It is extremely important that loads for awnings and canopies are specifically designed for each structure. Design loads are categorized as follows:

Dead Load

This is the self-weight of the awning or canopy frame, fabric and hardware. This needs to be included with other design loads since it is always acting on the structure.

Wind Load

Wind Loads are one of the most critical loads on most awnings and canopies. Important aspects of wind loads include speed or velocity, exposure, gusts, drag/lift and return period (time interval that is the basis for establishing the required design wind speed).

Snow Load

Required Snow Loads are determined by maps published in building codes. Important considerations while designing are ground snow, exposure, flat roof snow load, drifting and return period.

Live Load

These loads are from forces associated with humans, furniture, equipment, etc. Because these loads are moveable, the stipulation is an allowance for the most severe anticipated condition or case.

Ponding

This potential load on an awning or canopy is to be addressed in one or a combination of the following actions – design must be taken in account structurally, keeping the fabric properly supported and taut, or remove snow before it melts creating “ponds” of water.

Seismic Load

This type of load is due to earthquakes or earth tremors and are to be designed according to specifications. Awnings and canopies typically fare well in earthquakes because they are lightweight. Lighter structures have less mass resulting in smaller seismic forces being created and they are also typically small, secondary assemblies that are not usually subject to the significant destructive forces absorbed by the larger buildings.