Can A Retractable Awning Handle High Winds?

By far, the most common concern that consumers have about retractable awnings is can their retractable awning handle high winds. What concerns them is the fact that these types of awnings extend with bent arms. So if there is no support on side while they are extending from the structure on the other side, the side without the support would be prone to lifting. At some point, being lifted by the wind could either cause damage to that awning or the structure it is attached to. This concern is quite valid because no homeowner wants their home to get damaged or their awning to break apart easily.

Do not forget, it is because of your awning that your once hot, unusable outdoor space is now a comfortable, shady oasis. So whether or not high winds can be handled by a retractable awning depends on the company that installed the awning and also on the following factors.

The Distance Between The Retractable Awning And The Structure
When installing an awning, this relevant factor is totally ignored, which is the reason that high winds are often not handled by retractable awnings. Anyone who has tried gaining extra leverage to turn a bolt by using a breaker bar will understand that the greater the distance is from the lever, the more force has to applied. Similarly, if an awning is retracted against a structure, the wind will not be able to gain leverage and the awning will be absolutely safe. That is the whole point of an awning; you should simply retract the awning when you are not using it or just extend it a few feet when the wind is too high in order to ensure stability.

The Size Of The Retractable Awning And The Amount Of Fabric Exposed
This is another factor that is often ignored during the installation of awnings and is another reason retractable awnings are not able to handle high winds. In comparison to retractable awnings with a projection of 30′ x 16′, awnings with a projection of 12′ x 10′ will be more stable in high winds and will handle the highs winds more effectively. The area you are living in is typically windy; you should consider the amount of space that really needs to be provided a shade. Wind stabilization poles should be considered is a larger area needs to be provided with a shade.

The Pitch Of The Retractable Awning
The ability of a retractable awning to withstand excessively windy conditions can be increased by having a good 2 to 3″ pitch per foot of projection. A retractable awning will actually get pushed down and backed up towards the house with it has a good pitch. A good pitch makes the arms of the retractable awning want to flex in and out naturally just like when it is operated. With a good pitch, a retractable awning will be in the perfect position to resist the force of a gust of wind that can push it up quickly, damaging it.

If the retractable awning installed in your house fulfills the above factors, then there is nothing for you to worry about because your retractable awning will be able to handle high winds quite effectively.