왜 바람 저항성은 페르골라의 내구성을 테스트하는 중요한 기준 중 하나입니까?

Imagine, when a sudden gust of wind sweeps through your backyard, does your pergola stand firm? Or does it twist, sag, or even collapse?

What causes this? The answer is wind resistance.

For homeowners, wind resistance may not be the first factor you consider when choosing a pergola, but it is one of the important criteria for testing the durability of aluminum pergolas in the outdoors. ​

If the pergola is not rated for wind resistance, everything from Florida coastal storms to Colorado mountain gusts can turn a beautiful outdoor space into a costly disaster scene.

What is wind resistance?

Wind resistance refers to the ability of building components or structures (such as awnings, doors and windows, curtain walls, etc.) to resist wind pressure, maintain structural stability, and avoid damage or functional failure when subjected to wind.

Why is wind resistance so important?

Wind resistance is important because it is directly related to the safety, durability, service life and personal safety of the building structure.

Especially for components exposed to the outdoors, such as awnings, door and window systems, if the wind resistance is not up to standard, it will not only cause property losses, but also may cause personal injuries.

For example: During the recent storm in Las Vegas, a homeowner installed a metal awning that was not strong enough in wind resistance, which caused the awning at the door to collapse completely. Fortunately, no casualties occurred. But even so, the homeowner eventually paid thousands of dollars to completely clear the yard.

It can be seen that wind resistance is an indispensable part of the pergola system. Therefore, when purchasing a pergola, we need to first consider what level of wind resistance we need for the aluminum pergola.

(Tips:You can refer to the table below to find out the wind resistance level you need)

What is the wind resistance rating?

The higher the wind resistance rating, the stronger the wind pressure that the product can withstand without deformation, loosening or collapse.

For example, in some seaside areas, areas prone to strong winds, or high-rise buildings, buildings are required to have a higher wind resistance rating.

Wind Resistance Levels and Corresponding Wind Speeds：

As for the wind resistance level of our progolas aluminum pergolas?

After the pergolas are produced, we will immediately conduct strict factory tests, including but not limited to: wind resistance test, rain protection test, snow load test, etc. The average result of our wind resistance test is 180-220km/hour, which corresponds to Level 6-Level 8 in the table, and can withstand the ravages of strong typhoons.

Why are wind-rated aluminum pergolas better than others? ​

Not all pergolas are built to withstand the force of wind, but wind-rated aluminum pergolas are far superior to wood, steel, and non-rated aluminum pergolas in this regard: ​

1. Designed with structural integrity ​：
   Wind-rated aluminum pergolas are made from high-quality aluminum alloys (such as 6061-T5), with reinforced joints and thicker beams (1.8mm thick or more).Unlike wood, which can warp or crack in the wind, aluminum holds its shape, and unlike steel, which can rust at joints, weakening its wind resistance, aluminum resists corrosion—even in coastal winds. ​
2. Meets wind standard testing:
   The right wind-resistant aluminum pergolas are tested to industry standards.
   For example, ASTM E330 (wind load test), they will indicate the specific wind rating (e.g. 90 mph, 110 mph), so you can choose the right model based on your area’s wind zone (reference the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wind map).
3. Stable anchor system ​：
   Wind-resistant design not only relies on a sturdy frame, but also includes heavy-duty anchors: a concrete base of more than 12 inches, galvanized bolts, and anti-lift brackets.
   This keeps the pergola firmly fixed to the ground, even when wind forces try to lift or shift it.

How to choose the right wind-resistant aluminum pergola? ​

메모:Not all “wind-resistant ratings” are credible.

To ensure reliability, here are some things to look out for: ​

Check wind ratings: Choose a model that matches the maximum wind speeds in your area (e.g., 110 mph and above for hurricane-prone areas); ​

Check frame thickness: Aluminum beams above 1.8 mm resist bending better than thinner ones; ​

Ask about joint reinforcement: Choose welded or bolted connections (rather than just screws), which provide tighter connections under wind forces; ​

Confirm anchor requirements: Make sure the manufacturer provides specs for concrete footings or ground anchors (critical for loose soil).

Wind resistance performance standards of pergolas in various countries

Wind resistance performance standards for pergolas vary across countries due to differences in climate, building codes, and engineering practices.

United States:

Minimum Wind Load Standard: The International Code Council (ICC) sets a baseline wind load requirement of at least 90 mph for pergolas to meet most local building codes.

Hurricane-Prone Areas: In states like Florida, pergolas must adhere to stringent standards, such as Miami-Dade County’s building codes, which require lab-tested, wind-resistant designs .

These often target wind speeds of 130–195 mph for hurricane-rated structures.

United Kingdom：

Residential performance standards follow Eurocode and British Standard wind load calculations, which take into account regional wind speeds, building height and surface area.

Commercial use is typically rated for wind speeds of 90-120 mph (145-190 km/h, between 5th and 7th on the table).

Beyond this, standards vary by region:

• Coastal areas (e.g. Cornwall, northern Scotland) typically require wind speeds in excess of 50-60 mph,
• Inland areas (e.g. London, Birmingham, etc.) require wind speeds of 30-40 mph.
• Storm prone areas (e.g. Glasgow, Cornwall, etc.) can bring gusts of over 80 mph, so a robust design is required.

Australia、New Zealand:

Wind load standards are governed by AS/NZS 1170.2 and vary by region (for example, coastal areas such as Queensland are at higher risk of cyclones).

In high wind areas, pergolas will typically need to withstand wind speeds of 100-150 km/h (62-93 mph) and are usually made of aluminium or steel and securely anchored.

Conclusion: Wind Resistance = Peace of Mind​

Your pergola should be a place where you can relax, not worry. A wind-rated aluminum pergola is more than just a “solid structure”—it’s the hidden key to enjoying your backyard rain or shine (or wind). ​

Ready to choose a pergola that can withstand the winds in your area?

문의하기 to find models that are tested to local wind standards, made with high-quality aluminum, and come with a warranty.

FAQ: Wind Resistance

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