What to Do if Your Awning is Damaged by Wind or Rain? A Complete Guide

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What to Do if Your Awning is Damaged by Wind or Rain? A Complete Guide

Awnings are primarily designed as sun protection systems, not as waterproof or storm-resistant structures. While many models can withstand light drizzles, they are not built to endure heavy rain or strong gusts of wind. It's crucial to understand that improper use or prolonged exposure to adverse weather can lead to tears, wear and tear, or even dangerous detachments.

Another key factor is the awning’s pitch: the greater the angle, the better the water drains. A minimum slope of 14º is recommended to allow rain to run off properly. If the awning is too flat, water will pool in the center, potentially causing the fabric to sag, tear, or deform the structure.

In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if your awning has been damaged by wind or rain, how to act step by step, when it's possible to repair, and when it's better to replace.

☔️ What Kind of Damage Can Wind or Rain Cause to an Awning?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the most common types of damage:

✅ Wind Damage:

Broken arms or opening mechanisms
Fabric detached or torn
Awning pulled off the wall, especially if it wasn’t properly fixed or was hit by a strong gust
Deformation of the structure, particularly in extendable models

✅ Rain Damage:

Water pooling if the slope is not adequate
Fabric tearing or sagging
Rust or deterioration of metal fittings due to constant moisture
Mold or stains on the fabric if it doesn’t dry properly

🔍 Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Awning is Damaged?

1. Assess the Damage Safely

Before touching anything, make sure there’s no risk of falling parts or collapsing structure. If the awning is hanging, bent, or unstable, do not attempt to handle it without professional help.
Take photos if possible, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim.

2. Retract or Close the Awning if Possible

If the retraction system still works and it’s safe to do so, retract the awning to prevent further damage.
💡 Important: If the awning is motorized and doesn’t respond, do not force it—you might damage the motor.

3. Avoid DIY Fixes

Many people try to patch or tighten the fabric using ropes, zip ties, or poorly placed screws. This often makes the situation worse and adds more risk.
🔧 Temporary DIY repairs should be avoided, especially on high or large installations.

4. Call a Professional

In these situations, the best thing to do is have a specialist technician inspect the awning. At Grupo Costa Blanca HTS, we offer service for all types of awnings, even if they were not originally installed by us.

We’ll assess whether:

Only the fabric needs replacing
Arms, supports, or mechanisms require repair
A full replacement is recommended, due to major damage or outdated models

🛠 Should You Repair or Replace the Awning?

That depends on several factors:

Age of the awning: If it’s more than 10 years old, a replacement might be more cost-effective
Type of damage: If only the fabric is torn or one arm is bent, it’s usually an easy fix
Model availability: Some older models no longer have replacement parts available
Usage: If your awning is very exposed (e.g., on a rooftop or open terrace), a stronger structure or a wind sensor might be the better choice

💡 How to Prevent Future Damage

Here are some practical tips to avoid future issues:

Always retract the awning when strong winds or heavy rain are forecast
Install wind sensors that automatically retract the awning during strong gusts
Make sure the awning has the correct slope to prevent water buildup
Inspect screws and anchors regularly
Don’t leave it extended for long periods without supervision

🧰 What Does a Professional Awning Inspection Include?

At Grupo Costa Blanca HTS, our professional inspections and repairs cover:

Fabric condition (tension, wear, stains)
Arms and articulation systems
Fixings and supports
Motors and automation systems (if applicable)
Possible water or humidity issues on the wall or structure
Customized maintenance recommendations

🧾 Does Insurance Cover Wind or Rain Damage?

It depends on your policy, but many home insurance plans do cover damage caused by weather events—as long as you can prove the conditions exceeded certain limits (usually wind gusts over 80 km/h).

📸 That’s why it’s important to:

Take photos
Save official weather reports (from services like AEMET in Spain)
Keep the invoice of the awning
We can also provide a technical damage report for your insurance company if needed

📞 Has Your Awning Been Damaged? Count on Us

At Grupo Costa Blanca HTS, we have years of experience in installing and repairing awnings throughout the Alicante province.
Whether your awning was damaged by wind, rain, or simply time, call or message us, and we’ll provide a solution tailored to your needs.

👉 Contact us now or request a free inspection with no obligation.

📌 Conclusion

Awnings are designed to protect, but they also require care and attention. If they suffer damage, the most important thing is to act quickly, avoid improvisation, and rely on experienced professionals.
That way, you’ll not only restore your awning — but extend its life for many more years.