A canopy over the gate or a visor is not just beautiful, but fashionable and modern. Mounting such a design, each pursues its own goals. Although conditional separation is always there. Before creating this element, it is worth considering each step: what material is appropriate, tools, etc. All of this we will consider in our article today.
The purpose of the canopy over the gate
Masters include several facts here:
- An opportunity to extend operational qualities of a gate, loops and the lock. The visor prevents precipitation from destroying the foundation pillow under the supports. In the presence of video cameras, intercom or call, such an element is also necessary.
- In winter, snow is not collected in large quantities in front of the entrance.
- A canopy over a wooden wicket door will make the overall look more attractive and decorative.
There are other factors by which this element is established. Although it is worth thinking about it in advance, coming up with a fence design. It is important that the canopy does not stand out against the background, but is only a neat continuation of the fence, harmoniously fits into the design.
Which material is the most suitable?
Choosing what to perform the visor from, you should focus on the fence itself and the gate. One of the unique ones is forged, but the roof can be from:
- polycarbonate;
- corrugated board;
- metal tiles;
- plexiglass;
- PVC sheets;
- galvanizing;
- slate, etc.
It is easy to mount a canopy over the gate with your own hands from polycarbonate. This material is simple, beautiful, inexpensive. Since there is a demand for it, then manufacturers are trying to create it in different colors. Unique peaks of various shapes appear in the assortment.
How to make a visor?
Often there are canopies over a wooden gate, but not completely, but a frame. But they are sewn up with polycarbonate. It doesn’t matter what the whole fence is made of - such material will always fit into the interior. It’s easy to work with him, to create an unusual form is not difficult. The performance is positive, so the demand for it is increasing every year.
Sheet selection
Going to the store, you may come across a choice:
- A cell is a sheet inside which there are small spaces with jumpers between each other. It is they that are required for stiffness, although in general this type is easily bent and takes on any shape without breaking. Creating an unusual design, masters choose this type.
- A monolithic sheet is comparable to glass, but safe, reliable and durable. Do not assume that it is difficult to bend, this will not be a problem. Therefore, it is quite possible to create curved lines on the visor. In terms of cost, it is slightly higher than the first model, in terms of performance, there is not much difference.
Before making a choice of material for a canopy over the gate, it is worth disassembling the positive sides of polycarbonate:
- Light weight, so there is no need to make too strong a frame and support. Everyone will cope with the installation independently, without an assistant.
- At the same time, resistance to various precipitation, winds and physical impact is noted.
- For its flexibility, the material has become widespread. Arches and even balls are made of it.
- Transparent - does not obscure, but ultraviolet does not pass.
- No need to apply unusual care methods. Just washed off with water foliage, dust and dirt.
- If you want to create a glass effect, then polycarbonate is the best solution. It will not break into dangerous fragments.
- When using certain tricks, the shelf life of such material is increased to 10 years.
- A variety of colors, attractive appearance, the ability to create any design.
All these are important aspects that each person is guided by, creating canopies over the entrance gates. External attractiveness, material consumption will depend on the shape of the structure, so this issue is solved in advance.
Which form should I prefer?
Having decided on the material, you can make a decision about the design. Without experience, you need to really assess your strengths and fantasies so as not to spoil the external perception of the whole house. The following are some simple ideas:
- Shed design over the wicket. Elementary installation, but if a lot of snow falls in the region, it is worth maintaining the angle of inclination.
- Gable canopy - has advantages in the form of protective functions of the gate during the rainfall at any angle.
- Arch - is in demand, because it looks beautiful, it is not difficult to create it, even without experience.
- Dome - here you have to think about it, as several different details are made, after which they are assembled into a single whole. But the protective functions are maximum.
- Direct canopy - more durable material is chosen for it. Carefully thought out the frame.
What next?
Before you start creating a canopy over the gate with your own hands, it is worthwhile to complete the drawing. It accurately indicates all sizes, location and mounting. A frame is made, and after that, the desired size of the part from the selected material is cut and fixed to the fasteners. In the store today you can find ready-made elements that are just installed on supports.
Main works
As already noted, polycarbonate is the most affordable material. Although it does not matter what the frame will be made of. Most often, a tree is chosen, but since the service life is short, the boards are additionally impregnated with compounds for strength and protection against mold. For fastening the protective sheets, self-tapping screws are selected. In the photo of the canopy above the gate, you can see how such a design will look.
The aluminum profile is more reliable, it shows itself well in operation, easily bends, any fasteners just go into it. The advantage is that there is no need to paint or prime anything. On sale there are corners and profiles, of which it is easy to mount the required design.
Some resort to the use of metal pipes. Often, in order to save money, they take previously used material. The only negative is that you need to make seams and cutting by welding. When there is no experience on such a device, then hiring a master is not always rational. This is a lot of money. It is better to exclude the use of metal pipes.
There are metal corners for sale, a frame for a canopy is also made of them. Work with them is carried out by welding or by means of bolts. But such a framework will need to be treated with anti-corrosion compounds. And this is an additional financial investment.
The most beautiful and unusual option is to create a forged frame with additional distinctive details. This is an expensive model, although it is often found in private country houses.
Once a decision has been made with these key points, you can begin to erect the canopy. The procedure is simple, and it is not always required to invite a specialist. The basis is the support of any material - wood, bricks, metal. The range of work is simple, you just have to prepare everything.