An awning or pergola can be a major investment. For homeowners, they provide additional space you can use as a living area. Watch the kids swim in the pool, have a weekend BBQ, or simply entertain your guests in a casual and relaxed setting. For business owners, an awning provides brand recognition and additional space where guests can sit outside or take shelter from the sun and rain.
When you make a big investment, it’s only natural that you’d want to protect it. For some, that may mean retracting it before a rain shower. But what about if you live in an area that is prone to snow? Here’s our list of the best retractable awnings for snow.
Awnings
The Palermo is a retractable arm awning. While it should not be left open during the snow because it will collapse, like all other folding lateral arm awnings in the industry, the optional Qualital® powder coating on the frame provides increased protection to the frame against rain, debris, and snow. It is a popular choice for both residential and commercial locations. Just make sure you always retract your retractable awning before it snows!
The Venezia is the only retractable awning at RetractableAwnings.com that is available with a full cassette. This lateral arm awning can be retracted completely into the cassette, which protects it from a variety of hazards: squirrels, nesting birds, rats, and most importantly, snow. The Venezia, like all other folding lateral arm awnings in the industry, will collapse from the weight of the snow if it is not retracted into the cassette beforehand.
The Venezia can be installed on everything from homes and restaurants to your RV.
The Bioclimatique Retractable Louver Roof pergola features motorized slats you can open or close as needed to protect the area under the pergola against the elements. If the retractable louvered roof pergola doesn’t give you enough protection, you can even have sliding glass doors. For a little extra work, you can even create your own heated and air-conditioned room. This covered pergola is capable of handling snow load as well as other significant weather conditions, making it a very versatile solution in snowy areas.
The Konya is a retractable pergola that can be installed free standing or attached to the wall of a building. It has a motor for quick and easy retractability, and a built-in drainage system so water does not collect on the fabric roof.
While it is not intended to handle snow loads, there is a hood/cover that can prevent snow from collecting in the folds of the fabric while the fabric is retracted. This cover is included with your purchase at no additional charge so you can protect your investment.
The Colosseo is a retractable half-circle awning with the versatility to work with a wide range of architectural styles. It is typically installed over a window and can be as wide as 20 feet. The Colosseo is one of the best awnings for avoiding snow because it is retractable.
Fixed awnings are more likely to be damaged by snow if you do not remove the fabric completely, but that is not necessary with the Colosseo. Simply pull the cord to retract the canopy and frame, protecting it from the elements. Once the snowfall is over and you don’t have to worry about a large pile of snow sliding off the roof and onto the canopy, you are free to open the canopy again.
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The Trevi is very similar to the Colosseo except it has a rectangular shape. It is also retractable with a simple cord pull. Once retracted the Trevi is protected from the elements - including snow.
Overall, canopies are on the list of best awnings for snow because of how protected they are once retracted. Fixed or stationary canopies do not have the same benefits as retractable canopies. If you have a permanent canopy that does not retract, you will need to remove the fabric every year before winter. Otherwise, heavy snow loads are likely to destroy the fabric and damage the frame.
Choosing the Best Awnings for Snow
Choosing an awning can be tricky because there are so many things to consider. Colors, materials, size, functionality, overall design – every answer is just as important as the last. Most of our recommendations are retractable because of one problem that is unique to snow: it’s heavy. Even when you are experiencing heavy rain, it still runs off and doesn’t collect (known as pooling) unless it is on a flat or concave surface.
Snow, however, will build and build until the surface gives way or it eventually melts (unlikely). A dusting of snow may fine, but the more you get, the more you are at risk. Considering how unpredictable snowfall can be, you should go ahead and retract your awning as soon as you see snow in the forecast. Getting a retractable awning, retractable canopy or covered pergola for snow loads such as our Bioclimatique models will give you the chance to retract your awning before the snow accumulates.
We've Got You Covered
At RetractableAwnings.com, we pride ourselves on our high-quality products and expert factory trained team. We have a talented group of experienced professionals who can help you find the right awning, canopy, pergola, or screen to transform your space. Whether you’re working on a backyard project for your home or you need to upgrade the outdoor seating at your restaurant or hotel, we have something that will fit your needs.
Contact us today for a free quote and we’ll help you every step of the way.
