Florida weather is often unpredictable, especially during the summer months when it can be warm and sunny one minute and then rainy the next. Adding a retractable awning to your home or business is a great way to shield yourself and your guests from the Sunshine State’s intense heat as it provides shelter and shade for when you want to enjoy the outside.

However, retractable awnings are considered fair weather awnings that should be retracted in any kind of rainy or windy conditions to prevent damage.

Retractable Awnings and Rain

While quality retractable awnings are great for protecting your outdoor furniture from fading and providing you with a comfortable atmosphere that covers you from intense sunlight, they cannot withstand heavy wind and rain. That is why retractable awnings are built to retract when not in use.

So when a storm is rolling in, you should be rolling in your retractable awning.

Reasons to Retract Your Awning in the Rain

You will want to consider retracting your awning for the following reasons:

• Heavy winds – Windy weather can lift and tear the fabric on a retractable awning and put stress on the arms of the awning. You reduce its longevity by not retracting your awning when it is windy. The resulting damage can have you looking for a replacement awning sooner than expected.
  
• Damaging rain – While retractable awnings are built strong and typically set at an angle, rainwater will not simply run over the side. Instead, the rain will collect and form puddles or pools of water on top of your retracted awning fabric. Pooling can lead to stretching, sagging, and torn awning fabric from the weight of the water. Therefore, to best protect your investment, retract your awning when it rains.  

If you fail to retract your awning when it rains, you may discover your awning on the ground or folded on top of your roof after a heavy storm. That is why wind and rain sensors are available to purchase to remind you to retract your awning when light rain or severe weather is approaching.

What Awnings Can Be Used in the Rain?

For those who continually have trouble remembering to retract their awning during a storm, a fixed or custom awning may be a better investment to cover your windows or patio space. Fixed and custom awnings can be left out in the rain and are durable enough to withstand windy conditions.

Get a Reliable Awning at Universal Awning & Sign

If you’re in need of a retractable, fixed, or custom awning, look no further than Universal Awning & Sign. We provide affordable, durable, and long-lasting awnings in a variety of colors for your home or business. The awnings in our inventory are built to last Florida’s harsh weather and will perform at a high level for years to come.

To learn more about the retractable awnings available at Universal Awning & Sign, call us today at 407-328-7781.