How Retractable Awnings Interact with Inclement Weather
Posted on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 at 10:08 am.
Learn more about how your retractable awnings interact with inclement weather throughout the year.
Retractable awnings are often used on sunny days to shield you and your loved ones from hot sun beating down on your skin or entering your home to raise the temperatures. However, your retractable awnings can also shield you from rain and other inclement weather. When you design durable retractable awnings with Carroll Architectural Shade, you can trust that your awnings will be able to withstand most external conditions. However, there are some precautions you may want to take when extreme weather moves in. So how do your retractable awnings interact with inclement weather? Keep reading this guide to understand how to best protect your new custom awnings.
Retractable Awnings and Rain
The key to designing retractable awnings that can handle rainstorms is designing an awning with water-resistant fabric and with a slope steep enough to prevent water from pooling on the awning. Both of these design features will ensure that water slides right off your awning, instead of pooling and increasing the weight on the awning. If too much water collects on the awning, it could tear your fabric or damage the retractable machinery. Durable awnings designed by Carroll Architectural Shade will have some resistance against inclement weather, but if heavy storms are on the horizon, you should retract your awnings for ultimate protection.
Retractable Awnings in Wind or Snow
As a general rule, when deciding whether to retract your awning before inclement weather, always consider the severity of the weather. While awnings can hold up in light winds, you should roll them in for high winds or snow. Don’t take a gamble or on how much weight the awnings can hold or resist. During snow storms, ice and snow may accumulate, and both are heavier than water.
Practice moderation when considering what your awning can withstand. A slightly windy day may not cause damage, but high winds or storms can. The high winds can lift or pull on fabric, or strain or break the arms of the awning. When snow doesn’t melt, it can cause a strain on the awning and cause the fabric to sag or rip over time. However, if you just receive a light dusting, your awning can handle the snowfall. If you are expecting more than that, retract your awning to protect its integrity.
How Long Do Retractable Awnings Last?
You can generally expect your new retractable awnings to last for over 20 years. The key to maintaining functional and beautiful awnings for that long is to be aware of how retractable awnings interact with inclement weather. The benefit of retractable awnings is that they can open and close whenever you decide. By closing up these awnings, you preserve their effectiveness for years and years.
CONTACT CARROLL ARCHITECTURAL SHADE TODAY
Through our combined locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Carroll Architectural Shade provides innovative craftsmanship, superb service, competitive pricing, and unfailing attention to detail for customers throughout Maryland and Virginia.
Our highly skilled craftsmen design and custom manufacture shade products in-house, including commercial awnings, residential awnings, retractable awnings, roll-up curtains, aluminum awnings, and flat metal canopies. Founded in 1958 by James Carroll Sr., and still family-owned by his sons today, Carroll Architectural Shade remains committed to delivering top-quality craftsmanship and service.
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