Fortunately, many modern manufacturers know with precision the wind speeds a particular brand or model of retractable awning can safely withstand. Some manufacturers take into account the Beaufort scale, a convenient 13-level scale for classifying wind. It begins at zero (for “calm” conditions with wind speeds under 1 mile per hour) and goes up to 12 (hurricane conditions producing 45-foot high waves and winds of 64 miles per hour or more). Check with your retractable awning’s manufacturer to determine the maximum recommended wind speed for the products you own.
Since retractable awnings and wind sometimes don’t mix, there’s a common sense rule you can use to make things simple. If you cannot conveniently sit beneath the awning to read the newspaper without wind blowing and ruffling the pages disruptively, you’ll want to retract the awning itself to prevent wind damage. Use this guideline to help safeguard your retractable awnings on windy days!