Awnings and Snow

Aluminum Awnings With Maximum Snow Load

Can I use an aluminum awning in snow country?  Yes you can.  Just build them a little stronger than those of us lucky enough not to have snow.  Here are some of the factors to consider with awnings and snow.

Panel gauge

I - beams

Gutter system

Post spacing

Thicker gauges of aluminum are required for snow areas.  Aluminum awnings are rated with a lbs per foot snow load.  There are several factors that are used to determine this figure.  Most importantly are the gauge of the awning panel and the tributary distance.  The tributary distance is the space between points of attachment, such as the hanger and an I-beam and the beam to the gutter.  These would both be tributary distances.  Other factors used in the engineering would be the size of the I - beam, if used, and the type and spacing of the posts.  Posts spaced closer together add to the overall snow load.

Engineering plans are full of charts and diagrams.  Every wind and snow load spec has columns of options that all have to be met to achieve a certain rating.  An example would be to achieve a 90 mph wind and a 40lb. live load with an 8' tributary length you would need .025 gauge panels and 3" aluminum posts spaced at 8', or scroll columns spaced at 6'.  This is if an extruded gutter is used, if you are using roll form a new set of figures would apply.

These complicated sets of engineering are important if you are obtaining a permit for your awning.  Otherwise here is some advice for just making an awning that will withstand a good snow storm.  Use a minimum of .032 gauge panels and if you are spanning more than 12' try to use an I - beam of some sort.  The farther the span the thicker the beam should be and the closer the posts need to be together.  The use of a lot of extra screws can be a big help also.  You can use two screws in each panel valley instead of the normal one.  It is also helpful to screw the locks of each panel down from the top in several paces.

Posts can be upgraded to a thicker size of aluminum or switched to steel.  The closer they are spaced the stronger the awning.  Spacing of 7' to 8' will make for a stronger awning.  When buying an awning package this may mean ordering extra posts.  Be sure the posts are securely attached to the concrete or decking at the bottom and securely bolted at the top.

Another important factor to consider is the gutter.  When we install awnings in the snowy parts of Arizona we turn the gutter upside down so it will not cause the snow to back up and sit on the awning any longer than necessary.  Our high country's are also full of pine trees that would continually clog a gutter so this method just seems to work better.  An I-beam could just as easily be used in place of an upside down gutter.  This page shows a typical aluminum awning installed in snow country.

Another thing we have found helpful is to give the awning as much slope as possible.  In areas without snow 1/2" per foot is normal.  The more this can be increased the better.  Follow this advice and you can easily build an aluminum awning that will holdup to all the snow you can give it.  Feel free to contact me for any further advice about aluminum awnings or awnings and snow.