What is a Cantilever Canopy?

Traditional or Lean To canopies are fixed to a wall at the back and have legs or columns at the front to support the weight of the roof. Cantilever canopies are fixed to the wall but have no legs. The fixing at the wall is via a cantilever beam, normally made from GRP (fibreglass). The reason GRP is used is that it is lightweight yet very strong and able to support a roof resting on it.

What does Cantilever mean?

Cantilever beams are used throughout the construction industry, and you can see them in structures like bridges, towers and buildings, even stairs can be cantilevered.

 The nature of the design allows for overhanging beams attached to the central pier giving the impression of a “free floating” structure. You can find out more about the structural abilities of cantilever beams  here.

The longer the beam, the greater the vertical forces on the end of the beam, so the beam needs to be strong enough to withstand these. This is especially true in windy weather where the beam may be hit by both down and up forces. It is normal for the tip of the beam to be deflected slightly lower than the larger end when at rest.

What materials are used in cantilever canopies?

In commercial use Cantilever beams tend to be made from either steel or concrete whereas inn domestic use, where the span is normally less than 2.5m, GRP is used. GRP or fibreglass is lightweight, yet very strong and able to take the weight of the roof material as well as things like wind. Because of its low weight GRP Cantilever beams are easy to install by a competent DIYer.

What are Cantilever Canopies glazed with?

Cantilever Canopies installed on domestic properties tend to be glazed with either polycarbonate or GRP flat sheeting. Both allow light to come through but prevent harsh glare. They are also both lightweight and easy to fit on top of the beams.

Is there any restriction to where Cantilever Canopies can be used?

In domestic use the strength of the wall you are fitting to will determine whether a Cantilever Canopy is suitable or not. As a rule of thumb Cantilever Canopies should not be attached to timber or metal clad buildings unless the beam can be fitted onto a steel purlin. Bungalows, where the eaves height is not that tall also can cause problems especially where the preferred fixing location is close to the eaves. The fixings should go into the middle of a brick, not the mortar and the fixings into the wall generally need about 5 bricks above the highest fixing to ensure they are not pulled out when the canopy is installed. Where this is not possible “bungalow brackets” can be purchased which help spread the load on the fixings across a larger area. If in double always consult a builder. Bungalow brackets can be bought from here.

What size Cantilever Canopy can I put on my house?

For most Cantilever Canopies the maximum projection of the beams is 2440mm, however it is possible to make the beams smaller for a minimal charge. 2440mm beams are perfectly adequate when covering a car or fitting a patio canopy. The beams are available in White, Brown, Light Oak or Anthracite Grey colours.

Are Cantilever Canopies popular?

Cantilever canopies are highly popular because of their flexibility and style. They provide coverage where space is tight, and they allow use of the space without any posts getting in the way. They provide a low-cost solution for protecting a vehicle, giving you usable outdoor space or making a covered walkway. With a choice of colours and a range of sizes Cantilever Canopies can be fitted to almost every home and will give years of enjoyment.

For further information or to buy a Cantilever Canopy please visit our Denver Cantilever Canopies page or call 01536 446393 and speak to Lisa or Danielle.