We fabricate and install canopies on steel frames: for cars, over terraces and entrances, over a hardstanding by the house or at a guest property. Steel is the choice when you need a long span, heavy or insulated roofing, few intermediate posts or simply a sturdy working canopy. Every canopy is made to the dimensions of the plot rather than fitting the plot to a ready-made kit.
Canopies we make
- Free-standing — on their own posts, for example over parking or a seating area.
- Attached to the house — one side fixed to the wall or floor structure, the other on posts.
- Carports — for one or several cars, allowing for turning and opening the doors.
- Over terraces and entrances — extending the house and keeping the porch, doors and tiles out of the rain.
Frame and joints
The sections of posts, beams and purlins, the post spacing and the joints are set by a calculation for the specific span, roofing and site. That is why we do not publish a “standard” profile thickness. At the site visit we look at the dimensions, access, the slope of the plot, the condition of the wall the canopy will meet and where the roof water will go. Welded joints are cleaned and protected as carefully as the profile itself: corrosion usually starts at welds and cut edges.
Roofing
Profiled sheet and metal tiles give full shade and rain cover, polycarbonate lets light through, sandwich panels reduce heat and the noise of downpours. We choose by the purpose of the canopy and the load on the frame: heavy roofing needs different sections, light roofing needs careful fixing against wind. If you are not sure, tick “Need advice” in the quote form.
Corrosion protection
Unprotected steel rusts quickly by the sea. Depending on the structure we use hot-dip galvanising, primer with a multi-coat paint system or powder coating, and fixings with a protective finish. Posts are kept out of contact with soil and standing water. How long a coating lasts depends on conditions and care, so we recommend checking the canopy once a season and touching up chips straight away.
Drainage and the wall junction
The most common problem with canopies is not the frame but water. A canopy against a wall without proper gutters sends all the rain to one spot by the facade. So the pitch, gutter, downpipes and the wall junction are designed straight away, together with the frame.
What affects the price
- size, span and number of posts;
- base: new footings for the posts or fixing to an existing slab;
- type of roofing and drainage;
- metal protection: galvanising, paint, colour;
- removal of an old canopy, delivery and machine access.
We quote after measuring and give an itemised estimate.
Steel or aluminium
If the canopy is small, sits over an entrance or terrace and should look as light as possible, see aluminium canopies. We can price both options for the same job. Masonry garages and outbuildings are on the garages and carports page, and all structures are under metal structures.