Can a Retractable Awning Handle High Winds?

If you’re making an investment in retractable awnings for your home, you’ll want to understand how to use them properly to protect that investment and ensure the awnings last for the long term. One type of weather that can potentially damage your awnings is high wind conditions.

As you consider awning installation in Austin, TX, you’ll want to understand the way the awning design stands up against high winds, which can be an unpredictable force in the area:

• The purpose of an awning: Awnings are structures designed primarily for sun protection, not for guarding a house against high winds. Because of this, they should generally not be left out during windy conditions. Since they’re retractable, it should be an easy fix: if you read about high winds in the forecast or just start to notice the trees and flags on your street blowing in the breeze, retract those awnings. But we all know that winds can surprise us. What could happen if you leave your awnings out and learn about high winds when you’re not on your property?
• What awnings can withstand: Though the rule of thumb is that you should always retract awnings on windy days, awnings have been tested in wind-tunnel tests that have shown they can withstand wind forces of over 50 miles per hour. Still, there is a caveat for this: the wind-tunnel test is a very controlled environment. Though 50 miles per hour is very fast, your installed awnings may not actually last in a large storm with those strong gusts of wind. It really depends on the way those winds are blowing and other unpredictable elements of the storm.
• Consider pitch: In terms of wind damage, the real worry for awnings is the wind’s up-lifting effect, not the downward force. If the awning’s pitch is low, it’s easier for wind to push upward against more of the awning itself, which could lead it to be detached from your home. However, if your awning’s pitch is greater, it helps to prevent this problem because the wind doesn’t hit as much of the awning in an upward direction. If you live in an area with a lot of adverse wind conditions, talk to your awning company about how you could use awnings with a greater pitch.

There’s a lot to think about when you seek awning installation in Austin, TX, and you need to have the right team to help you choose the best awnings for your home and environment. When you’re in the market for awnings, look no further than Hill Country Awnings & Shades of Texas, Austin’s premier awning company. Since 1987, we have designed, manufactured and installed the shade products that work best for our customers’ needs.

Hill Country Awnings & Shades of Texas has over 90 years of combined experience in retractable awnings, and we’ve proved our value to the community through our integrity, prompt and reliable service and general expertise. Call today to find out more and get a free estimate!

Categorised in: Retractable Awnings