What is a Patio Canopy and do I need one?

Patio Canopies are adaptable structures that can be used for a variety of functions; they are a place to sit and enjoy late summer evenings, a smoking shelter, an outdoor dining area, a place for the children to play protected from the weather and many more.

More specifically a Patio Canopy is really a canopy or cover that goes over your patio. Most homes have a form of patio on the back of their homes so a patio canopy tends to be at the back of someone’s house. Simple really.

What types of patio canopy are there?

Most patio canopies are Lean To in design meaning they are attached to the house wall at the back and have columns or legs at the front. Having said that you can also get Free Standing Patio Canopies which are not attached to the house wall and have legs at the back as well as the front. These tend to be more robust in design since they have to stand alone, unaided by the house wall. As a result they tend to be a little more expensive.

While Lean To Patio canopies have a flat roof which slopes down from the back to the front, Free Standing canopies can have a flat roof (with a slight fall to ensure water runs off) or a curved roof.

What are Patio Canopies made from?

You can buy Patio Canopies made out of wood, steel or aluminium, or you can make one yourself using a range of materials. In these times when money is tight,  Aluminium Canopies are  the most cost effective choice, and there are other reasons why they should be considered. Firstly Aluminium is a light yet strong metal that is powdercoated meaning the paint is baked on ensuring the paint finish will last for many years and won’t need re-painting. Both timber and steel canopies will need periodic painting, which can be an arduous task once the  canopy has been installed. Aluminium Patio Canopies can also be bought in White, Brown or Anthracite Grey and can be manufactured to the size needed to fit your particular patio.

What goes on the roof of a Patio Canopy?

There is a range of glazing materials that can be used: Glass, multiwall Polycarbonate Sheeting, timber or other cladding and others. If you cover the roof with some form of solid cladding then you will dramatically reduce the amount of light under your canopy. As a result most people tend to prefer using Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheeting on the roof.

There are several reasons for this: firstly   Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheeting comes in three different tints, Clear, Opal or Bronze so you can choose the amount of light transmission (in other words how much light you want underneath your canopy) and choose your sheet accordingly. Your choice of polycarbonate tint may be affected by other matters, for example you may choose bronzed tinted polycarbonate if you are buying a brown canopy.

Multiwall polycarbonate is a remarkable product, light yet strong and shatterproof meaning it will not crack or break if a heavy object is dropped on it. This makes it a safer alternative to glass, especially if your children are playing under the Patio Canopy. The Patio Canopies sold by The Canopy Shop are manufactured so that the edges of the polycarbonate sheet are secured within the aluminium profiles meaning no water can get through. Having a canopy that doesn’t leak is a given especially if you plan to use the canopy during bad weather.

Do I need a Patio Canopy?

Patio Canopies are a great alternative to a conservatory with many of the same features but at a much lower price. Patio Canopies provide an adaptable covered space that can be used for a multiple of uses, are easy to install and enhance the look of your home. With a wide range of styles, colours and options all at a low cost, if you are looking for additional outdoor space a Patio Canopy is a great addition to your home.

Still undecided, or want some help in choosing a Patio Canopy? Call us on 01536 446393 and talk to Danielle or Lisa who will be happy to help you.

Our staff have a combined experience of over 90 years with Carports and Patio Canopies so you can trust our advice.