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If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ve certainly noticed regular changes in the speed and intensity of wind. Depending on your geographic location, conditions range from gentle breezes to gales and (sometimes) severe storms. Thankfully, prevailing weather conditions usually mean that retractable awnings and wind can coexist peacefully in Central Texas. Be vigilant, though: Too strong a wind may impact awnings, causing them to flutter rapidly in the breeze, or even to rip and tatter. Additionally, high winds may send objects flying through the air. If wind hurls loose tree branches into a retractable awning, this covering may sustain unwelcome damage, and begin leaking. So while for the most part awnings offer welcome relief from the intense sun, their owners must remain alert to protect them from severe weather conditions.
What Wind Speeds Will Awnings Withstand?
Fortunately, many modern manufacturers know with precision the wind speeds a particular brand or model of retractable awning can safely withstand. Some manufacturers take into account the Beaufort scale, a convenient 13-level scale for classifying wind. It begins at zero (for “calm” conditions with wind speeds under 1 mile per hour) and goes up to 12 (hurricane conditions producing 45-foot high waves and winds of 64 miles per hour or more). Check with your retractable awning’s manufacturer to determine the maximum recommended wind speed for the products you own. Since retractable awnings and wind sometimes don’t mix, there’s a common sense rule you can use to make things simple. If you cannot conveniently sit beneath the awning to read the newspaper without wind blowing and ruffling the pages disruptively, you’ll want to retract the awning itself to prevent wind damage. Use this guideline to help safeguard your retractable awnings on windy days!
Damage Caused to Awnings by High Winds
Very high winds in excess of a particular brand’s wind tolerance level on the Beaufort wind scale may severely damage or even destroy beautiful awnings. For this reason, we recommend selecting retractable brands. They allow owners to close them, offering better protection against windy, inclement weather. If a hurricane or other severe storm system approaches, consider taking down your retractable awning temporarily and securing it indoors. If you do need to obtain replacement awnings, insect screens, patio enclosures, or security shutters, we carry an impressive inventory. Visit our Products page to check out some selections for your home or business. And if you’re ready to talk to our team of experts, contact us today and ask about a free on-site estimate.
Jared Adams is the owner of Shading Texas. He has over a decade of experience in the home improvement and shading industry.