Frame Systems
Frame systems are recommended by the manufacturer, according to personal preference and regional norms. Frames are joined by special fittings or welding, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation and regional variations.

Frame Construction
Current frame construction practices favor the use of either slipfittings or direct tube-to-tube welding. In the case of fittings, the overall behavior of the framework is less rigid that if the frame-work were welded together. An awning system connected by the use of fittings will behave similar to two simple beams. In other words, the ends of the beams are not restrained from rotation at the ends. A fully-welded frame will behave structurally similar to a continuous beam over the same supports. It should be noted that the latter case can produce less deflection and smaller bending stresses in the structure, which may result in greater efficiency.

A critical part of awning framework design is anchoring supports, such as building or wall support. Local codes, climatic conditions, wind and snow load requirements and local design customs all affect the construction of awning framework systems.

The size of the framework materials and the amount of metal used is determined by the overall configuration of the awning. As the awning’s surface area increases, the size and strength of the framework system also must increase. Staple on systems utilize slotted aluminum extrusions for frame members where the fabric is stapled into the slot and is covered with a weather strip that also acts as a trim piece. In many cases, the overall look the design is striving to achieve will affect the frame construction.