A canopy is a useful architectural element with a large functional load. Protection from precipitation and the scorching sun is his priority. In order for such a design to be ergonomic and useful, it is necessary to think over all its details and choose the appropriate option.
What are the canopies
There are a number of varieties. Canopies can act as:
- Visor
- porch roofs;
- Gazebos;
- Terrace.
According to the method of construction, canopies are:
- Attached;
- Detached.
The main difference between a free-standing canopy and a pergola is the presence of a roof. Their main purpose is to protect objects and people from manifestations of the external environment. Such canopies are used in parking lots, in the construction of gazebos, for storing firewood and other things.
Attached canopies are mounted close to the main building. It turns out that one side of them is necessarily closed. With this design, you can equip a veranda or patio.
Attached awnings can be straight. This is the simplest variety that can be used to protect the car. The sloping canopy allows rain and snow to roll down and not accumulate in dangerous amounts. Such an architectural element can be single-pitched and double-slope, depending on the designer’s intention.
There are also more complex forms. For example, arched structures are very common as awnings. Their popularity is associated with a pleasant appearance and ease of manufacture, since most of the materials for the construction of canopies bend well. The wavy canopy is also often used as a decorative element. Some materials, coming out of the factory conveyor, already have a wave-like shape.
Materials for creating an attached canopy
In order to build exactly the canopy that will not spoil the façade of the house and organically fit into the overall picture, you need to carefully select materials. The color, texture and performance of the resulting element will depend on this.
The most popular in recent years have become:
- polycarbonate;
- slate;
- Corrugated;
- plexiglass;
- tiles of various manufactures;
- dense varieties of textiles.
For the base, it is better to use:
- stone;
- tree;
- brick;
- metal;
- concrete.
The most popular material is polycarbonate. This is the easiest and cheapest way to attach a good canopy to the house. With the help of such a modern material, the canopy can be given any shape. It will reliably protect against precipitation and excessive sunlight. Different colors and pleasant texture do not spoil the façade of the house, but only decorate it, adding a useful structural element. The frame for a polycarbonate roof can be wood or metal profiles.
One disadvantage of polycarbonate is its high transparency, which does not allow it to completely protect the place under the canopy from the sun’s rays. In the case when the canopy is on the sunny side, it is better to use corrugated board made of denser materials. It will give more shade, protect the car or furniture from fading, while retaining all the advantages of polycarbonate.
Fabric canopies give the designer a large field for activity. A variety of colors and textures will allow you to decorate the house and the plot in the desired style. Such a canopy is lightweight and relatively easy to install. In specialized stores, you can often find a ready-made fabric canopy on a metal frame, which only needs to be installed on the selected wall.
The fabric awning can be easily removed. With simple manipulations, this design is pressed against the wall and remains there until the next use. Unlike other options, the fabric design can be used as needed, without cluttering up the space when a canopy is not needed.
Functional load on the canopy
The main purpose of any canopy is to create a comfort zone under it. The territory, protected from aggressive manifestations of the environment, can be used as a terrace. At the same time, it does not matter what such an architectural element is made of. It can be made of simple materials and be a continuation of the house or be a separate element of décor, skillfully made of expensive and exquisite components. These are carved wooden structures or canopies using natural stone as a decoration.
The size of the canopy depends only on the available area and the desire of the owner of the house. For some, it is enough to protect the porch with a canopy, while others place sets of furniture and other items for the rest of a large company under a multi-meter canopy.
Decorative elements for decorating a canopy can be carved balusters, ceiling skirting boards, beautifully decorated corners and much more. A variety of wood species can also become the basis for a designer’s flight of fancy.
The most important criterion for choosing a canopy style is the surrounding details. Landscaping can have a significant impact on the choice of shape and materials of construction. The harmonious combination of all components of the façade of the house, the design of the site and the canopy itself is the key to success.
