Required tests for sunshades

If the shade is canvas, then it must meet the 75-mph wind requirements per South Florida Building Code. If the shade is rigid, it must comply with TAS202.

How sun shades are handled under ASCE 7-88 and Impact Testing

A structural load test per TAS202 will have to be performed, where the applicable pressures are to those of ASCE 7 based on 75 miles per hour. 

Also, a permanent label shall be affixed to the sun shades approved that reads the following: 

WARNING: THIS IS NOT AN APPROVED HURRICANE PROTECTION DEVICE.  DURING A HURRICANE THIS PRODUCT MAY BECOME A HAZARD AND IT MUST BE REMOVED AND STORED IN A SAFE PLACE. 

Please note that this category of products will still require a product approval in order to be used in Miami-Dade County.

Required testing for sun shade awnings to comply with ASCE 7

First, the awning needs to be tested to TAS202 only. The three required samples may be tested on wood and shall be attached along the top and at the single lateral support. The awning needs to be pressurized and the following method of attachment to the wood shall be followed.

Note that the awning may not be supported other than the particular design of the awning. Alternate procedures can be presented to the Building Code Compliance Office in the form of a proposal.