A canopy over a gate or a visor is not just beautiful, but fashionable and modern. By mounting such a structure, everyone pursues their own goals. Although there is always a conditional division. Before creating this element, it is worth considering each step: what material is appropriate, tools, etc. We will consider all this in our today's article.
Appointment of a canopy over the gate
Masters include several facts here:
- The ability to extend the performance of the gate, hinges and lock. The visor prevents precipitation from destroying the foundation pad under the supports. If there are video cameras, an intercom or a call, such an element is also necessary.
- In winter, snow does not accumulate in large quantities before entering.
- A canopy over a wooden gate will make the overall look more attractive and decorative.
There are other factors that determine this element. Although it is worth thinking about it in advance, inventing the design of the fence. It is important that the canopydid not stand out from the background, but was only a neat continuation of the fence, harmoniously fit into the design.
Which material is the best?
When choosing what to make a 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;
- Plexiglas;
- PVC sheets;
- zinc;
- slate, etc.
Do-it-yourself canopy over the gate is easy to mount from polycarbonate. This material is simple, beautiful, inexpensive. Since there is a demand for it, manufacturers are also trying to create it in different colors. Unique visors of various shapes appear in the assortment.
How to make a visor?
Often there are wooden canopies over the gate, but not completely, but a frame. But they are sewn up with polycarbonate. At the same time, it does not matter what the entire fence is made of - such material will always fit into the interior. It is easy to work with him, creating an unusual shape is not difficult. The performance characteristics are positive, so the demand for it increases every year.
Sheet selection
Going to the store, you may be faced with a choice:
- Cellular is a sheet, inside of which there are small spaces with jumpers between them. It is they that are required for rigidity, although in general this type bends easily and takes on any shape without breaking. Creating an unusual design, craftsmen choose this type.
- Monolithic sheetcomparable 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 no big difference.
Before you make a choice of material for a canopy over the gate, it is worth analyzing the positive aspects of polycarbonate:
- Light weight, so there is no need to make a too strong frame and support. Everyone will cope with the installation on their own, without an assistant.
- At the same time, resistance to various precipitation, winds and physical impact is noted.
- The material is widely used for its flexibility. Arches and even balls are made from it.
- Transparent - does not obscure, but ultraviolet does not pass through.
- No need for fancy grooming techniques. Leaves, dust and dirt are simply washed away with water.
- If you want to create a glass effect, then polycarbonate is the best solution. It will not break into dangerous fragments.
- When applying certain tricks, the shelf life of such material increases to 10 years.
- Various colors, attractive appearance, the ability to create any design.
All these are important aspects that every person focuses on when creating canopies over the entrance gates. External attractiveness, material consumption will depend on the shape of the structure, so this issue is resolved in advance.
Which form do you prefer?
Having decided on the material, you can decide on the design. Without experience, you need to realistically assess your strengths and fantasies so as not to spoil the external perception of the whole house. Here are some simple ideas:
- Shed construction above the gate. Elementary installation, but if there is a lot of snow 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 rainfall at any angle.
- Arch - in demand because it looks beautiful, it is not difficult to create it, even without experience.
- Dome - here you have to think, as several different parts are made, after which they are assembled into a single whole. But the protective functions are maximum.
- Direct canopy - a more durable material is selected for it. The frame is carefully thought out.
What's next?
Before you start creating a canopy over the gate with your own hands, you should complete the drawing. It accurately indicates all dimensions, location and fastening. A frame is made, and after that, parts of the selected material are cut to the desired size and fixed to the fasteners. In the store today you can also find ready-made elements that are just installed on supports.
Main work
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. Forfastening protective sheets choose self-tapping screws. In the photo of the canopy above the gate, you can see how this design will look.
Aluminum profile is more reliable, shows itself well in work, bends easily, any fasteners simply go into it. The advantage is that there is no need to additionally paint or prime anything. There are corners and profiles on sale, it is easy to mount the required design from them.
Some resort to using metal pipes. Often, in order to save money, previously used material is taken. The only negative is that you will need to do seams and cutting by welding. When there is no experience of working on such a device, then hiring a master is not always rational. This is big money. It is better to exclude the option of using metal pipes.
Metal corners are on sale, a frame for a canopy is also made from them. With them, work is carried out by welding or by means of bolts. But such a frame 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 these basic points are decided, you can begin to build a canopy. The procedure is simple, and it is not always necessary to invite a specialist. Supports made of any material serve as the basis -wood, bricks, metal. The range of work is simple, you just have to prepare everything.
