Aluminium canopy

The relative lightness of aluminium is an ideal property for glazed canopies in particular, which usually consist of just a few struts anchored horizontally into the masonry and a continuous glass panel.

Due to the fact that the weight of the support material is so low, the canopy construction can easily handle both the glass roof and the weight of any snow lying on it. Both straight and curved shapes are possible.

An aluminium canopy also features high stability against force effects. This means, among other things, that the aluminium struts do not noticeably warp when the temperature changes – as opposed to a wood canopy. A light metal canopy can easily withstand even potential storms, e.g. hail.

While aluminium in its purest form is hardly ever used for door and window construction due to its thermal conductivity, the material can be used to its fullest advantage in purely exterior components.

The damage resistance, torsional rigidity and weather resistance of light metal are the key properties that make an aluminium door canopy a particularly durable component.

Aluminium canopy constructions can last for several decades with practically no maintenance required, while a wood canopy, for example, needs to be looked after regularly in order to prevent mould or rot in the long term.

Aluminium canopies are typically paired with a glass roof, as both materials exude a minimalist, modern aesthetic.

Aluminium canopies underline the tasteful minimalism of postmodernism. But with a little paint and a few plants outside your door, the shiny metal sun-permeable canopy can also look very welcoming.

The associated lack of warmth, which usually means that metal is hardly used at all for the inside of windows and doors, for example, is of course not the case with a canopy.

Thanks to their cool, simple look, aluminium canopies are not only made for front doors, but are especially effective for commercial or office buildings.

Anyone who has already decided on a glass canopy for their home is usually faced with the dilemma of whether they prefer aluminium or stainless steel for the frame. Visually, the two materials are incredibly alike, but they do differ in the following:

• Stainless steel canopies are usually more robust
• Stainless steel is inherently heavier than aluminium
• Stainless steel canopies are slightly more expensive

This means: aluminium canopies are the lighter but not quite as robust alternative to stainless steel at a slightly lower cost.

In most cases, canopies made of the lightweight metal are more than enough.

On the other hand, you should opt for steel if the canopy needs to be able to safely handle extreme loads, such as large amounts of snow.

Conclusion: With its modern look and excellent material properties, a canopy made of light metal manages to stand out among the many models available.

Extreme durability and damage resistance ensure that you get more out of your aluminium canopy in the long term, even without constant maintenance.