While they may only form a small element of developments, door canopies can play a huge part in the end result. They can finish off projects perfectly, as well as instantly add a touch of individuality and aesthetic appeal too.
Jason Eastwood, Managing Director of Canopies UK, the country’s leading designer, manufacturer and installer of high quality canopies, reveals the four questions that are key to selecting the right door canopy for the project at hand.
QUESTION ONE: Which materials have been used?
Not all door canopies are made from the same materials. Some are made from concrete or timber, which involve long-term maintenance costs. Others are manufactured using GRP, which is highly durable and maintenance-free.
It’s all very well your project looking good the moment you’ve finished it, but it’s important to ask yourself how it’s going to look five years down the line. All buildings age and the fewer features it happens to, the better, entrance and/or porch canopy included, particularly as they’re one of the first features people see.
QUESTION TWO: How are they made?
Do your manufacturer’s canopies conform to BS6399-3 and European Standard EN1991-1-3:2003? And do they use the highest quality gel coats and moulds and durable paint?
They may seem like trivial points to have to consider, but it’s this type of detail that will help make sure that the canopies you choose conform with industry regulations and are built to last.
QUESTION THREE: Are there different designs?
Door canopies are available in a wide range of sizes and designs. Take our range, for instance, we offer nine different styles, ranging from flat roof and apex, to hipped roof and bespoke. They can come with curved legs, straight legs and in finishes, such as slate, too, as well as match a particular garden/home.
If you truly want your door canopy to give your project that extra edge, then you must spend some time choosing which design you’re going to go for. The type of roof on the property you’re working with can be a key influencer. For example, if it’s hipped then you might want to complement it with a canopy that’s hipped, but if you want something different, then you may decide to opt for a flat roof instead.
QUESTION FOUR: What are your plans for installation?
How your door canopy’s installed can really impact the overall result. Door canopies must be properly installed, anything less could wind up with them looking unprofessional and involve on-going maintenance and problems.
Where possible, your door canopy supplier should make installation as quick and easy for you as possible. That’s why we make sure that our canopies are delivered fully assembled with full fixing kits and we offer an installation service too, which can be especially useful if you’ve got a shortage of skilled site workers.
Door canopies may seem like a minor feature, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re anything but. Asking yourself the right questions (like those listed above) will help make sure you don’t just end up with any door canopy, but a canopy that works on a multitude of different levels.
For more best practice advice on choosing the right door canopy or to discuss your door canopy requirements, call Canopies UK on 01254 777 002 or kelly(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)canopiesuk.co.uk.
About Canopies UK
Canopies UK is the country’s leading designer, manufacturer and installer of high quality canopies. Established for more than 25 years, the company employs over 50 staff at its Lancashire headquarters, which incorporates offices, production space and warehousing.
Serving a multitude of sectors including hospitality, education, healthcare and construction, Canopies UK delivers excellence through site specific specification and unrivalled product quality.