If you’ve ever owned a retractable awning, the question, “is it too windy right now?” may have popped into your head more than once. And for good reason: strong gusts could be enough to damage awnings.
The truth is, there’s no simple answer. Gusts can appear out of nowhere, especially here in Colorado, and even a sturdy, high-quality awning isn’t meant to withstand strong, sustained winds.
That’s where a wind sensor comes in. While “wind sensor” sounds high-tech, it’s actually a simple, smart device that takes the guesswork out of protecting your investment. If the awning begins to bounce or sway beyond a safe threshold, the sensor triggers the motor to automatically retract it; no stopwatch, no weather app, and no nervous watching from your kitchen window.
At Direct Awnings, we recommend them for every retractable awning we install.
How Awning Wind Sensors Work
Not all wind sensors are alike. The models we install aren’t speedometers for the breeze, they’re motion detectors designed specifically for awnings.
We mount the sensor directly to the front bar of your retractable awning. If that bar begins to move too much—usually caused by gusty wind, but potentially from any strong or sudden force—the sensor sends a signal to your awning’s motor. In a matter of seconds, the awning begins to retract, reducing the risk of damage to the fabric, frame, and hardware.
This design means the sensor responds to what’s actually happening to your awning, not just what the weather report says. A steady breeze may be harmless, but a sudden, sharp gust that starts shaking your awning can be enough to cause harm. The motion-based system reacts in real time, even if you’re not standing nearby to notice it yourself.
The Top Benefits of Awning Wind Sensors
1. Convenience Without Guesswork
Without a wind sensor, owning a retractable awning means keeping one eye on the sky and the other on your awning. Is that breeze picking up? Was that last gust a little too strong? Should you bring it in now or wait a few more minutes?
With a sensor, the awning makes that decision for you. As soon as movement exceeds a safe threshold, it retracts automatically. This means you can enjoy your time outside (or inside) without second-guessing whether you should take the awning in.
Even if you’ve stepped away from the patio to chat with a neighbor, help in the kitchen, or take a phone call, you’ll know your awning is looking out for itself.
2. Extended Awning Lifespan
Wind is one of the leading causes of premature wear and damage for retractable awnings. Even if a gust doesn’t cause visible harm, repeated stress on the frame, arms, and mounting points can require service or repair and shorten the life of your system.
By retracting before the shaking becomes excessive, a wind sensor prevents much of that wear and tear. Over the years, this not only keeps your awning operating smoothly but also helps protect your investment, saving you from avoidable repairs or even early replacement.
Perfect for Colorado’s Unpredictable Weather
If you’ve lived in Denver for any length of time, you know how quickly conditions can change. One moment it’s calm and sunny, and the next a gust whips through from the mountains or plains.
These sudden bursts of wind are exactly the kind that cause problems for awnings; often catching owners off guard. A wind sensor reacts instantly, before you even have time to walk across the deck or put down the gardening tools.
And because it measures movement rather than speed, it won’t trigger unnecessarily during a mild, steady breeze. You get protection without constant false alarms.
Installed On Your Awning From Day One
At Direct Awnings, we don’t just install awnings, we install complete shade systems designed to be easy to use, long-lasting, and well-protected. For most customers, that means adding a wind sensor from the start.
While it’s possible to retrofit a sensor onto an existing motorized awning, it’s far simpler and more cost-effective to include it in your initial setup. That way, you begin enjoying the convenience and protection immediately, and the sensor is already integrated with your awning’s controls and settings.
We’ve seen too many cases where someone postpones or forgos adding a sensor, only to wish they had one after a close call or worse, after a costly repair. Including it from day one means you won’t have to learn that lesson the hard way.
A Small Upgrade With Big Peace of Mind
When you think about all the ways you use your patio, deck, or outdoor seating area, it’s easy to see the value of a little extra protection for your awning. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon outside, or stepping inside for a bit, the wind sensor has you covered.
You’ll have fewer moments of “Should I take it in now?” and more time to simply enjoy the shade. And when the weather changes (as it inevitably will) you’ll know your awning is prepared to respond.
Ready to Enjoy Shade With Built-In Protection?
If you’re considering a retractable awning for your home, make sure it comes equipped with a wind sensor. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in convenience, protection, and long-term performance.
At Direct Awnings, we install custom-fit retractable awnings across Denver and Colorado, with wind sensors that work seamlessly with your awning’s motorized controls. From measurement to installation, we handle every detail so you can start enjoying your outdoor space with confidence.
Call or contact us today to request a free estimate. Let’s create a shaded space you’ll love, protected from the very start.
