Retractable awnings should be retracted in winds above 20–25 mph. Wind at this speed can bend arms, stretch fabric, and stress mounts. Using proper pitch, secure mounting, and early retraction helps avoid costly wind damage.
How to Spot Wind Risks Early and Protect Your Awning
Most wind-related awning damage doesn’t happen during a full-blown storm, it happens in the lead-up, when the wind feels manageable but quickly escalates.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your setup before that shift happens:
- Light breezes under 15 mph are generally safe for awning use
- Wind damage risk starts increasing after 20 mph
- Gusts create uplift and sideways force that stress mounts and joints
- Rain adds weight, especially when water pools on flat fabric
- Early warning signs include flapping, squeaking, or fabric sagging
- Small issues often hide deeper structural damage
- Delay in retraction increases the chance of arms bending or fabric tearing
Here’s what helps:
- Retract early, don’t wait for wind to pick up
- Check forecasts before extending the awning
- Install securely into studs or masonry
- Use a steep pitch to guide wind and rain off
- Don’t roll up the awning when wet
- Watch for flapping or sagging as early warnings
- Use natural windbreaks like trees or fences
By following these simple principles, you’ll not only extend your awning’s life, but also enjoy your outdoor space with confidence.
But even smart prep has its limits. If wind and rain combine, or damage does happen, you’ll want to know exactly what to do next, and what not to.
That’s where this guide becomes especially important.
Awnings and Wind: Creating Calm in the Chaos of Outdoor Living
Awnings aren’t just about shade.
They’re about transforming your outdoor space into something livable, breathable, and relaxing, whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or dinner with friends on the patio.
When designed right, they can help you enjoy even the breezy days without worry.
Awnings Thrive in Mild, Breezy Conditions
Light winds around 15 mph are typically safe for retractable awnings.
These gentle breezes make your outdoor space more enjoyable, helping you stay cool while extending the use of your patio or deck comfortably.
Adjustable Pitch = More Control Over Wind Flow
With retractable models, adjusting the pitch lets you control how wind moves across the canopy.
A steeper angle helps deflect wind upward, reducing stress on the fabric and arms while still providing full shade.
Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
Strategically placed hedges, fences, or trellises can block or soften wind before it reaches your awning.
These natural windbreaks create a more sheltered, stable environment that works in harmony with your awning.
Creating Your Peaceful Backyard Retreat
A well-angled awning, combined with natural windbreaks, makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors even when the breeze picks up.
This setup turns your backyard into a relaxing, protected escape without sacrificing comfort.
Even so, there’s a point where the wind stops being friendly.
Up next, we’ll explore what happens when that breeze becomes a threat, and how to protect your awning before real damage begins.
Helpful Resource → What Kind of Wind Load Can a Retractable Awning Handle?
When Wind Gets Too Strong for Your Awning
A light breeze can be pleasant, but there’s a point where wind becomes a problem.
Once gusts rise above a certain speed, your awning may no longer be safe to leave open, even if it looks sturdy.
1. Watch Out When Winds Hit 20 to 25 MPH
Most retractable awnings are designed for calm to moderate wind.
But once speeds reach 20 to 25 mph, wind can start pulling on the frame, pushing the fabric, and stressing the mounting hardware. That’s when real damage can begin.
2. Small Sounds and Movements Are Warning Signs
Before things break, you’ll often hear squeaks or see fabric flapping more than usual.
These may seem harmless at first, but they often mean the structure is under pressure. Over time, even minor movement can lead to bent arms or pulled anchors.
3. Too Windy to Sit Outside? Close the Awning
If you wouldn’t feel safe relaxing under your awning, it’s definitely time to close it. These systems are made to improve outdoor comfort, not fight against high winds.
4. Flat and Wide Awnings Catch More Wind
Awnings that sit flat or extend far from the house are more likely to get hit hard by wind.
A steeper pitch helps the wind flow over the top, and smaller sizes hold up better in open or exposed areas.
Next, we’ll go over smart ways to protect your awning before wind even becomes a threat, from installation tips to modern tech that adds an extra layer of safety.
Helpful Resource → How Long Do Awnings Last? Lifespan by Type & Care Tips
Smart Moves to Prevent Awning Wind Damage Before It Starts
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to wind protection.
Whether you’re relying on technology or smart setup choices, a few small adjustments can help prevent big problems before they start.
1. Retract Early to Stay Ahead of Trouble
If you’re debating whether to close your awning, it’s probably already time. Waiting for the wind to pick up puts stress on arms and fabric.
Retracting early helps avoid surprises and reduces long-term wear.
2. A Quick Forecast Check Can Save a Lot of Trouble
You don’t need to obsess over the weather, but checking the forecast before extending your awning is a simple habit that can prevent issues.
Most storms don’t arrive without warning, and a little awareness helps you use your awning with more confidence.
Marygrove awning owners also benefit from smart features that send alerts when wind conditions change, making it easier to retract in time without constant monitoring.
3. Strong Mounting Is a Must
For your awning to handle wind, the brackets must be anchored into studs or solid masonry.
A secure foundation prevents shifting or detachment, especially during sudden gusts or long-term exposure to outdoor conditions.
4. Steep Pitch and Windbreaks Add Extra Protection
A steeper pitch allows wind to glide over the canopy, not get trapped underneath. Add fences, trees, or shrubs around your outdoor space to reduce exposure and redirect airflow around the awning.
Smart setup goes a long way, but even well-prepared awnings have limits when weather conditions stack up. When wind and rain hit at the same time, the risks and stresses increase fast.
Wind + Rain: The Double Trouble That Can Ruin Your Awning Fast
Rain and wind alone each pose challenges for retractable awnings, but together, they create one of the most damaging scenarios.
It’s not just about bad weather, it’s the way these forces work together that can cause problems fast.
1. Combined Pressure Can Snap Arms and Stretch Fabric
When rain and wind hit at the same time, the stress on your awning increases significantly. Wind pushes and lifts while rain adds weight, especially if water pools on the fabric.
That double force can cause the arms to bend or the fabric to tear.
2. Pitch Angle Helps Rain Run Off Properly
One of the most effective defenses is keeping your awning pitched correctly. A good angle lets rain slide off instead of collecting.
Without it, water builds up quickly and the extra weight increases strain on the frame.
3. Watch for Signs That It’s Time to Retract
Flapping noises, sagging sections, or water accumulating near the center are all early warnings.
These small signs usually show up before damage happens. When in doubt, it’s better to retract and wait out the weather.
4. Never Roll It Up While It’s Wet
Even after the storm passes, resist the urge to roll up the awning if it’s soaked.
Doing so traps moisture, leading to mildew, mold, and fabric decay, issues that often show up weeks later when it’s too late to fix easily.
5. Know When to Pause and When to Act
Light drizzle on a calm day might be fine for short use, but once wind joins the equation, it’s best to close the awning.
Conditions can shift quickly, and it’s easier to prevent damage than deal with it after.
An unexpected summer storm can ruin more than just a dinner outside, it can compromise the structure of your awning in minutes.
In the next section, we’ll look at what to do if damage does happen and why it’s best not to go the DIY route.
Wind Damage Repairs: Why Going DIY Can Void Your Warranty
Even a short burst of wind can leave behind lasting damage.
Whether it’s a twisted arm, a torn fabric panel, or a loose mounting bracket, wind-related issues can look minor at first but often hide deeper problems underneath.
1. What Typically Breaks During a Wind Event
Common damage includes bent extension arms, detached mounting points, and fabric that’s been stretched, ripped, or pulled from the housing.
While these issues might seem simple to fix, they often affect the awning’s ability to extend, retract, or hold tension properly.
2. Some Repairs Require More Than Basic Tools
Many awnings use internal gas shocks or heavy-duty lag bolts to manage motion and stability.
Replacing or reinstalling these parts without the right tools, or without knowing the proper torque or alignment, can compromise the whole structure.
What seems like a quick repair can lead to alignment issues or even more damage during the next use.
3. Quick Fixes Can Create Long-Term Problems
Trying to handle repairs yourself can sometimes void your warranty, especially if unauthorized parts or improper tools are used.
There’s also the risk of damaging your siding or causing injury during removal or installation. Professional servicing ensures the repair is done right and keeps any existing coverage intact.
4. The Right First Step: Document and Call
If you suspect wind damage, take clear photos of the affected areas, store the awning in a safe position, and call your provider.
The sooner the issue is evaluated, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your space.
Wind damage isn’t always obvious right away, but small issues can turn serious if handled the wrong way.
If you’re a Marygrove customer, the Mint Program gives you direct access to priority service and expert repairs, no guessing, no delays, and no risk of voiding your warranty.
Calm Winds Are Lovely, But Be Ready When They Change
Awnings are designed to bring ease and comfort to your outdoor space, but like anything exposed to the elements, they have limits.
The difference between a relaxing afternoon and an unexpected repair often comes down to timing and preparation.
A few smart choices, like adjusting pitch, securing mounting, and retracting early, can go a long way in protecting your setup when the weather shifts.
Marygrove Awnings are built to handle more than just light breezes.
With durable materials, smart automation features, and expert installation, they’re made to last while still giving you the freedom to enjoy the outdoors without worry.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your setup or getting it right from the start, now’s a good time to explore your options.
👉 Get a free estimate and learn more about wind-ready awnings
