Dangers of Shade
Build With Safety In Mind
What are the
dangers of shade?
Is there a danger in having to much shade? When that shade is
improperly installed, yes, there could be a danger.
The photo at left
illustrates one of the dangers of shade. An awning in need of repairs that
were never done. When the storms roll around, is your
shade going to blow off or cave in, damaging property and possibly human life?
It is a good idea to spend some time reviewing local building codes and
talking to long time local residents. Local contractors are also a great
source of information.
Here is a very simple list of things to consider.
- Would it be better to have four barrel clips down each side of a shade
screen as opposed to two?
- When mounting your shade sail, should you go for the heavier tie down
straps due to your high wind area?
- A better way to hold an aluminum awning down is to go from a 12" ground
anchor to an 18".
- A better way to hold an aluminum awning up, from the snow, is to increase
the thickness of the roof panels, or add an I-beam.
- A backyard gazebo is safer when bolted to a concrete slab.
- Is it better to bolt the awning to the concrete or build the awning first
and pour the concrete around the posts? Pour the concrete first.
Anything you leave in the ground could rot or rust.
- When mounting a canvas window awning, should you use extra hardware to
better secure the awning?
These are just a few things to consider when talking about the dangers of
shade. Shade is a must for most of us homeowners. Repairs after the
storms are not. See what you can do to build a safer shade. Make
sure you ask all of the right questions so that your contractor builds a shady
place without the danger.
Aluminum awnings
are practically maintenance free, but not completely.
Parts that are in contact with the ground could corrode, over time.
If your posts become unstable in any way, replace them. It is
much less expensive to replace a few column feet than an entire
awning. If the roof panels become unlocked due to a strong
wind, get them locked back together or replace them.
Installing a hat section over top of the awning will prevent this
from happening again in the future.
Replacing
damaged parts when needed should prevent misfortunes like
the one pictured. There are some storms so bad nothing remains
undamaged. The majority of awning damage, however, can be
avoided.
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