What kind of wind loads can the Durasol S-4000 handle?
A. Retractable awnings are primarily for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions. However, wind is a very unpredictable force which has a tendency to change direction and speed very quickly. In a wind tunnel test, which is a very controlled environment, the Durasol S-4000 has withstood straight-on wind forces at over 50mph. In “real life” applications the general rule of thumb is: if you are comfortable sitting outdoors, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with wind is the up lifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force; therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind resistant the unit is.
