Planning · 6 min · 2026-07-20
Wind load and the Beaufort scale
How we rate awnings, pergolas, louvers, screens and umbrellas — and when you must retract.
Read the product card
Wind ratings are on every category and PDP spec table. Run a preliminary load at /tools/wind-load. Retract fabric in named storms; lock or close louvers per the model; never leave a sail or umbrella up in a front.
- Beaufort 5 — open awnings, shade sails, many umbrellas.
- Beaufort 6 — cassette awnings, Atlas cantilever.
- Beaufort 8 — zip screens, fabric pergola retracted.
- Beaufort 9–10 — Nimbus locked / Helio blades closed.
Questions people ask
- What is Beaufort 6?
- Strong breeze, about 25–31 mph. Solaris cassette is Class 3 / Beaufort 6. Retract above the product rating.