ᐅ How to attach a side awning to a patio roof?

Hello everyone.

We would like to install two retractable side awnings on our patio roof.

I would prefer to avoid mounting them on the house wall, as the awning boxes would then permanently extend several centimeters (inches) into the walkway that goes around the house. Therefore, we would like to attach the awning boxes to the posts (aluminum?!) of the patio roof.

Now my question is… How?!

My idea is to use standard metal toggle bolts, similar to those used in drywall installation.

Basically, drill the appropriate hole through the wall of the post and then use the toggle bolts to secure the awning boxes there…

Will that hold?!

How do manufacturers do it when you order a patio roof with side awnings directly?

I’m curious if anyone here has already solved this “problem”…

Take a look on YouTube or visit an exhibition. Maybe you can find a detailed photo on websites of suppliers you know?

I assume that if this is planned in advance, there are pre-drilled holes in the profiles.

At least, that is how it is with fences.

If you drill holes afterwards, it can weaken that area.

So, my provider would also offer the whole system as a retrofit... So it should somehow be possible to upgrade these, I think...

I'm mainly concerned about the weakening of the material...

Just ask him, otherwise do not drill through but

Try using threaded rivets. Mark the holes, drill them, install the threaded rivets, and then fasten the awning with suitable screws.

It’s a neat solution, not very expensive, and the screws hold better in the rivets than if you just drive self-tapping screws directly into the posts’ walls.