Reliable and beautiful canopy over the terrace is an indispensable component of interior decoration in any suburban area, and can become a real business card at home. Despite the apparent simplicity of the structure, in practice, its construction raises many questions. First you need to determine the shape of the visor, select the materials and make the necessary calculations. If you doubt your knowledge, recommendations that you can find below will help to obtain the missing information.

Types of canopies by shape and type of construction

The shape of the roof over the terrace can be:

1. One-, two-, three-slope. A single-slope visor is the simplest model. It is ideal for wide supporting roofs made of profiled sheet. Gable and three-slope options will give an architectural “zest” to both the classic-style porch and the rustic house. They are made with support pillars that allow the structure to withstand a large roof weight.
2. Semicircular. They are usually made of cellular polycarbonate sheets. This shape can be a small visor above the steps or a full canopy, covering the entire facade.
3. Curly. These visors are the most difficult to install models that require certain skills in construction. But they attract the most attention. This group of canopies is made from tiles, cellular or monolithic polycarbonate.

The type of structure can be modular or monolithic. The first option is simple and easy to manufacture. Among other advantages - the ability to quickly replace individual parts, an abundance of shapes and colors, relatively affordable price. Such visors are usually covered with glass or plastic. Monolithic models always act as an integral design of the canopy. This, of course, is an undeniable advantage of the structure, however, the process of construction and repair is noticeably complicated.

Important! When building a single-pitch visor, bevel enough toto prevent accumulation on the roof snow, water or leaves.

The choice of material for the construction of the canopy

To build a visor above the entrance, you can use a variety of materials. But most often, builders use polycarbonate, tarpaulin, awnings, awnings, fabric, wood. When choosing, consider the concept of the garden. It is important that the extension harmoniously fit into the overall picture of the landscape.

Polycarbonate

In recent years, polycarbonate visors have become very popular.Their frame is often metal, but also happens from a brick or concrete. Modern material has a high degree of elasticity, which makes it easy to fasten it using screws with a thermal washer. In addition to simplicity in work, the advantage of this building material is also environmental friendliness, safety and affordability.

The disadvantage is poor abrasion resistance, susceptibility to ultraviolet rays (this disadvantage is now virtually eliminated by applying a special protective film to the surface of the sheets).

Did you know? Cellular polymer sheets were invented in Israel. In search of cheap, durable, lightweight material for the construction of greenhouse complexes, specialists Israeli company "Polygal" in 1976released first sheet polycarbonate. After several decades, with the advent of a large number of greenhouses from this material, Israel began to call "an oasis in the desert."

Metal canopies

Metal is also widely used in building visors. Steel structures require a minimum of construction skills, they are durable and do not allow moisture to pass through. In addition, their construction is even for beginners. In this case, metal pipes are used. Fastening is performed by welding or rivets. For supports, a pipe diameter of 10 cm is selected, the wall thickness should be at least 2 mm. Deficiencies in the use of this material are susceptibility to rust, expensive welder services.

Steel frames have recently begun to be combined with polycarbonate and metal profiles. To protect the structure from corrosion, it must be painted. A protective coating is applied to the primer layer. Before starting construction, it is important to correctly calculate the load. Otherwise, under the weight of the snow layers, the roof may deform or collapse completely.

Glass

It is customary to create a glass visor above the entrance to the city building, as well as above the terrace of a private cottage. The supports and the internal supporting structure for this type of canopies are made of metal. Glass elements are very expensive, but also durable. It is recommended to take laminated glass (triplex). It is able to withstand heavy loads and is not afraid of rainfall. Such a visor perfectly transmits light and gives great scope for imagination in terms of creating an unusual design.

Awning fabric

In arrangement of private houses awning canopies are widely popular. They are made of different materials: the frame is mainly metal, and the roof can be made of acrylic, tarpaulin, polyester or tarpaulin fabric. A folding fabric visor of various modifications is called the marquise. It usually serves as a temporary roof over the terrace.

The advantage of a courtyard tent canopy fabric is the ability to use it as a good protection against rainfall and ultraviolet radiation, as well as creating a barrier from prying eyes. In addition, this is the cheapest and easiest option when designing a terrace. The disadvantage of the fabric visor is the susceptibility to contamination, and, accordingly, the complexity of care.

How to make a polycarbonate visor with your own hands

Below is an instruction on how to quickly build a visor above a porch made of polycarbonate sheets. The design is a roof on two or four supports. The entire construction process is conditionally divided into two stages - the erection of an internal supporting structure and roof fastening. The frame of the product can be made of metal, brick, stone or wood.

Necessary materials and tools

To perform the work you will need a certain list of tools and accessories:

• metal pipes or corners;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• welding machine;
• grinding machine for cutting;
• drill;
• self-tapping screws and anchor bolts.

Did you know? Before cellular polycarbonate was created, monolithic sheets invented in 1955 were widely used. At that time they were used in military and space technology, parts were made for helicopters, airplanes, satellites. Due to its lightness and strength, this material has proven itself in many designs.

Layout and sketch of the canopy

The development of the project begins with the calculation of the main parameters. The length and width are determined so that "at the exit" there is a minimum number of trimmings.

1. The typical width of a polycarbonate sheet is 2.1 m. This geometric value is selected as a multiple of this value - 4.2 m, 6.3 m or 8.4 m.
2. The sheet length is 6 m. The multiple length of the canopy is 2 m, 3 m or 6 m.
3. The height is selected depending on the installation site. But at the same time, it should be at least 180 cm.

When planning the crates, climatic conditions are taken into account. If you install sheets with a thickness of 8 mm or more, keep a distance of 60–70 cm between the longitudinal beams. In the case of thick layers, take a step of 1 m.

Construction process

When creating a visor made of polycarbonate, it is customary to be guided by the following instructions.

1. According to the prepared drawing, parts for the internal supporting structure are cut out. It is important to remember to label every detail.
2. Recessed notches are made on the pipes with a grinder of ¾ diameter and the parts are bent with an arc.
3. The arcs are joined by cross members (two - fasten the arches, and three - evenly distribute along the length).
4. Then, by welding, two long pipes are fixed.
5. Vertical consoles attach corners to the edge of the wall.
6. Braces from the free side of the arch are installed to the supporting part of the beam. This technique gives the internal supporting structure the necessary strength and makes it durable.
7. The following is the mounting step. In the wall arch, several holes are made for anchor bolts. The frame is applied to the facade, make marks for fasteners, which then drill the wall.
8. The last step is polycarbonate sheathing.

Video: DIY polycarbonate canopy

How to design beautifully

Terrace with a canopy can become not only functional, but also attractive object, fitting into the landscape design of the site.

The following are decoration options.

1. Along the perimeter, plant a variety of vines and flowering crops (grapes, plants of the family Convolvulus, ivy, etc.). With the advent of the summer season, they will braid the structure, transforming it into a living architectural creation.
2. Create a painted art object by painting the building. Here you can show your imagination. Bright colors accentuate the entrance.
3. Add various carved or forged decorative elements (for example, fix the support posts with engraving done on them). This design can be done by yourself or ordered from a specialist - exquisite decor will certainly come out from under the artist’s skillful hand.

How to properly care for the design

Troubles with a canopy of one or another material can be avoided if you properly care for the structure. All parts of a wooden structure should be periodically treated with protective varnishes and disinfectants. In the case of metal parts, a primer and metal enamel are used. The visor made of polycarbonate will last much longer if you periodically check the condition of the fasteners and the safety of the sheets themselves. Quite often, minor repairs are practiced: they replace screws or parts of the coating.

Important! When cleaning woven material, it is not recommended to use chemicals, designed for washing dishes and floors. Aggressive chemicals can damage the surface of the product.

Fabric visors require special care. To clean them, use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water. Remove large debris with a vacuum cleaner. Greasy stains will help eliminate soapy water. And in the fight against stubborn pollution, a soft brush and a small pressure of water are indispensable.

As you can see, attaching a canopy to the house with your own hands is within the power of each summer resident. With a well-planned project, the design will harmoniously “merge” with the design of the personal plot and provide a recreation area near the entrance to the house.