Awning safety and maintenance

An awning is a permanent, roof-like structure attached to a building or another structure. This includes anything that connects the awning to a building or structure, even if a column doesn’t support it. They also overhang public land or roads.

Awnings can be temporary or permanent. They provide shade and protection from unpleasant weather. You'll often see them on commercial buildings, such as restaurants and cafés. They are used to cover outdoor dining and reception areas.

Awning ownership and responsibility

Awnings are the responsibility of the owner of the building they are attached to, even when they are over a public pathway. The owner must ensure they are safe through regular maintenance and inspections. This is outlined in a statement by the State Government.

If an awning isn't well-maintained, it has the potential to become a serious health hazard. Building owners may be liable if someone gets injured or dies because of a faulty structure attached to their building.

Factors that can affect awning safety

Older awnings are more prone to deterioration. However, age isn't the only factor. Proximity to the ocean, how often they are maintained, and design can all impact their longevity. These factors increase the likelihood of structural failures and the risk of collapse.

Things that can affect your awning's structural integrity include:

  • corrosion of tie rods, anchor plates and masonry tiles
  • obstruction of structural elements and tie points impacting the ability to inspect
  • inadequate live load, wind load and load testing
  • the use of lime mortar rather than cementitious mortar on masonry walls
  • the strength and condition of the parapet
  • ponding of water, water leaks, poor drainage, and the collection of hail.

For more information, refer to WorkSafe Queensland.

Awning safety inspections

Owners should engage with a structural engineer to complete a 4-stage inspection process. The structural integrity of an awning should be recorded as part of a building maintenance program.

Initial inspection and appraisal

An initial inspection should determine:

  • dimensions
  • age
  • external configuration
  • existence of main support walls
  • drainage from the gutter
  • other relevant information.

Second inspection

A second, more detailed inspection needs to be undertaken following the initial inspection. Before completing a detailed inspection, you will need to:

  • prop the awning at the front edge. This will need Council approval, and you will need to install barriers.
  • remove the areas of roofing and/or lining to allow determination of the size and condition of structural elements.
  • remove a 4 to 6 brick area of the parapet/front wall masonry where the tie-rods penetrate.

A detailed inspection of the opened-up awning should include:

  • photographing structural elements
  • measuring the member sizes and level of corrosion on the structural steel
  • photographing and measuring the connection details for the structural steel
  • measuring the size and level of corrosion of the tie-rods
  • photographing and measuring the connection details for the tie-rods, top and bottom
  • measuring the connection plates and fixing details within the masonry
  • assessing details of the masonry and condition of the masonry ties.

After the second inspection, any necessary calculations will be carried out under the relevant building standards. The structural engineer will prepare a report advising you on the condition of your awning and any required repairs.

Final inspection

A final inspection should be undertaken on any subsequent repair or maintenance work. This is to ensure that the structural integrity of the work is to the required standards of the structural engineer. The engineer can then provide a certificate confirming the adequacy of the awning.

Load requirements for accessible awnings  

If a street awning can be accessed from adjacent windows, roofs, or balconies, then the roof cladding and structural components must be strong enough to support people's weight. This ensures the awning won’t collapse if people step or stand on it to watch a passing parade or another event. Even if the awning is not meant for regular access, it must be engineered and certified to safely support unexpected use.

Council's role in ensuring awning safety

City of Moreton Bay is focused on raising awareness of the importance of maintaining and ensuring the safety of awnings.

Property owners must keep their awning in good repair and a safe condition under Council's Community Standards for Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023. This local law allows Council to issue Awning Inspection Report notices. If you are issued a notice, you must get an Awning Inspection Report and carry out any necessary repairs or maintenance noted in the report.

Council must act on reports of unsafe structures per the Building Act 1975 and Local Government Act 2009. This is to ensure that awnings in poor condition are made safe. Council can issue notices and prosecute property owners who fail to bring their awnings into compliance with the act.

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