With an Automatic Awning, if I had one, I would not strap it down but let it do it's thing like its suppose to. On the other hand, I do strap down my manual awning and while I monitor the wind's, I can guarantee you that most windy days have no effect on it and Yes, I have repaired an awning that wasn't strapped down. A quick note....obviously, when the winds get really bad, I can get it retracted pretty quick even with straps. If I didn't use the straps, it would hardly be worth using that awning at all cause I'b be opening and closing it all day long.