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 setup is right for your home in Brevard County?
Let's break it down.
Most residential retractable awnings can handle light to moderate winds — typically between 20–50 mph, depending on 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 to stay extended during storms. Even the strongest awnings should be retracted during storms or high winds.
Living in Brevard County, you're dealing with:
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, motorized retractable awnings are the best option for most Florida patios, because homeowners can retract them instantly — or have them retract automatically — the moment weather turns.
The tradeoff with manual systems is timing — if you're not home or not quick to react, a manual awning can be caught extended when gusts hit. Motorized systems with wind sensors remove that risk.
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 means a 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.
Motorized systems 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:
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 habits add up to a 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 signs, 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. Strong wind gusts can stress 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 motorized and retractable awnings specifically for Brevard County weather conditions. We focus on:
Florida awnings deal with far 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 setup can lead to costly damage. Choosing the right one means:
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space with a wind-rated, motorized awning built for Florida? Contact Lafferty Aluminum & Screening today for a free consultation. We'll help you choose the right solution for your patio, home, and lifestyle.
Most handle 20–50 mph depending on frame, fabric, and installation quality, but should always be retracted in strong winds.
No — retract it once winds reach unsafe levels to prevent damage. Motorized systems with wind sensors can do this automatically.
Yes, if they're properly installed and used correctly. Motorized retractable awnings with wind sensors are the safest option, since they can retract automatically even if you're not home.
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
