How to make a canopy over the porch
The contents
- The function of a canopy over the porch
- Types of canopies over the porch
- Materials for the construction of the visor
A small canopy over the porch is not only good protection from adverse weather conditions, but also a beautiful piece of interior that will help to give the building a comfort and special style. Having some skills and using a specific technique, you can make the visor over the porch alone. Anyone.
The function of a canopy over the porch ↑
This architectural element bears in itself two important features:
- Aesthetic. The canopy over the porch will make the exterior of the house a more finished and attractive. Properly chosen and crafted detail will make any home more cozy and give it personality.
- Protective. This function is very important for each canopy. Constant precipitation or direct sunlight cause deformation of the door frame, also suffering and facing. In summer, the visor provides shade, while in winter or autumn it protects the porch from excess moisture and icicles.
Types of canopies over the porch ↑
There are two types of structures canopies over the porch of the house. The reference design, is a visor that is held by the walls and supporting pillars. Also, design may be suspended – in this case, the frame is fixed only on the wall. Material is selected based on the type of design. The canopy on the support pillars can withstand a greater load than suspended. If you want to make a canopy over the porch with the suspension design, it is necessary to give preference to lightweight materials.
Also the visors are distinguished by the shape of the design:
- shed. The upper part of a structure attached to the roof. This form is the most common;
- gable. The sheets are fixed with a slope on the sides of the porch on a special footing;
- arch. The frame of the visor is made in the form of a semicircle;
- tent. This design is the most effective, as it often has a sectional shape that protects the porch from all sides.
Materials for the construction of the visor ↑
Currently in the construction market presents a huge range of different materials. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the most suitable for the construction of a canopy over the porch.
Polycarbonate ↑
Preference in the construction of a canopy over the porch of the house most often given to this material, as it looks quite attractive, and its cost is low. Everything else polycarbonate has a few advantages:
- it is resistant to temperature variations;
- this material is extremely flexible, allowing you to play a bit with the shape of the canopy;
- polycarbonate is fire-resistant material;
- impact resistance is another significant plus polycarbonate;
- with polycarbonate is easy to work with him to handle even a novice.
However, polycarbonate has certain disadvantages. He is very harmful ultraviolet radiation. To avoid deformation of the material after a couple of years worth to cover it with special protective layer.
Metal ↑
A shed made of metal is a budget option. Truth and to work with such material is difficult. The main problem is to work with the welder, although it can be replaced by bolts to secure it. If you do the job properly, the product will serve you for years to come. It is important not to forget about the care and prevention of corrosion.
Corrugated sheet ↑
Corrugated sheet is a popular material because of easy installation, reasonable prices and long service life. The area of its leaves are also quite large, which greatly facilitates the work with him. The canopy of this material must be painted, that also is a big advantage.
But do not forget that he does not have high impact resistance. A minor impact can leave a mark on the visor, and stronger just spoil it completely.
Types of materials for the frame of the visor ↑
Deserves a separate discussion the material from which made the frame of the future canopy, because it depends on the strength of the future product. Each of materials has its own strengths and weaknesses, consider them in detail:
- Tree. Such a framework will not be expensive and its pretty easy to collect yourself. But, unfortunately, the service life of this product will not last long. For making the most suitable oak or larch.
- A steel profile. This framework will be much stronger than the wooden, but its weight will be more. Erecting the steel frame, all parts must be connected by means of electric welding. As a frame made of wood, steel be primed and at least two coats of paint with special protective paint.
- Steel pipe. She has a fairly light weight but has high strength. It can be used only for simple armatures. To make a complicated design of steel pipe need pipe Bender. In the home make it very difficult.
- Imitation hand-forged from steel. This option is inexpensive, but has a neat and refined look. To make the twisted design you can use an ordinary welding machine.
Self-construction of the visor ↑
In order to properly build a canopy over the porch of the house in the first place, you need to decide on materials. If you are a beginner, it is better to give preference to polycarbonate (hereinafter will be described in its installation). Also, beginners are not recommended to resort to hard structures with bends. For starters, pick something simple, for example, single visor.
Project ↑
Before the construction of the visor should carefully calculate its size and create a detailed drawing. Because of this you will get a visual representation of the future product and appearance of the entire porch. Also you can calculate amount of required materials.
It is not necessary to do a canopy too narrow. It will be well to protect it from the weather and sun. The standard length is 80 inches. As for width, the canopy should be greater than the door opening by about two feet.
Training ↑
Before you make the visor over the porch should be good to clear the site for construction and prepare all materials needed:
- polycarbonate sheets (better to choose the cell). Their thickness should be not less than 10 millimetres;
- metal profile;
- apparatus for welding;
- screws;
- level;
- a pencil and measuring tape;
- screwdriver and drill.
Installation of a canopy made of polycarbonate ↑
After careful preparation, you can go to the direct mounting of the visor. First and foremost, you need to take a tape measure and a pencil and use it to make a layout directly on the wall. Based on the drawing, you need to mark where to drill then the hole wizard.
Then you need to make a skeleton using metal profile. The frame is best done in the form of an arch. To join a construction welder. The basis you need to collect on the ground completely, and may partly depend on the size.
Next, you need to make the pipes the holes for the bolts to attach the frame to the wall. This can be done either anchor bolts, or screws. To make design unnecessary weight, polycarbonate sheets must be fastened after installation of the frame. Attach the necessary frame at four points (top, bottom and sides).
After the installation frame needs to be primed and painted. Then proceed to the installation of polycarbonate sheet. The leaves are attached to the frame with special screws with rubber cap. At the ends secured with sealing tape. You also need to make sealed all the seams to protect the door from moisture. You can use the bar of metal.
Conclusion ↑
The porch is the face of any building. Very often it is due to it is uniqueness and special style. Therefore, this small detail depends on what impression will make a house for visitors. Moreover, the visor will not only be a great addition and decoration for the porch, it will also protect it from rain, snow and sun. In order to make a nice awning just need a little patience and care.
The canopy over the porch of the house can be done even from recycled material, for example, made of wood from the old tree