Whilst folding arm awnings are designed primarily as a sun protection product, subject to being installed with the correct pitch, they can safely be used for shelter from light rain showers and those occasional heavy downpours - the typical type of weather we experience here in the UK during our summertime.
Section 5 of the European standard for awnings, relates to an awnings resistance to water pocket. Whilst this section is not mandatory for manufacturers to carry out, all major manufacturers will undertake this test to show that their products are dual purpose, suitable for both shading from the sun and shelter from light rain showers.
The test states that for an incline of 14 degrees which corresponds to a slope of 25%, that the extended material shall drain water off to avoid forming a pocket of water. Of course if the angle is greater, the rain will run off, just that little bit faster.
To determine whether your awning has a pitch of 14 degrees (or more) a very simple calculation can be made. Take the projection (arm size) of your awning and multiply it by 25cm. So for example a 3m projection awning would simply be 3 x 25cm = 75cm. If the drop (see illustration opposite) which is the vertical distance from the bottom of the awning to the bottom of the lead rail when the awning is fully extended is equal to or greater than this measurement, your awning has a pitch of 14 degrees (or more) and therefore is suitable for use in rain showers. If the measurement is less than this, the awning has a pitch of less than 14 degrees and therefore should not be used in any rain whatsoever. The bullet points below show what the drop distance should be based on common arm sizes:
Should an awning fabric begin to pool with water, push the water off immediately using a soft ended object and then retract the awning. This would usually indicate the awning is not at 14 + degrees or that it does not meet the water resistance requirement determined in the European standard for external blinds. Do not retract the awning if water is pooled on the fabric as this may cause damage to the working mechansim and material.
Continuous use of an awning in rain showers will affect the look and appearance of the fabric. Refer to a related article here on the 'Natural characteristics of awning fabrics' to find out more.
If you are in any doubt about your awning pitch and subsequently it's suitability for use in rain showers, contact your awning installer or refer to the supplied operation and maintenance manuals.
Does your awning have the right drop for its projection?
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The number of times that we come across people that have been told that the awning can be “almost flat” or that someone claiming that their awnings are “waterproof” beggars belief!