Florida weather can change fast—calm sunshine one minute, strong coastal winds the next. If your awning isn’t built to handle it, it can quickly become damaged or even dangerous.
So, how much wind can an awning actually withstand? And more importantly—which type is right for your home in Brevard County?
Let’s break it down!
Most residential awnings can handle light to moderate winds—typically between 20–50 mph, depending on the design, materials, and installation
Important: One thing we always tell homeowners in Florida is that even high-quality awnings are designed to provide comfort — not stay extended during storms. Even the strongest awnings should be retracted during storms or high winds.
Living in Brevard County, you’re dealing with:
In Brevard County, it’s common to go from calm sunshine to strong wind gusts within minutes — especially during summer afternoons and hurricane season. That means your awning needs to be more than just stylish—it needs to be properly installed and wind-rated for Florida conditions.
In our experience, retractable awnings are the best option for most Florida patios because homeowners can quickly retract them when weather changes.
Best for doorways, windows, or small areas
Not all awnings are built the same. Here’s what really matters:
One of the biggest issues we see after storms is improperly mounted awnings that weren’t secured correctly to the structure.
A properly installed awning should be:
Poor installation = higher risk of damage (even in mild wind). Even high-quality awnings can fail if installation shortcuts are taken.
Modern motorized awnings are designed to protect themselves automatically. Many homeowners don’t realize how important wind sensors are until Florida weather changes unexpectedly while they’re away from home.
They come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement caused by wind. You can adjust the sensitivity (levels 0–5), allowing your awning to react based on your environment.
If wind causes excessive movement, the awning will automatically retract—helping prevent costly damage.
For even more control, you can upgrade to a solar-powered sun and wind sensor system.
This allows you to:
Opens for shade when the sun is strong
Retracts when wind conditions become unsafe
If you want the safest and smartest setup in Florida:
Motorized retractable awnings with wind sensors
Why?
Keep your awning in great shape with these simple habits:
Small maintenance = longer lifespan
Watch for these warning signs:
After strong storms or heavy wind events, it’s always a good idea to visually inspect your awning before using it again. If you notice any of these, it’s time for a professional inspection.
One of the biggest mistakes we see in Florida is homeowners leaving their awning extended during strong winds or sudden storms.
Even high-quality awnings are designed primarily for shade and comfort — not to remain open during severe weather conditions. Strong wind gusts can put stress on the fabric, arms, mounting hardware, and frame, especially during Florida’s unpredictable afternoon storms.
Another common issue is retracting the awning while the fabric is still wet after rain.
If moisture gets rolled up inside the awning repeatedly, it can eventually lead to:
Whenever possible, we recommend letting the awning fully dry before retracting it. In Florida, sudden rain showers happen all the time, so this isn’t always avoidable, but allowing the fabric to air dry later can help extend the life of the awning significantly.
We also recommend:
Simple maintenance and proper use can make a huge difference in how long your awning lasts and how well it performs over time.
In Florida, installation isn’t optional—it’s critical.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we design and install awnings specifically for Brevard County weather conditions.
We focus on:
Florida awnings deal with much more wind, humidity, and weather exposure than awnings in many other parts of the country, which is why proper mounting and structural support matter so much.
Choosing the wrong awning can lead to costly damage. Choosing the right one means:
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space with a wind-rated awning built for Florida?
Contact Lafferty Aluminum & Screening today for a free consultation.
We’ll help you choose the perfect solution for your patio, home, and lifestyle.
Most handle 20–50 mph, but should always be retracted in strong winds.
No—retract it once winds reach unsafe levels to prevent damage.
Yes—if they are properly installed and used correctly. Motorized options with wind sensors are the safest.
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