Awning Information
Can Retractable Awnings Withstand Wind?
Many people have the question of whether a retractable awning can withstand high winds and if so how much they can stand. The answer to this question really depends on the awning and how it is made. It will also depend on how much wind your awning exposed to.
Remember that the purpose of awnings is to shade you from the sun which does not necessarily mean that it will shade from the wind too. In many cases the manufacturers of retractable awnings say that they can withstand winds up to 35 miles per hour. The challenge with this notion is that unless they have been tested to do this you really do not know.
When you think about wind you also have to understand that wind is not the same all the time. On any given day the wind can start out slow, gain speed and then speed can lessen all in a few minutes. Also, there are several factors that can determine how wind will affect your awning: where your house sits, the landscape around your house that includes trees, your geographic location, and the awning itself. Depending on how your awning sits on your house you may have it withstand more or less wind.
There are several ways to tell if your awning has too much wind and you need to retract it. Some people say that if you can’t read a newspaper or magazine comfortably under your retractable awning the wind is probably too high and you should retract it. Other people say that if you are sitting under the awning and the wind becomes uncomfortable for you to sit within, it’s time to retract your awning.
One of the challenges for homeowners is that they install their awnings with minimal pitch. This can create a problem later because the slant of the awning will allow wind to get underneath the fabric and cause the draft to go up, which can damage the frame of the awning; this means you will have to replace it. You may be able to repair some if they are minimally damaged but again it depends on the wind.
Wind creates pressure on the awning and compromises its ability to do what it is designed to do. In one example, a 20 mph wind was shown to create about 2 lbs of pressure per square foot. If you had a 20′ x 13′ awning this pressure would translate into about 520 lbs of pressure on your awning.
Some people think that with automated controls they are safe when in a high wind but think again. The time that it takes an automated control to retract an awning can be longer than the gust of wind that comes up. Since winds happen quickly and usually come in big bursts your awning will not have the time to read the fact it needs to close quickly enough. A good rule of thumb is to retract the awning as soon as you see that they wind is picking up.
Comparing Retractable Awnings to Fixed Canopies
Many awning companies sell both retractable awnings and fixed canopies. There are pros and cons to both fixtures so it is important for you know to know the difference before you shop.
Today there are many options and it really depends on what you want the fixture for as to which one you purchase.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings have gained popularity over the years because they are so easy to use and install. Many people have found that they can get awning fabric to match the color of their homes very easily. Because they are retractable they also have the convenience of being able to be open when the weather is nice and closed when it is not.
Retractable awnings have also gone through many changes over the years that make them the sunshade of choice. People can now find Sunbrella awning fabric that not only shades you from the sun but also adds sun screen that protects against skin cancer. This is a revolutionary improvement on these types of awnings. You can find them with the old fashioned hand crank or with remote control. The average life of a retractable awning is about 25 years.
You can generally decide how much slope you want in a retractable awning and this slope can be helpful when you are attempting to put a serious dent in the sun. You can have a sensor put on them to block more or less sun and you can also use a wind sensor to change the retractable awning as the wind picks up.
Fixed Canopies
Fixed canopies can be more difficult to use and maintain because they are a permanent fixture on the side of your house. They cannot be retracted for bad weather so they are there permanently. They also can cause problems when you are looking out of a window or from underneath the canopies: your view is usually blocked.
The fabrics that are used for fixed canopies are often opaque which blocks the view of the scenery from any point. They also require more maintenance than retractable awnings because they cannot be removed from the damage from the elements. In fact, the average life of a fixed canopy is about five years. They are usually less expensive than retractable awnings.
You also have to keep in mind the purpose of the fixed canopy. Usually the purpose is to protect one area of your home from the elements. Traditionally a fixed canopy is used at the entrance of a home or over a window that needs shelter from the elements.
The bottom line is that purchasing a particular awning depends on what purpose you are going to use it for and your budget.
Awnings save energy
Saving Energy and Money with a Retractable Awning
Most
households and businesses in Europe already use awnings for energy
conservation. And in the United States, people are discovering this as
well because awning sales are growing rapidly. A retractable awning is
the perfect choice for
protection from the sun for better enjoyment
of your home and saving money from energy-savings.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Sustainable Building Research, roughly 20% of Air Conditioning bills come from the heat caused by sun radiating through glass doors and windows - reducing this "heat gain" will reduce
energy use. The study also finds that Sunbrella
awning materials can reduce the heat gain up to 60% on southern
exposed windows and up to 77% on western exposed windows and doors.
Retractable awnings, due to their retract-ability also help you capitalize on the heat gain in the Winter. This solar heat from the sun helps to heat our homes. The awning retracts and allows us to get solar gain during the winter months. The awning provides the flexibility required to take advantage of the various seasons.
Many brands offer Sunbrella awning fabrics on their retractable awning models. Sunsetter
offers its own version of acrylic awning fabrics similar to Sunbrella.
NuImage, Eclipse, and Alutex all use Sunbrella awning fabrics.
Read the full study about Energy Savings and Awnings
References
1. "Awnings in Residential Buildings - The impact on Energy Use and
Peak Demand" by John Carmody and Kerry Haglund, Center for Sustainable
Building Research, University of Minnesota and Yu Joe Huang, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, August 2007
2. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association websites, Roseville, Minnesota, February 2008.
Are awnings waterproof?
Waterproof
The short answer is, yes, some awnings are waterproof. However, a
fully waterproof awning would be constructed of vinyl, which retains
heat, thereby increasing the temperature below the awning.
Water resistant
We prefer water resistant awnings. They’re resistant enough to allow
you to enjoy a nice light rain without getting wet, and they’re
constructed from new fade resistant and cooling fabric. Patented under
the name Sunbrella®, this material is specifically designed to allow
moisture and air to travel through it, allowing the fabric to
“breathe,” and thereby keeping the temperatures under the awning at
their coolest. Sunbrella® fabric, which is made of acrylic yarns, is
100% solution-dyed, which means it resists fading, and it’s available
in literally hundreds of brilliant colors, stripes and patterns, making
it easy to find beautiful material to coordinate with your home.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to awnings, we think it’s more important to think in
terms of cooling and style as well as water-resistance. The waterproof
awning might be better for heavier rains, but it won’t perform as well
keeping you cool as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Awning Glossary
Awnings Glossary
Learn the technical terminology that describes retractable patio and deck awnings. Understanding the components that comprise an awning can help you make a more informed buying decision.
Retractable awnings - Retractable awnings, also known as lateral arm awnings, extend and retract with arms and no support posts. Retractable awnings give the flexibility of extending or retracting the awning when needed. They also can cover large deck and patio areas. Available sizes range up to 60-feet wide and up to 18 feet in projection.
Fixed awnings or canopies - Awnings which require support posts. They do not retract or extend.
Parts
Arms - Arms positioned laterally that move in and out to retract or extend the awning.
Frame - The frame consists of the mounting bar, arms, and roller tube.
Shoulder - The shoulder is the part that connects the mounting bar to the arms. The shoulders need to be very strong.
Mounting bar - The mounting bar traverses across the back of the awning. The mounting bar attaches to the brackets that mount the awning to the building.
Roller tube - The roller tube holds the fabric.
Front bar - The front bar is the front edge of the awning. This is the leading edge of the fabric and is where the valance (ad drop screen) extend from.
Hood - The hood is a cover typically made from solid aluminum to protect the awning from the weather when retracted. It is mounted permanently on top of the awning. The hood is essential with a motorized awning because the motor will not be covered under warranty without one.
Valance - The valance is a decorative fabric that drops from the front bar to hide the arms underneath from plain view.
Drop screens - The drop screen is a material made of woven plastic to provide sun protection in the front. It drops from the front bar and is a worthwhile addition to an awning if available.
Wind Sensor or Motion Sensor - These sensors retract the awning to protect it from damaging winds. The sensor detects wind and triggers the awning to retract, but it will not work quickly enough to protect against a wind gust and is inoperable during a power outage. So care still needs to be taken to retract the awning when it is no longer being used or when weather becomes windy.
Powder Coating - A highly-durable coating to protect the awning frame and other components.
Sun Sensor - Extends the awning to provide shade when sun is detected.
RTS Motor - Radio Technology system is a motor that operates via a radio frequency remote control. This is better than an infrared remote since line of sight is not necessary.
Awning Fabrics
Canvas - A natural fiber that can fade and rot when exposed to the elements.
Vinyl/Plastic - Doesn't breath like solution-dyed acrylics. They trap heat underneath the fabric.This material is better than canvas however.
Solution-dyed acrylic - Fade resistant and will not rot. Solution-dyed acrylics breath allowing heat to escape from under the awning creating the coolest shading environment. Sunbrella is the global leader in these outdoor awning fabrics.
Installation
Mount - The place at which the awning is mounted. Typically the wall, soffit, eve, or roof.
Projection - The projection is the maximum forward reach of the awning.
Load - The strength of the awning. High-end awnings can withstand winds up to 30 miles per hour.
Pooling - A build up of water that can pool on the top portion of the awning if there is not enough pitch.
Pitch - The downward angle of the awning which enables rain to run off and not pool and also provides more shade from the front part of the awing.
More Articles...
Page 1 of 3
Can Retractable Awnings Withstand Wind?
Many people have the question of whether a retractable awning can withstand high winds and if so how much they can stand. The answer to this question really depends on the awning and how it is made. It will also depend on how much wind your awning exposed to.
Remember that the purpose of awnings is to shade you from the sun which does not necessarily mean that it will shade from the wind too. In many cases the manufacturers of retractable awnings say that they can withstand winds up to 35 miles per hour. The challenge with this notion is that unless they have been tested to do this you really do not know.
When you think about wind you also have to understand that wind is not the same all the time. On any given day the wind can start out slow, gain speed and then speed can lessen all in a few minutes. Also, there are several factors that can determine how wind will affect your awning: where your house sits, the landscape around your house that includes trees, your geographic location, and the awning itself. Depending on how your awning sits on your house you may have it withstand more or less wind.
There are several ways to tell if your awning has too much wind and you need to retract it. Some people say that if you can’t read a newspaper or magazine comfortably under your retractable awning the wind is probably too high and you should retract it. Other people say that if you are sitting under the awning and the wind becomes uncomfortable for you to sit within, it’s time to retract your awning.
One of the challenges for homeowners is that they install their awnings with minimal pitch. This can create a problem later because the slant of the awning will allow wind to get underneath the fabric and cause the draft to go up, which can damage the frame of the awning; this means you will have to replace it. You may be able to repair some if they are minimally damaged but again it depends on the wind.
Wind creates pressure on the awning and compromises its ability to do what it is designed to do. In one example, a 20 mph wind was shown to create about 2 lbs of pressure per square foot. If you had a 20′ x 13′ awning this pressure would translate into about 520 lbs of pressure on your awning.
Some people think that with automated controls they are safe when in a high wind but think again. The time that it takes an automated control to retract an awning can be longer than the gust of wind that comes up. Since winds happen quickly and usually come in big bursts your awning will not have the time to read the fact it needs to close quickly enough. A good rule of thumb is to retract the awning as soon as you see that they wind is picking up.
Comparing Retractable Awnings to Fixed Canopies
Today there are many options and it really depends on what you want the fixture for as to which one you purchase.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings have gained popularity over the years because they are so easy to use and install. Many people have found that they can get awning fabric to match the color of their homes very easily. Because they are retractable they also have the convenience of being able to be open when the weather is nice and closed when it is not.
Retractable awnings have also gone through many changes over the years that make them the sunshade of choice. People can now find Sunbrella awning fabric that not only shades you from the sun but also adds sun screen that protects against skin cancer. This is a revolutionary improvement on these types of awnings. You can find them with the old fashioned hand crank or with remote control. The average life of a retractable awning is about 25 years.
You can generally decide how much slope you want in a retractable awning and this slope can be helpful when you are attempting to put a serious dent in the sun. You can have a sensor put on them to block more or less sun and you can also use a wind sensor to change the retractable awning as the wind picks up.
Fixed Canopies
Fixed canopies can be more difficult to use and maintain because they are a permanent fixture on the side of your house. They cannot be retracted for bad weather so they are there permanently. They also can cause problems when you are looking out of a window or from underneath the canopies: your view is usually blocked.
The fabrics that are used for fixed canopies are often opaque which blocks the view of the scenery from any point. They also require more maintenance than retractable awnings because they cannot be removed from the damage from the elements. In fact, the average life of a fixed canopy is about five years. They are usually less expensive than retractable awnings.
You also have to keep in mind the purpose of the fixed canopy. Usually the purpose is to protect one area of your home from the elements. Traditionally a fixed canopy is used at the entrance of a home or over a window that needs shelter from the elements.
The bottom line is that purchasing a particular awning depends on what purpose you are going to use it for and your budget.
Awnings save energy
Saving Energy and Money with a Retractable Awning
Most
households and businesses in Europe already use awnings for energy
conservation. And in the United States, people are discovering this as
well because awning sales are growing rapidly. A retractable awning is
the perfect choice for
protection from the sun for better enjoyment
of your home and saving money from energy-savings.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Sustainable Building Research, roughly 20% of Air Conditioning bills come from the heat caused by sun radiating through glass doors and windows - reducing this "heat gain" will reduce
energy use. The study also finds that Sunbrella
awning materials can reduce the heat gain up to 60% on southern
exposed windows and up to 77% on western exposed windows and doors.
Retractable awnings, due to their retract-ability also help you capitalize on the heat gain in the Winter. This solar heat from the sun helps to heat our homes. The awning retracts and allows us to get solar gain during the winter months. The awning provides the flexibility required to take advantage of the various seasons.
Many brands offer Sunbrella awning fabrics on their retractable awning models. Sunsetter
offers its own version of acrylic awning fabrics similar to Sunbrella.
NuImage, Eclipse, and Alutex all use Sunbrella awning fabrics.
Read the full study about Energy Savings and Awnings
References
1. "Awnings in Residential Buildings - The impact on Energy Use and
Peak Demand" by John Carmody and Kerry Haglund, Center for Sustainable
Building Research, University of Minnesota and Yu Joe Huang, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, August 2007
2. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association websites, Roseville, Minnesota, February 2008.
Are awnings waterproof?
Waterproof
The short answer is, yes, some awnings are waterproof. However, a
fully waterproof awning would be constructed of vinyl, which retains
heat, thereby increasing the temperature below the awning.
Water resistant
We prefer water resistant awnings. They’re resistant enough to allow
you to enjoy a nice light rain without getting wet, and they’re
constructed from new fade resistant and cooling fabric. Patented under
the name Sunbrella®, this material is specifically designed to allow
moisture and air to travel through it, allowing the fabric to
“breathe,” and thereby keeping the temperatures under the awning at
their coolest. Sunbrella® fabric, which is made of acrylic yarns, is
100% solution-dyed, which means it resists fading, and it’s available
in literally hundreds of brilliant colors, stripes and patterns, making
it easy to find beautiful material to coordinate with your home.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to awnings, we think it’s more important to think in
terms of cooling and style as well as water-resistance. The waterproof
awning might be better for heavier rains, but it won’t perform as well
keeping you cool as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
The Bottom Line When it comes to awnings, we think it’s more important to think in terms of cooling and style as well as water-resistance. The waterproof awning might be better for heavier rains, but it won’t perform as well keeping you cool as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Awning Glossary
Awnings Glossary
Learn the technical terminology that describes retractable patio and deck awnings. Understanding the components that comprise an awning can help you make a more informed buying decision.
Retractable awnings - Retractable awnings, also known as lateral arm awnings, extend and retract with arms and no support posts. Retractable awnings give the flexibility of extending or retracting the awning when needed. They also can cover large deck and patio areas. Available sizes range up to 60-feet wide and up to 18 feet in projection.Fixed awnings or canopies - Awnings which require support posts. They do not retract or extend.
Parts
Arms - Arms positioned laterally that move in and out to retract or extend the awning.
Frame - The frame consists of the mounting bar, arms, and roller tube.
Shoulder - The shoulder is the part that connects the mounting bar to the arms. The shoulders need to be very strong.
Mounting bar - The mounting bar traverses across the back of the awning. The mounting bar attaches to the brackets that mount the awning to the building.
Roller tube - The roller tube holds the fabric.
Front bar - The front bar is the front edge of the awning. This is the leading edge of the fabric and is where the valance (ad drop screen) extend from.
Hood - The hood is a cover typically made from solid aluminum to protect the awning from the weather when retracted. It is mounted permanently on top of the awning. The hood is essential with a motorized awning because the motor will not be covered under warranty without one.
Valance - The valance is a decorative fabric that drops from the front bar to hide the arms underneath from plain view.
Drop screens - The drop screen is a material made of woven plastic to provide sun protection in the front. It drops from the front bar and is a worthwhile addition to an awning if available.
Wind Sensor or Motion Sensor - These sensors retract the awning to protect it from damaging winds. The sensor detects wind and triggers the awning to retract, but it will not work quickly enough to protect against a wind gust and is inoperable during a power outage. So care still needs to be taken to retract the awning when it is no longer being used or when weather becomes windy.
Powder Coating - A highly-durable coating to protect the awning frame and other components.
Sun Sensor - Extends the awning to provide shade when sun is detected.
RTS Motor - Radio Technology system is a motor that operates via a radio frequency remote control. This is better than an infrared remote since line of sight is not necessary.
Awning Fabrics
Canvas - A natural fiber that can fade and rot when exposed to the elements.
Vinyl/Plastic - Doesn't breath like solution-dyed acrylics. They trap heat underneath the fabric.This material is better than canvas however.
Solution-dyed acrylic - Fade resistant and will not rot. Solution-dyed acrylics breath allowing heat to escape from under the awning creating the coolest shading environment. Sunbrella is the global leader in these outdoor awning fabrics.
Installation
Mount - The place at which the awning is mounted. Typically the wall, soffit, eve, or roof.
Projection - The projection is the maximum forward reach of the awning.
Load - The strength of the awning. High-end awnings can withstand winds up to 30 miles per hour.
Pooling - A build up of water that can pool on the top portion of the awning if there is not enough pitch.
Pitch - The downward angle of the awning which enables rain to run off and not pool and also provides more shade from the front part of the awing.
More Articles...
Page 1 of 3
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