Awning Wind Ratings: EN 13561 Classes, Beaufort Scale and When to Retract

An awning's wind rating tells you how much wind it is designed to tolerate while extended, but for most retractable fabric awnings the practical rule is simple: retract in sustained winds of roughly 20 to 25 mph, or sooner when gusts approach that, and always follow the manufacturer's specific rating. That corresponds to about Beaufort force 5 (a fresh breeze, when small trees sway). In Europe, the standard EN 13561 classifies awnings into wind resistance classes 0 to 3, and a higher class means the awning was tested to a higher wind load. No retractable awning is meant to stay out in a storm.

Wind matters at every stage, from choosing projection (see projection and pitch) to how brackets are anchored (see mounting on brick, siding and stucco).

Why wind is the main threat to retractable awnings

A retractable awning is a large, lightweight sail held out on cantilevered arms. Wind pushes on it from above, but the more damaging case is wind from the front or below that lifts the fabric, pulling the arms upward and levering the brackets out of the wall. Gusts are worse than steady wind because they make the awning bounce, which loads and unloads the arms, shoulders and fasteners repeatedly.

Wind pressure rises with the square of wind speed, so a modest increase in speed produces a large increase in load. The standard engineering approximation for dynamic wind pressure is 0.00256 x V squared, in pounds per square foot, with V in mph.

The Beaufort scale for awning owners

Many manufacturers, especially European ones, describe wind ratings using the Beaufort scale. This table gives each force in mph and km/h with what you see outdoors and what it typically means for a retractable awning. Your awning's manual takes priority.

EN 13561 wind resistance classes explained

EN 13561 is the European standard for the performance and safety of external blinds and awnings. Among other things, it defines wind resistance classes from 0 to 3. In plain terms:

• Class 0: no wind resistance performance is claimed, or the product was not tested for it.
• Class 1: tested to a basic wind load.
• Class 2: tested to a higher wind load than class 1.
• Class 3: the highest class, tested to the highest wind load in the standard.

The test applies loads intended to represent wind pressure on the extended awning and checks that it is not damaged or deformed beyond set limits. Classes are product-specific: the same model can carry different classes at different sizes, because a wider or deeper awning sees more load. Projection is usually the big factor, so a brand may rate a model class 2 at shorter projections and class 1 at its longest.

Some manufacturers translate their class into a Beaufort number in brochures. Treat that as the maker's guidance for when to retract, not a promise that the awning survives anything up to that force. Many US brands do not cite EN 13561 at all and instead give a recommended retraction wind speed in mph. Either way, look for:

• The wind class or retraction speed for your exact width and projection, not just the model line.
• Whether the rating assumes a minimum pitch (steeper pitch often improves wind behavior).
• Whether the rating assumes support legs or a specific bracket and fastener schedule.
• Whether warranty coverage excludes wind damage when the awning was left extended.

Practical retraction rules

1. Retract when wind is sustained at about 20 to 25 mph or gusts approach that, or at the lower figure your manufacturer gives.
2. Judge by gusts, not averages. A forecast of 12 mph with gusts to 28 mph is an awning-in day.
3. Retract when you leave home and overnight, unless a wind sensor is installed and powered.
4. Retract before rain if your pitch is shallow, and always in heavy rain or snow. Water ponding and snow load are separate failure modes from wind, and a retractable awning is not a rain or snow structure.
5. Retract for thunderstorms. Outflow gusts arrive suddenly, often before the rain.
6. Close it fully. A half-retracted awning still catches wind, and the fabric can flog against the front bar.

Wind sensors and automation

For motorized awnings, a sensor that retracts the awning automatically is the most effective protection, because most wind damage happens when nobody is home or paying attention. Two main types:

Wind and motion sensors typically cost about $100 to $400. Somfy and other motor makers offer both types for their radio systems. Two cautions: a sensor cannot retract the awning during a power outage unless the system has backup power, and a sensor mounted in a sheltered spot will under-read the wind. See awning wind and sun sensors for placement and settings, and motorized awnings for system choices.

Support legs, posts and tie-downs

Support legs are adjustable posts that drop from the front bar to the ground. They reduce bouncing in moderate breezes and stop the front bar from being pushed down, and some manufacturers require them for their largest sizes or allow higher ratings with them fitted. They do not anchor the awning against strong uplift unless they are secured to the ground, and an awning pinned at the front can still have its fabric torn by strong wind. Retract anyway when wind rises.

Tie-down kits (straps from the front bar to ground stakes or anchors) are common on RV awnings and some patio models. They help in light to moderate breezes and with fabric flapping. In strong wind, a tied-down awning concentrates load on the fabric, front bar and wall brackets, which can turn a gust into torn fabric or pulled anchors. RV-specific advice is in RV awning care and wind safety.

Fixed and freestanding structures are different. Fixed metal awnings and patio covers installed under a building permit are typically designed for local code wind loads, and freestanding awnings depend on their anchoring. See fixed awnings and retractable vs fixed awnings if you need permanent cover on a windy site.

Choosing an awning for a windy site

• Shorter projection: a 10 ft projection sees about 17 percent less fabric area than a 12 ft one of the same width, with proportionally less leverage on the brackets.
• Higher wind class or rating at your actual size, and heavy-duty arms and brackets.
• A cassette housing protects the rolled fabric and arms when retracted (see cassette awnings).
• Motorization plus a sensor, so retraction does not depend on someone being home.
• Solid anchoring into framing or sound masonry, with the full fastener schedule.
• Alternatives: drop shades, solar screens or a fixed structure may suit a site that is windy most afternoons.

Wind is only one weather risk. See also awnings and snow and awnings and hail.

Frequently asked questions

How much wind can a retractable awning handle?

Most residential retractable awnings should be retracted in sustained winds of roughly 20 to 25 mph or when gusts approach that, which is around Beaufort force 5. Some heavy-duty models carry higher ratings at shorter projections. Your manufacturer's rating for your exact width and projection is the figure to follow, and exposed sites call for retracting sooner.

What does EN 13561 class 2 mean for an awning?

EN 13561 is the European standard for external blinds and awnings, and it defines wind resistance classes from 0 to 3. Class 2 means the awning, at the tested size, withstood a higher wind test load than class 1 without unacceptable damage or deformation. Class 3 is the highest. The class applies to specific sizes, so check the rating for the width and projection you are buying.

Should I leave my awning out overnight?

Generally no, unless it is motorized with a working wind sensor and the forecast is calm. Night winds and storm outflow can arrive without warning, and dew or rain can pond on a shallow pitch. Retracting overnight also keeps the fabric cleaner and protects it from UV. Make retracting part of locking up for the night.

Do support legs make an awning safe in high wind?

No. Support legs reduce bouncing and support the front bar in moderate breezes, and some brands require them for large sizes. They do not turn a retractable awning into a storm structure, and if the fabric catches strong wind it can still tear or pull the brackets. Retract the awning when wind rises, legs or not.

Can a wind sensor retract my awning during a power outage?

Not with a standard mains-powered motor. If the power is out, the motor cannot run, so the awning stays where it is. Storms often bring both wind and outages, which is why manual retraction before you leave and checking forecasts still matter. Some systems offer backup power or battery-powered motors; ask the manufacturer about options.

Sources and further reading

• European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EN 13561: External blinds and awnings, performance requirements including safety
• NOAA National Weather Service, Beaufort Wind Scale
• American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (velocity pressure)
• Somfy, wind and motion sensor product documentation
• Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), awning care and safety guidance