Why are commercial awnings so helpful in winter? 4 key reasons

We don’t know about you, but here at the Awning Company we’re starting to see more and more people wearing their big coats while out and about – which must mean that we’re officially entering the colder, chillier winter months! We know not everyone is going to be happy to see the end of the summer sun, but if your organisation is making use of bespoke commercial awnings, it doesn’t mean that your use for them is at an end! It’s true that commercial awnings are generally most strongly associated with providing shade in summer, but they can be equally beneficial during winter, too. Here are four key reasons why!

1. Protecting outdoor areas from snow and rain

Naturally, one of the primary benefits of commercial awnings during winter is their ability to protect outdoor areas from snow and rain. Essentially, awnings create a shelter that prevents snow accumulation and rain from soaking outdoor seating areas, walkways, and entrances.

This protection is particularly useful for café, restaurant, and retail shop owners who rely on outdoor space. Keeping these areas dry helps you maintain a welcoming environment for customers, even when the weather turns decidedly more grim. There are slightly less obvious benefits to this too – for starters, it can also help protect outdoor furniture and fixtures, prolonging their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. What’s more, maintaining a clean and dry outdoor space can also enhance your overall brand image and reputation with your customers.

2. Reducing ice formation

In addition to providing protection from snow and rain, commercial awnings play a crucial role in reducing ice formation. It’s one of the most critical physical dangers facing you, your staff, and your customers during winter. Sleet and rain can both freeze on walkways and entryways, creating hazardous conditions for your customers and staff.

A commercial awning can help to minimise this risk by shielding these areas from direct precipitation and allowing for better drainage. That basically means you can maintain safer access points, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls. It’s an excellent way to ensure a smooth flow of foot traffic and keep your staff and customers safe.

3. Enhancing energy efficiency

Another significant (and often under-appreciated) advantage of commercial awnings in winter is their contribution to energy efficiency. Essentially, your awning can act as an insulating barrier, helping to keep the warmth inside your building while blocking cold winds from entering. This insulation effect can be particularly beneficial if maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures is a particular challenge during the colder months.

Reducing the need for excessive heating allows you to lower your energy bills and minimise your carbon footprint, not only benefiting your finances but also boosting your sustainability credentials – which can go a surprisingly long way with today’s environmentally conscious consumers. And of course, there’s the obvious benefit…

4. Creating a welcoming atmosphere

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is essential for attracting customers, especially during the winter months when people may be less inclined to venture outside. Commercial awnings can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your storefront or outdoor area, providing a cosy and welcoming look that draws in potential customers.

Well-designed awnings can add colour and character to your building, making it more noticeable even in the (let’s be honest) typically grim scenes you’d find in the average British winter. Offering sheltered outdoor seating encourages customers to hang around, enjoying the fresh air without the discomfort of harsh winter elements. This attention to detail can create a lasting impression, encouraging repeat visits and fostering customer loyalty. This welcoming atmosphere can ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty and sales.

5. Increasing usability of outdoor spaces

In addition to enhancing safety and aesthetics, commercial awnings increase the usability of outdoor spaces. In other words, awnings allow you to maximise your outdoor areas, even in winter, by providing sheltered spots for dining, socialising, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Again, this can be especially beneficial if you’re a café or restaurant owner, especially if you want to extend your seating capacity without compromising comfort.

Providing a space that is protected from the elements encourages customers to make use of outdoor areas throughout the winter, contributing to a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Expanding the usability of your outdoor space can also create additional revenue opportunities, whether through extended dining options or hosting seasonal events that draw in more customers.

And of course, if you’re ever looking for the best commercial awning for your own business, you’re already in exactly the right place. Here at the Awning Company, motorsports, mobile tech and pop-up cafés comprise just a couple of our key sectors, and we have a long history of delivering flawless solutions for our customers across the North West. Feel free to take a look at our bespoke GH Awnings to see what we can do for you – and if you have any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01204 544 900, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!