Polycarbonate currently enjoys a great popularity when you create visors. This material is very lightweight, creating a minimum load on the supporting structure, but durable. Working with polycarbonate is very easy. All work can be performed independently. But first we need to know some specifics of the design of canopies and awnings made from this material.
The requirements for visors ↑
Awnings and canopies polycarbonate is installed above the entrances of various buildings. They are used to protect from wind, snow and rain. The purpose determines the quality that should be possessed by the material used for the canopy:
- Resistance to weathering, i.e. the material must not corrode, can be prone to molding, the appearance of the fungus, to break down under ultraviolet light, do not break from the wind and snow load;
- Long service life;
- The bracket must provide a secure hold to the visor blew off in a strong wind;
- The visor needs to provide large area protection;
- It is desirable that it was monolithic or component parts were tightly connected so that the canopy does not leak during rain.
All these requirements are met polycarbonate. In addition, it is lightweight and creates minimal load on the bearings. To protect from UV rays using a special film. It prevents material.
The supports used for the metal structure. Got more and more popular forged products, because they can give a unique look to the porch. Often there are designs from the profile, or aluminum tubing.
For supports and sheathing can also be used wood. But it is used less frequently, because this frame is less durable, faster come into disrepair. In many cases, it is bulkier and heavier than metal.
Varieties of canopies ↑
Polycarbonate can be made canopies of different shapes. It will depend on the architectural features of the building, styling, individual wishes of the customer. For example, old houses are very popular arched awnings with wrought iron stands, and modern – with a mount on the profiles. The most popular varieties are given below. Photos will allow you to evaluate their appearance and structural features.
Pent ↑
One of the most common forms of the canopy. Often the same kind have roofs from barns and other outbuildings. The Foundation for the canopy has a triangular shape. One of the short sides of the triangle is attached to the wall, and the hypotenuse is attached to the polycarbonate. As a rule, these visors have a small area. The variation of the canopy – shed with valance.
Gable ↑
Gable roofs are familiar to many form «house». It looks like the roof of most homes. The frame also has the shape of a triangle, but the material is fixed on the short side, the hypotenuse is the basis of geometric shapes. This is one of the most simple and convenient forms, especially if the installation is made with your own hands.
Domed ↑
In this case, the visor has the shape of a truncated semicircle. The end is attached to the wall, and hemisphere stands on the porch. The frame also has a rounded shape. This design requires a high strength and rigidity, so the need to install additional sheathing. To make the canopy difficult, so it is rarely seen above the entrance to a house or another private home. Usually they are bought for decoration of facades of buildings where are the offices of firms that the porch and canopy over him in harmony with the structure itself. Often, these canopies over the front doors decorated with forged elements.
It is possible to save on supports. On the other hand, for the same reason, the visor will not be able to provide large area protection because of its weight may be excessive for mounts.
Arched ↑
One of the most popular types of canopies from polycarbonate. In this case you will need extra supports. On the one hand, it provokes high costs. On the other – significantly extends the possibilities. Firstly, this awning can be done in size more than a porch that will provide a high level of protection from rain, snow and sun. Secondly, the support you can further decorate or use forged products, which will make the appearance of the porch unique.
Arched canopies are easy to make yourself. Their design is almost identical to sheds. Just the rear arches will be attached to the wall.
You can choose any other type of visor. Configurations much, you can stay on the version that seems most convenient and appropriate to each situation.
What to do the frame ↑
The next issue is the material from which is assembled the frame of the visor. The choice should be taken responsibly, because it is the quality of the base will depend on the durability of the canopy. While the entire structure should have a small weight, to avoid overloading fasteners.
With polycarbonate well combined wood, steel and aluminum. Of course, the selected material will depend on the amount of money that will be spent on construction. Also at work you need to consider the complexity and what tools you will need, what operations will have to spend. For example, in some cases, the required welding. For these works will need special skills and equipment. Therefore, problems can occur when you create a metal frame. It would be difficult to decorate, for example, forged elements.
Wooden frame ↑
The most economical and environmentally friendly option. Great for decoration of country houses and cottages, which is well seen on the photo. Tree convenient to operate. You can make a skeleton of almost any complexity. In addition, the tree can be decorated at its discretion, for example, to add carved decoration to the supports, paint or varnish.
However, there are significant drawbacks. For making sturdy wooden frame need bars quite a large amount, which can make the design quite bulky and heavy. Even for the smallest of canopies will need bars of size not less than 5×5 cm Also, this material is rot, mold, fungi appearance. This base can quickly come into disrepair. Treatment is necessary a special means to prevent the destruction of wood.
Steel ↑
Currently it is 1 of the most common materials for the frame. They are reliable, sturdy, resistant to corrosion and other external factors. However, steel pipes are heavy, so for large canopies it is recommended to use the corners. This will allow not to overload the fasteners. Steel frame you can decorate, if you add forged parts.
The most reliable method of joining steel elements together – welding. However, you can use the bolts. However, over time, the Foundation may lose its stiffness.
Polycarbonate sheets have a lot of windage, so when strong winds, the frame can bend. To avoid this it is recommended to install the additional ribs.
Despite resistance to the environment, it is necessary to periodically process the frame special protective structures to prevent corrosion.
Aluminum ↑
Has all advantages of steel, but has better performance. Frame made of aluminum will weigh much less, it is more resistant to corrosion etc. But you can assemble it quite difficult, so often encountered in selling ready-made frames without polycarbonate. However, they forged items are rare.
The canopy over the entrance – a necessary thing. With thoughtful consideration it is easy to turn into element of the decor and make the porch a special. It is very well seen in the photo above. Polycarbonate blends well with wrought iron and carved elements.
