Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

If you want the strongest retractable awning you can buy, start with the Eastern Awning Systems Sunflexx®. Eastern engineers the Sunflexx "to withstand greater upward or downward force from unexpected inclement weather than any other retractable awning system," and describes it as "the only nationally sold retractable awning with certified engineered wind loads." Below are the numbers behind those claims, how the Sunflexx is built, and the honest limits every retractable awning has.

1800Awnings.com is the National Master Dealer of Eastern Awning Systems and ships the Sunflexx retractable awning to all 48 contiguous states.

Why strength matters on a retractable awning

A retractable awning has no posts. Everything is held up by folding arms bolted to your wall. When wind gets under the fabric, it lifts. When a gust comes from above, or rain pools, it pushes down. All of that load runs through one place: the shoulder joint, where the arm meets the mounting bracket. On most awnings that joint is a rigid casting. On a cheap awning it's often where the failure starts: a cracked casting, a twisted arm, or brackets pulled from the wall.

What makes the Sunflexx different: the patented shoulder joint

Eastern's founder holds U.S. patents on the Sunflexx's urethane compression shoulder joint. Instead of a rigid joint, the shoulder contains a urethane component that works like a shock absorber:

• It compresses under force from above or below, so the arm gives in a gust instead of fighting it.
• Under load it increases the awning's pitch by at least 2" per foot of projection, which helps spill wind and water.
• It then slowly returns the arm to your set pitch.
• The urethane changes less than 1% in hardness from −70°F to 180°F, so it performs the same in winter and in summer sun.
• The joint alone is warranted for 10 years.

Eastern says this design protects both the awning and the building it's mounted on. Its certified wind load testing was done on ordinary 2"×4" stud-construction walls "without any adverse effects."

The Sunflexx by the numbers

These specifications come from Eastern Awning Systems' published Sunflexx component specs.

The warranty says the same thing

A manufacturer's warranty is where strength claims get tested with money. Eastern backs the Sunflexx frame for 15 years, which it calls the industry's most comprehensive frame warranty, including coverage against arm breakage and twisting under normal use. Many imported awnings sold online carry frame warranties of 5 years or less. See Eastern's warranty for full terms.

How to compare strength across brands

"Heavy-duty" and "commercial-grade" appear on almost every awning listing. Here's what to actually ask any manufacturer:

1. Do you publish a certified, engineered wind load rating? Many brands say their awnings were "tested" but don't publish a wind load chart. The Sunflexx has one.
2. What is the arm casting made of, and what is its tensile strength? Sunflexx: A356-T6, 38,000 PSI.
3. Are the arm cables stainless, and what is their breaking strength? Sunflexx: 304 stainless, 2,400 lbs.
4. What happens at the shoulder joint in a gust? Rigid, or designed to absorb load? Sunflexx: patented urethane compression joint.
5. Does the frame warranty cover arm breakage and twisting, and for how long? Sunflexx: 15 years.
6. Where is it made? Sunflexx frames are manufactured in the USA by Eastern Awning Systems.

For a brand-by-brand look, see Sunflexx vs SunSetter, SunPro, Aleko and Awntech.

The honest limits

The strongest retractable awning is still a retractable awning. Before you buy any brand, know this:

• Retract it in storms and when you leave home. Eastern does not recommend ever leaving a retractable awning extended unattended, because there is no direct support under the fabric.
• Add a wind sensor to a motorized awning so it retracts itself when gusts build.
• Wind ratings have conditions. Eastern notes its wind load ratings don't apply to awnings fitted with the optional Wind & Rain Package or Drop Valance, and its warranty excludes damage from hurricanes and from winds beyond the engineered rating for your size.
• Mounting matters. The awning is only as strong as what it's bolted to. Mount into solid framing, block or masonry, never siding alone.
• A retractable awning is not hurricane protection. Roll it in before any named storm.

What about the SunScape?

The SunScape® is Eastern's lower-priced model. It shares stainless hardware and American manufacturing, but it does not have the patented shoulder joint or the certified wind load ratings. If strength is your priority, choose the Sunflexx. If you have a sheltered patio and want to spend less, the SunScape is a solid choice. See Sunflexx vs SunScape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the strongest retractable awning?

Eastern Awning Systems engineers its Sunflexx® "to withstand greater upward or downward force from unexpected inclement weather than any other retractable awning system" and describes it as the only nationally sold retractable awning with certified engineered wind loads. It uses a patented urethane compression shoulder joint, 38,000 PSI A356-T6 arm castings, 2,400 lb stainless arm cables and a 15-year frame warranty.

Does the Sunflexx have a wind rating?

Yes. Eastern publishes certified engineered wind load ratings for the Sunflexx, which vary by width and projection. Call 1-800-AWNINGS and we'll give you the rating for your size.

Can I leave the Sunflexx out in the wind?

It handles gusts better than typical awnings, but no retractable awning should be left extended unattended or in a storm. Use a wind sensor on a motorized awning.

Where can I buy a Sunflexx?

1800Awnings.com is the National Master Dealer of Eastern Awning Systems and sells the Sunflexx online in custom sizes, from $3,473 with free shipping to all 48 contiguous states.

Ready for the strongest shade on your patio? Configure your Sunflexx awning or call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647).

Specifications and quoted claims are from Eastern Awning Systems' published Sunflexx specifications, FAQ, wind load and warranty pages.