--- title: "Protecting Shades From Wind & Rain | Umbrella, Shade Sails, Awnings, Blinds, Pergolas" description: "Protecting shades in rain and wind using smart sensors available for awnings & other shades to control when the system. Somfy has motors & smart controls" url: https://theshadingcompany.ae/protecting-shades-in-rain-and-wind/ --- # Protecting Shades from Wind & Rain 8 May 2023 ![Tensile Shade Sail](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/protect-shades.jpg) ##### Shades are great for protecting us from the harsh effects of the sun. In the climate of the middle east, we have year-round sunshine. However, at certain points of the year, monsoons carry over from India and the UAE sees strong winds and heavy rain and flooding. Protecting shades in such scenarios become hard. How to protect shades in rain and wind to avoid damage? We explain. ### Windspeed As mentioned in previous articles, wind is what damages shading systems. This happens when the windspeed exceeds the designed limits of the shading system. Therefore it is important that the owner either close the shading system or have a method to ensure that when the windspeed is met that the shading system is automatically closed. This is possible with motorised shading systems such as [awnings](https://theshadingcompany.ae/awnings-supplier-dubai-uae/)  and [motorised shade sails](https://theshadingcompany.ae/shade-sails/motorised-shade-sails/)  and even [giant umbrellas.](https://theshadingcompany.ae/umbrellas/giant-umbrellas/) For centre pole or cantilever umbrellas without the motorisation element, then vigilance is the key. Close your umbrella when not in use. This is particularly prevalent for hotels and restaurants. Staff should close umbrellas when no guests are present. ### Smart Sensors for protecting shades As mentioned, there are a range of smart sensors available for awnings and other shade systems to control when the system is closed. Somfy, offer a brand of motors and additional smart controls to allow the system to close when certain thresholds exist. The Wind Sensor measures wind speed and closes the awning based on a certain wind speed being reached. The shake Sensor reacts to vibrations. Additionally the Awning can be controlled via an app so that it can be closed by the user from anywhere. ![Eolis Vibration sensor by somfy](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EOLIS_3D_star5.jpg) ### Shake Sensor. Closes on Vibrations ![Remote control for somfy motors](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/somfy_telis_Remote2.jpg) ### Standard remote control ![The Shading Company Dubai](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Somfy_Wind-sensor.jpg) ### Wind and light Sensor ![Connexoon allows mobile control of somfy motors](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Somfy-Connexoon_1.jpg) ### Control your shade via App It is important to understand that these are not a install and forget systems. Users should always be vigilant and close shading systems when not in use and when strong winds and rain storms are expected. ## More articles ![Storbox Awning above a window](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Storbox-awning-meadows-dubai.jpeg) ### Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer with the Right Shading [Open page](https://theshadingcompany.ae/keeping-your-home-cool-this-summer-with-the-right-shading/) ![Awnings that Last in the UAE Climate](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Awnings-that-last-in-the-UAE.jpeg) ### Why Cheap Outdoor Shading in the UAE Costs More in the Long Run [Open page](https://theshadingcompany.ae/why-cheap-outdoor-shading-in-the-uae-costs-more-in-the-long-run/) ![Sierra Bioclimatic pergola](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sierra-Bioclimatic-pergola-wall-mounted-in-meadows-dubai.png) [### Pergola for Garden in UAE – 3 Great Design Ideas](https://theshadingcompany.ae/pergola-for-garden-in-uae/) ## Get a quote for Protecting Shades from Wind & Rain Tell us about your space and we'll recommend the right shade, with a price and installation date. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/97143797844?text=Hello%2C%20I%27m%20interested%20in%20Protecting%20Shades%20from%20Wind%20%26%20Rain%20(ref%3A%20%2Fprotecting-shades-in-rain-and-wind%2F)) [Call 04 379 7844](tel:+97143797844) [Send an enquiry](https://theshadingcompany.ae/contactus/#enquiry)