When it comes to designing canopies you want to avoid costly mistakes, so it’s smart to start with the end in mind: the purpose of the awning. Canopy architecture is essentially the same as a building’s foundation and framework. The materials and construction methods you choose will determine what the result looks like as well as how – and how well – it performs.
Perhaps you know exactly what you want, or maybe you have only a general idea and you’re looking for additional ideas, even options you might not have considered for this particular project.
Avoid fundamental design problems by asking yourself these questions:
- Are there applicable municipal, landlord or other governing body requirements or limitations? There’s no point in planning something that won’t fly.
- Will the canopy be retractable or stationary? Retraction isn’t appropriate for all needs but it can be the prefect solution for some applications, especially seasonally shading store-fronts with large windows.
- Will it provide simple shade protection, or will the awning need to stand up to all weather conditions including wind, rain and snow?
- Will it be permanent or seasonal, and how long will it need to last? A temporary structure doesn’t need the same type of canopy architecture as something you expect to withstand 24/7 use for several years.
- If it will be attached as a retrofit, what kind of load can the building reliably support without undue stress?
Your answers will help you avoid considering framing systems that are inappropriate for your canopy architecture.
Not all framing systems work well with every type of awning covering, so you need to think about the entire project when deciding which materials to spec.
Aluminum is a lightweight and versatile choice that is easy to maintain. It works well for stapled, tied or tec-screwed fabric attachment, and it provides a stable foundation for many different types of fabrics for a variety of residential and commercial applications.
Galvanized steel is heavier and tougher, so it’s an excellent choice for permanent installations. It should be at least 16-gauge. Square-tube framing looks best and lasts longest. You can use 1″ inside diameter round pipe for seasonal applications, in which case fabric is tied on. Galvanized steel requires more upkeep because the welds or cuts can rust if not regularly maintained.
You can customize the canopy with brass or stainless steel decorative accents on canopy posts or exposed awning bars.
Avoid headaches and frustration.
All types of canopy architecture have inherent pros and cons. A little advance research will help you choose appropriate framing materials as well as a well-respected company to do your production and installation work. Your goal is to find the right combination of quality and cost that best matches your functional and aesthetic goals. Canopy architecture too robust just wastes money, but a too-weak system won’t hold up.
Team up with a professional awning company that has the in-house expertise, hands-on experience and all the current production capabilities to help you design and produce any type of canopy architecture. They can help explain your options and give you general guidance, if that’s all you need, or they can work hand-in-hand with you throughout the process, on every design and construction detail, to help create what you need.
Look for an all-in-one company that promotes quality at every step – solid advice, creative recommendations, talented graphics department, skilled production shop staff and experienced installation crew.
Without the right canopy architecture, you won’t get the result you want. Your awning may look great at first, but soon it will show signs of inferiority – deterioration or failure to keep fabric taut and crisp-looking. If it doesn’t last as long as it should, that will certainly reflect poorly on you and your architectural skills.
Understanding the alternatives and choosing carefully will help you avoid mistakes and design canopy architecture that’s right for the job and beautifully enhances its surroundings.
Photo Credit: Stop Sign by DonkeyHotey