Awnings are well-established as a worthwhile outdoor fixture for providing shade from the blazing sun, giving your patio or garden an extra area of cool shadow that makes a hot summer much more enjoyable. It is rarer, we admit, for anyone to explore awnings as a rain cover, a giant umbrella that shelters you from the greyest Scottish clouds. But they very much can be, and there are plenty of reasons for doing so.

At The Scottish Shutter Company, we are well aware that the vast majority of the awnings we supply are installed in areas with changeable weather. Scotland, if we are honest, is better known for wind and rain than for sun. That is why we focus on outdoor awnings that perform excellently in all seasons. Join us as we explore the best outdoor awnings for rainy climates.

Are outdoor awnings really for rainy days?

Not everyone wants to stand or sit outside in the rain, so what are we really talking about when we consider outdoor awnings for rainy climates? It is a lot more than giant umbrellas.

Your awning is outside all the time. Yes, it seems like an obvious thing to say, but it is true. Your awning has to deal with the weather no matter what that weather is. It needs to provide shade from the sun, hold out when it is snowing, and keep dry in the rain. More than that, it has to resist damage and mould, shrug off UV rays, and stay firm in a gale. When we look at the best outdoor awnings for rainy climates, we really mean those that have been properly designed for the environment.

So yes, if spending time outside your house with an awning protecting you from the worst of the weather is something you want to do, these excellent additions to your home will let you do that. But more than that, they are for all days. In Scotland, that definitely includes the rainy ones.

What does an outdoor awning need in a rainy climate?

Now we are asking the right questions. What is it about a good outdoor awning that makes it right for Scottish weather?

Weatherproof materials

If an awning is made of untreated cotton canvas or uncoated fabrics, it might look fantastic and do a great job of offering shade, but it will not last the test of time in Scotland.

A suitable modern outdoor awning should be made from water-resistant and UV-resistant fabrics that provide protection and longevity. The Luxaflex Formosa Max range we fit uses Dickson fabrics with a colour protection guarantee, so your awning will still look the part after years of weather.

Motor controls and automation

We can all pretend to be conscientious awning owners, winding them back neatly the moment they are no longer in use, but even the best intentions can go astray after a relaxing afternoon. It is no surprise that many manual awnings are left extended for long periods.

That can lead to damage and, in the worst cases, to an awning being blown away in the wind. Motorised controls make bringing your awning in effortless. Somfy IO controls go further, with sun and wind sensors that retract the awning automatically when a gust hits, and scheduling that can tuck it in every night without you lifting a finger.

A strong frame

If an awning is to last in the changeable Scottish weather, it needs a solid structure. Awnings come with a wind class rating defined by EN 13561, ranging from 1 to 3. Look for a rating of 2 (fresh breeze, 5 on the Beaufort scale) to 3 (strong breeze, Beaufort 6), depending on your location.

Proper installation

Making sure your awning is professionally installed is essential. It ensures:

Fixings are properly secure.
The awning is pitched correctly to allow rain to drain and flow away.
Controls are properly placed and wired.
Warranties and guarantees are in place.

Almost every awning we fit is installed with at least a pair of spreader plates, bonded to the masonry, so the load is shared across a much wider area than the fixings alone. That is the difference between an awning that stays put and one that pulls its fixings out of the wall in a storm.

Things to consider before you buy an outdoor awning

Getting your awning right is easy with a little preparation. Check the following before choosing yours.

Wind and rain exposure. Do you often experience high winds? Is your home coastal? It is important to choose an awning appropriately rated for your property.
Planned use. Some people use their awnings all year round. Others focus on the summer months. Understanding how often you will use yours helps narrow down the options.
Drainage direction. In heavy rain areas, the drainage path matters. Awnings can alter the flow of water from the roof, especially when extended. Take guttering and drainage into account when planning yours.
Power and accessibility. Awnings with automatic motors need to be properly connected. Make sure there is appropriate access for wiring.
DIY or professional installation. DIY awning installations are possible, but we recommend professional installation in almost every case. The wall fixings, pitch, and wiring all need to be right, or the awning will not last.

Discover the best outdoor awnings for rainy climates with SSC

At The Scottish Shutter Company, we understand Scottish weather. Our fitters are experienced in installing awnings built to last, taking the best buffeting the climate can deliver without breaking a sweat. As Scotland’s only Luxaflex Gallery Dealer, we specify the Formosa and Formosa Max ranges with deep projections up to 4m, Somfy IO motor controls, and Dickson fabrics designed for this exact purpose.

Book a complimentary consultation and we will help you choose an awning that makes your garden usable for more of the year, not just on the three days of summer we get in July.

The Best Outdoor Awnings for Rainy Climates (Yes, Really)