If your home or business gets a lot of snowfall in the winter month, it’s important to pay attention to your awnings. With a large amount of snowfall, your awning might collapse under the weight of the snow. But don’t worry, you can minimize the danger by purchasing the right type of awning by following these tips:
Frame engineering
You should never just focus on the fabric when looking to purchase a new awning. Always focus on the frame too! The structure is very important since it’s what the awning snow load will primarily depend on. Manufacturers will also be able to give you an estimate on snow load, which you can compare to the type of snowfall you receive in your area.
Fabric choice
Your safety depends on the choice of fabric, especially when it comes to a leaking awning. Woven fabrics tend to absorb water and snow and often let it leak through. However other fabrics are designed to be waterproof. When fabrics absorb water from the snow instead of repelling it, they become compromised.
Pitch matters
You should also pay attention to the pitch of your awning. Flat awnings will have significantly more snow buildup than an awning that has a smaller angle. On the other hand however, a high-pitch awning will basically let the snow slide right off to the ground.
The dedicated staff at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you with all your outdoor living needs! We’ll help you decide on the best type of awning for your home. Simply contact us, and learn more about the different services we offer.