Looking for stunning, high-quality awnings? Call our San Luis Obispo county awning company at (818) 782-8607 today!
Many residents and business owners choose to remove their awnings during the winter months. The main reason is that people believe awnings can’t withstand harsh weather conditions like snow and ice. However, choosing awnings that can withstand snow allows you to enjoy their benefits year-round.
This guide will help you choose an awning perfect for heavy snow.
Choosing Metal Awnings
When you need to choose an awning, start by considering the right material to use. Metal awnings use corrosion-resistant metals like galvanized steel and aluminum. These materials work great during winter and are more robust than fabric awnings.
Their weather resistance makes them durable against hefty winds triggered by winter storms. While metal awnings cost more than fabric ones, they also have an average lifespan of 50 years. Awnings can also hold much more snow and ice than other selections.
Of course, quality can vary across metal awnings, and you should consider a metal awning’s frame and cover quality. Thickness generally determines a metal awning’s quality, with thicker choices generally being sturdier.
High-Pitched or High Snow-load Awnings
Awnings that can withstand snow must either shed excess snow or be durable enough to hold accumulating snow without collapsing. Depending on density, a cubic foot of snow can weigh up to 20 pounds.
High-pitched awnings can quickly shed excessive snow and ice compared to flat awnings. However, if you must install a flat awning, select one with an excellent snow-load capacity. These awnings feature robust frames that can handle heavy snow.
Generally, it’s better to choose a pitched awning, as winter storms can be unpredictable.
Choose the Correct Awning Fabric
Certain awning fabrics will have no issues withstanding the winter season with the right frames. However, instead of installing a canvas awning, choose acrylic, which is water-resistant. Not only can water seep through canvas, but canvas can quickly become a haven for mold and mildew.
One drawback of acrylic is that extreme temperature fluctuations can cause fabric threads to change sizes during winter. As the fabric changes size, water droplets can start seeping through.
Many property owners also choose Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric. This strong waterproof fabric has excellent surface friction meaning snow and ice can quickly slide off.
Retractable Awnings
Another solution is investing in retractable awnings. Retracting your awning is an effective way to beat winter, even if you’re not using the best fabrics for colder weather.
In addition, you can keep your awning up when the winter weather isn’t so severe. Then as fluctuations occur, you can choose to retract your awning. Of course, installing a winter cover for your retractable awning is still a good idea.
Call Van Nuys Awning Co. Today
Awnings that can withstand snow and similar weather events are essential. Finding the one that’s best for your home or business starts by consulting with our expert team.
San Luis Obispo County can find the best awning fabrics for winter by calling Van Nuys Awning Co. at (818) 782-8607!
