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Compact lumber extensions provide good protection from the heat. But if the region has more than 260 sunny days a year, you definitely need a domed awning for the terrace. This is the best remedy for long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which depresses the immune system.
Why do you need a visor
We are talking about canopies of various designs. If there are fixing parts, they can be attached to load-bearing walls or installed directly above the entrance to the gazebo. So you can achieve the optimal microclimate in the premises, on which the working capacity and often the mood of vacationers depend.
The canopy can be hung over window and door openings. If it is important for the owners to emphasize the original design of the facade, it will have to be supplemented with forged elements. In winter, monolithic canopies provide reliable protection from icicles, and in summer they form a shadow on the veranda. This is especially important for people who are allergic to the sun. Properly installed visors contribute to:
- better growth of moisture-loving plants, including lilac, weigela and elderberry;
- efficient operation of split systems – for example, if an ice stalactite falls on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, it may fail;
- long-term use of window structures;
- better protection of open structures from dust.
Video “Installing a horizontal cassette awning”
From this video you will learn how to install a horizontal cassette awning with your own hands.
Types and forms
Ordinary folding awnings can really be done by hand. To do this, you will need canvases made of wind-resistant acrylic and high-strength polyester. Both materials scatter the direct rays of the sun, do not absorb moisture and retain their excellent appearance for several seasons. Tear-resistant canvas fabrics provide the best protection against rain. If the main selection criterion is quick installation, you will need tarpaulin.
Depending on the constructive device of the mechanism and the geometric projection, terrace awnings are:
- Open in the form of a shaft, with which you can fix the fabric.
- Closed, equipped with cases for the mechanism. They can be used outdoors.
- Horizontal with massive supports. They double the stability of the structure.
- Inclined made of aluminum profile resistant to twisting and oxidation.
- Vertical, reflecting up to 75% of ultraviolet radiation. Such structures contribute to the natural ventilation of the premises.
Arched structures look better at the entrance, simultaneously shading the roof and one of the surfaces of the structure. Direct awnings installed above window openings protect curtains from fading. As a result, the rooms are kept pleasantly cool.
How to Make Your Own Hands
Sunscreens, scissors, power tools with torque control, a drill and a sewing machine are useful in the work. In the choice of materials for arranging the frame, it is better to prefer lightweight aluminum-coated pipes. They provide reliable protection of the product against corrosion.
The dimensions of the awning depend on the dimensions of the veranda or terrace. Unlike a conventional canopy, such structures are attached to the wall of the main building on one side and easily folded without dismantling the frame. Models with automatic control are in great demand among the population.
Starting to assemble the structure, you need:
- attach a folding mechanism to the wall;
- fix the awning;
- place the frame of the structure at a height of 30 cm from the desired opening;
- try the mechanism in action, and, if necessary, correct installation errors.
In order to save the budget, the fabric must be cut out taking into account the data indicated in the design drawing. On paper, it is important to note the dimensions of the canopy, the upper and lower points of the awning, and take into account the features of its extension from a solid surface.
The frame does not have to be made of metal. You can use more affordable bars. Before installation, they should first be treated with antiseptics, and then coated with ship varnish. This will increase the resistance of the material to temperature extremes and moisture.
From fabric
The choice of materials should take into account their wear resistance, fire resistance, tensile strength and elasticity. Based on these indicators alone, polyester is the best option. It is easily stitched and glued by means of current or hot air. The thick polymer layer contributes to better protection from heat and wind.
Of particular note is the specialized Screen fabric, which reflects up to 95% of the sun’s rays. As a result, pleasant coolness remains in the premises from early morning until late at night, and there is no need to install air conditioners. Since the material does not support combustion, a barbecue or barbecue area can be equipped on the veranda.
High resistance to fading makes such awnings viable even in cities with the most sunny days per year – from 235 to 284. This refers to Chita, Vladivostok, Astrakhan, Ulan-Ude and Anadyr.
With an unlimited budget, it is better to purchase a breathable Soltis. Due to the porous structure, the fabric does not form a greenhouse effect. Reflecting even more sunlight, it contributes to a comfortable stay in any weather. Due to the optimal thickness of the product – a little more than 0,44 mm – you can use complex folding mechanisms. At the same time, the initial tensile strength is maintained for 5-6 seasons.
Polycarbonate
In terms of strength, the material is superior not only to polyester, but also to acrylic. The good flexibility of the sheets contributes to the creation of unique arched structures, and due to the low thermal conductivity, we can talk about the greater resistance of structures to heavy winds. Cellular polycarbonate, which reflects up to 95% of natural light, makes excellent straight and sloped awnings.
If we talk about their forms, the owners of summer cottages often choose the domed option. Here the base is made in the form of a semicircle. If the structure needs to be given greater rigidity, it will be necessary to install a crate made of the same material.
Ready-made terrace awnings made of polycarbonate cost from 3,5 to 5 thousand rubles per 1 sq. m. With a limited budget, they can be made with your own hands. For this you need:
- clear the area under the frame base;
- prepare 5–7 sheets of polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 8 mm;
- fix the material with self-tapping screws;
- connect pre-machined sections with H-shaped profiles.
Metal
The main advantage of the metal construction is the long shelf life. With timely processing of products with anti-corrosion compounds, this figure often reaches 40 years. Rust deposits can be removed with special solutions containing wine or phosphorus vinegar. If this option does not suit you, you should resort to mechanical cleaning of surfaces with improvised means.
Metal awnings impress with their variety of shapes. This is facilitated by pipes with different diameters and wall thicknesses. If desired, such designs can be supplemented with forged baskets, peaks and tips. For a small canopy above the window, you will need products with a diameter of 15–17 mm. If we talk about the improvement of the open terrace, it is better to give preference to 40 mm pipes.
In order not to buy extra materials, before the main work it is important:
- draw a sketch with approximate dimensions and color palette of the source material;
- prepare the base for installation;
- make a detailed drawing of an awning from a square or rectangular pipe;
- determine the exact number of fasteners.
Since the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe canopy often does not exceed even three squares, the dimensions of roofing materials can be ignored. But the number of ascending braces will have to be calculated.
Glass
Such designs transmit light well, so traditional incandescent lamps can be replaced with luminous balls of thread. This achieves almost 30% energy savings. If desired, the glass can be painted, painted, and for a more comfortable stay in the summer – tinted.
In work, it is better to use a multilayer material. It consists of several layers of glass treated with a protective film. In case of severe deformations, it will hold the fragments. For self-assembly, you will need a profile pipe, parallel plane connectors, a building level and a welding machine.