When you think of a glass canopy, what comes to mind?
Glass is elegant, it’s minimalistic, it allows lots of light to pass through, it’s hard, it’s waterproof… and it’s often used in residential buildings. You may have seen it over a range top or a sunroom, but there are plenty of ways a glass canopy can be used in a home and it’s a style that’s currently growing in popularity across the country.
Entries and Pergolas
Entries and pergolas are the most common use of glass canopies in a residential building.
A glass canopy over a pergola is a beautiful way to keep the rain off, let the sunshine in, and still keep the beautiful view of the sky and the feel of an open, outdoor pergola. In fact, a pergola is one of the most popular ways a glass canopy is used in a residential building.
Photo by Hawkins Boswell Building Solutions – Search entryway pictures
The other most common use is an entryway canopy. Glass canopies make a lovely cover as an awning or attached pergola over the doorway to a home. Usually, an entryway is a smaller canopy or awning and a pergola tends to be larger.
Keep in mind that the feel of a glass canopy pergola or entry in a home can bring out many different looks depending on how it’s supported.
You have several options, including wooden or metal frames, attached to supports in the ground or suspended with cables from the side of the building.
BBQ Areas
Photo by My House Design Build Team – More deck photos
An outdoor barbeque area is another common use for glass canopies in a home. It can be tough to barbeque indoors, so on those days when the weather isn’t cooperating and it’s time for a BBQ, a glass canopy is just the thing!
It’s important to ensure that there is plenty of room for air to flow through, and that flammable or heat conducting materials, like wood or some metals, aren’t used too close to the BBQ equipment, and that the canopy is large enough to accommodate the grill and the cook!
Outdoor Pools
Backyard pools often call for an enclosure, especially when there are neighbours, small children, birds, and other animals around. While a fence might be enough, a glass canopy can make a huge difference.
Glass allows light and heat to enter, often holds the heat inside, leaves room for a fan to be installed, and keeps animals and other things out of the pool. At it’s best, it may even allow the pool to be enjoyed as temperatures outside drop.
Outdoor Entertaining Areas
Outdoor decks, gardens and patios are growing in popularity. They allow the homeowner to utilize outdoor space and spend time immersed in nature even if it’s raining or too sunny, and to protect soft outdoor furniture from the elements as well.
One of the best things about covered outdoor seating areas is that they’re often connected to the building, which means it’s easy to access without having to walk through the rain. But, keep in mind that a covered patio may keep rain and bird poop away but it will need to be angled to drain rainfall out of the way.
Walkways
Photo by Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects – Search exterior pictures
A covered walkway can be a useful way to stay dry in the rain, to connect a garage to a house, or to add a little beauty to a walkway.
A glass canopy in a residential walkway is a lovely way to do so without creating a dark shadow or installing additional lighting.
Keep in mind that a walkway will need a gutter or drain at the end, and it will need to be designed with supports that can hold it up over some distance.
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Are you ready to install a glass canopy in a residential building?
Keep the following in mind if you’re considering a glass canopy, no matter where you plan to place it:
- Put some thought into the design you want. It’s important to provide plans and drawings so that the other involved parties know what to expect, and can plan, budget, and sign off on the installation.
- Include the materials you plan to use, like supports, and fixtures. This can affect the application and type of glass that is used in order to adhere to code requirements.
- Providing a detailed plan allows the glass company to provide recommendations and accurate quotes, which allow you to create a more detailed plan as well.