummerSpace retractable awnings from your local dealer today!

How Much Wind is Too Much for an Awning?

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