Utah is known for its heavy snowfall and harsh winters, which can lead to roof damage, cracked concrete, and mold growth. However, Utah also has hot weather during the summer months, forcing residents to cope with the two extremes and make their homes adaptable. Window awnings are one popular additive that can help keep a home cooler in the summer, but what happens when the winter weather begins to creep in?
Snowfall can add up quickly and become extremely heavy on roofs, carports, and windows. Let’s take a closer look at how window awnings can handle heavy, wet snow and if there is a way for your awnings to be better prepared for the upcoming season.
The Dangers Of Heavy Snow
Letting snow pile up on your home, car, or a nearby tree can lead to potential dangers to your safety and the inanimate objects it is resting on. Letting snow build up could cause structural collapse, broken tree limbs, power outages, and water leaks as the snow melts into small cracks. Falling trees and power lines could leave you without heat or light during the dark and cold winter nights. Removing heavy snow from your roof and from around electrical components will lower the risk of these dangers and lengthen the life of your home.
Design Features That Help With Snow Resistance
In order to protect your window awnings and your home, there are a few key design features that help ensure that snow slides off or melts quickly enough to prevent damage. Choosing the right design for your window awnings can allow them to remain intact throughout the winter season.
Pitch
The pitch of a roof or awning is the degree/steepness of the slope. Having the right angle can help make it easier for snow and rain to slide down into your gutters, preventing pressure on the weaker components. If you are unable to choose a higher pitch option, especially when it comes to windows, you may need to choose an awning with a high snow-load rating.
Coating
Coating the metal or wood of your awning can help the snow melt quickly, or make the surface more slippery so that moisture will glide right off. Adding a coating to awnings will protect them from forming ice dams, harmful icicles, and large buildups that could cause them to break off. Teflon, acrylic, or polyurethane coatings will help the heavy snow slide right off.
Material
The material of the window awnings also plays a role in snow accumulation. Some materials get colder than others, allowing snow or rain to freeze once it touches the surface. Choosing a material with a lower freezing point or adding a coating to the awning to keep it from freezing will prevent snow accumulation.
Materials That Are Best Suited For Snow
There are a few materials that are better suited for snow, rain, and heavy debris when it comes to awnings. Choosing a water-resistant material and one that can handle heavy materials will protect your window or home from extensive damage.
One of the best materials for awnings is metal, because of its ability to withstand moisture and heavy snow. Metal awnings are able to hold significant weight and have a long lifespan. However, choosing the right metal is also important to avoid rust and corrosion. Stainless steel or galvanized steel are great options for a moist climate.
While canvas fabric is not waterproof, when it is used for awnings, it is dipped in a weatherproof coating to help it resist moisture. Canvas fabric is commonly used for patio awnings, but can be used for window awnings, too. Fabric awnings will not be able to hold as much snow as metal or plastic materials.
Acrylic fabric is rated for winter weather because of the material’s natural water-resistant qualities. The synthetic fabric doesn’t need a coating, but if you live in a climate with frequently changing temperatures, it could impact the longevity of the fabric.
Retractable Awnings Are Best For Snow-Heavy Climates
Having retractable or roll-up awnings is the best option for climates with heavy snow because they can be used and left extended during the summer, fall, and spring, but put away during the winter. Retractable awnings can be used over multiple windows, providing shade and a cool interior during the summer. Retractable awnings are the best for harsh winter weather because they can be kept out of the way as the snow rains down around them.
Window Awnings From Kool Breeze
Kool Breeze has been providing durable coverings for homes in Utah since 1947. Our shades and coverings are made to last through all different weather conditions to keep your home protected and energy efficient. Kool Breeze has created shade options for homes of all sizes, helping them to achieve their landscaping and entertainment space dreams. Reach out to us to install a carport, awning, solar shade, or build an enclosed room today!
