Can Awnings Withstand Harsh Weather Conditions?

For the most part, yes – as long as they’re made with high-quality materials and constructed by experienced craftsmen. Heavy rain can potentially damage low-quality fabric and accelerate rusting in shoddy framing. Premium awnings, like the ones installed by Arizona Awnings, are constructed with durable materials to prolong their lifespan and protect them against fading and general wear and tear.

However, depending on the type of awning – even if it’s made with superior materials – it may still be susceptible to damage during monsoon season and other harsh weather conditions.

Are Some Awnings More Durable Than Others?

Yes – some types of awnings are generally more vulnerable than others. Retractable awnings in particular are vulnerable to damage in high winds. Retractable awnings have long, extending arms to support the canopy when unfurled without the continuous support structures present in fixed awnings. The lack of support and the joints that allow them to fold under normal operating conditions offer more points for failure if winds exert uneven pressure or push awnings upwards during high gusts.

Older awnings may also be more susceptible to damage, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. If your fabric has tears, if the metal supports are dented or if the bolts fastening the frame to your exterior wall are loose, causing the structure to sag, there’s a greater likelihood that one bad storm may damage or rip out the awning.

If your awning is showing signs of decay and you’re considering a replacement, upgrading to a high-quality retractable awning will extend your awning’s lifespan beyond that of alternative low-cost or old awnings and give you ample customization options.

Why High-Quality Retractable Awnings Will Give You the Highest Recoup From Your Investment

Harsh weather has an increased chance of damaging even the sturdiest awnings, especially high winds, heavy rain and hail storms, all of which can significantly shorten the awning’s expected lifespan. Whether they’ve been stripped from their fastenings and are leaning over your patio or show signs of severe rusting and tearing, fixed awnings don’t always come out of Arizona’s monsoon season unscathed – especially if they were made of low-quality materials or improperly installed and anchored.

Retractable awnings, on the other hand, that are regularly retracted before bad weather hits, maintain their quality and longevity longer. They offer more flexibility in regards to how residential and commercial properties are shaded, as they can extend the awning during the peak summer seasons and retract it during winter to let natural light and warmth in, which can help save on energy costs.

Although retractable awnings are more expensive to install than fixed awnings, the ability to retract the awning before bad weather arrives can provide long-term protection that safeguards your investment.

How to Protect Your Awnings

While durable, retractable awnings require proper maintenance to preserve their mechanical components. Home and business owners can ensure their retractable awnings stay operational and reliable for as long as possible by scheduling regular maintenance visits from their installer.

The team at Arizona Awnings is committed to providing reliable, low-cost maintenance solutions for the retractable awnings we install, addressing any and all issues quickly, like loose fastenings, unlubricated mechanisms and misalignments.

If you’re keeping your awning free from debris and retracting it during storms, you likely won’t need frequent maintenance. In most cases, you’ll only need to schedule maintenance as soon as every three years, but most home and business owners can wait even longer. That said, if you forget to retract your awning before a storm, causing the fabric or mechanisms to become damaged, you should consult with a professional promptly to ensure the damage isn’t given time to worsen.

We’ve Been Designing and Installing Custom Awnings for Phoenix Home and Business Owners Since 1928

At Arizona Awnings, we offer comprehensive fade-resistant and weatherproof fabrics so home and business awnings can stay vibrant and pristine for longer – even after monsoon season.

Get dependable relief from harsh weather conditions with robust and stylish shading and have peace of mind you’re getting the most out of your investment. Explore our gallery of previous work and call 602-252-3430 today to receive a free in-home estimate.