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Designing a canopy to cover the rear terrace.

Cowen Garden Design

7 years ago

I'm wanting to cover a small terrace (5 X 2.7 m) at the back of my house and I can't decide whether to go for glass or polycarbonate (called twin wall I gather) for the roof. Glass is heavier requiring more support whereas as twin wall always looks temporary to me and may discolour over the years. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

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Comments (4)

PRO
Jo Chrobak Invent Design Create Ltd
7 years ago
Hi Cowen,

Just as a slight disclaimer before I answer your question, you might need planning approval and you probably will need building control and structural calculations for an awning (especially that size), whether it is glass or polycarbonate. There are loads of companies that architects use daily such as ID systems and IQ glass for glass awnings and roofs, Samson Awnings for Polycarb and Luxaflex for gorgeous material blinds.

Glass, as you said will require more support and larger structure to hold it. If you are looking for something elegant and light, you can have something in glass,but it will more than likely cost a bit more (unless you are lucky and find the perfect off-the shelf product).

I haven't used polycarbonate here in the UK, but it was one of my favourite materials to use when I was working in Australia. These days, there are UV coatings, so don't worry about discolouration, just ensure when you specify the polycarbonate type and style that you also request a UV coating and check how long it lasts and whether it will need reapplication etc.

Depending on what is around your awnings, both polycarb and glass can get dirty and scratched. Glass less so, especially if you get self cleaning glass that will ensure it is sparkling and clean most of the time.

The main thing that I would say with polycarb is if you opt for the empty core version (not solid that looks like glass) then ensure that the edges are filled in. Polycarb will look hideous once all the insects and spiders make their home in the perfect little holes that give Polycarb its awesome shimmering look. That means I would definitely design a frame around the edge (and secretly fill in the gaps with either a silicone or something else that the awning manufacturer specifies (a frame alone isn't enough, once the insects get in you will hate your gorgeous awning, so take all precautions to make sure the edges are sealed) - preferably matching the colour of the polycarb, see my examples attached.

Also if you opt for a glass awnings / pergola and you want to get rid of that green tinge that glass gives you, specify low iron glass to get crystal clear, nice glass ;-)

I hope this helped you!

Jo
Cowen Garden Design thanked Jo Chrobak Invent Design Create Ltd
PRO
Cowen Garden Design
Original Author
7 years ago
That's brilliant Jo, thank you. And I am onto the planning issu!
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PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago
That gets my vote for 'most brilliant informative answer ' of the day !!! :-)
Cowen Garden Design thanked OnePlan
PRO
Jo Chrobak Invent Design Create Ltd
7 years ago
Thank you, have a great day!

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