Canopies for gates and gates are quite compact structures that can be made independently in just a few hours. At the same time, even the simplest visor will provide a significant extension of the service life of the gate, so it is worth spending time and effort to build such a structure.
How to do this - we will tell below.
Canopy specifications
Why is this detail needed?
Before you weld canopies on the gate or install the structure in another way, you need to figure out why it is needed at all.By understanding this, we can design its configuration and dimensions more efficiently.
The gate canopy performs a number of functions:
- Firstly, small roof protects both the gate itself, and the hinges, and the locking mechanism from corrosion as a result of getting wet in the rain.
- Secondly, precipitation does not accumulate under the canopy, which prevents soil erosion near the support pillars.
Note!
This is especially true in the northern regions, where snowfall can be quite intense during the winter months.
And only the visor in this case ensures the preservation of free space, sufficient to at least slightly open the gate and go outside for clearing.
- Finally, the presence of a small roof in front of the gate provides comfort for visitors: if you do not have an intercom or magnetic lock with remote opening, then it is better to wait under a visor than in pouring rain or bright sun.
As you can see, there are quite enough arguments in favor of installing such a design. And in the following sections we will tell you how to make and install it yourself.
We collect the basis
The design of the gate canopy is not complicated. In most cases, it is a gable or arc roof mounted on supporting pillars.
The installation instructions assume the following work order:
- First, let's take measurements. To do this, we measure the width between the supporting pillars - it is to them that we will attach the frame elements.
- Next, we make a drawing. At the same time, we lay in the design dimensions sufficient to protect against precipitation.The optimal width of the roof will be about 1.2 - 1.5 m, and the slope angle (with a gable structure) - from 15 to 30.
- Next, we mount the supports. The easiest way is to use the bearing pillars on which the gate is fixed. If brick cabinets are used for this purpose, then we simply increase them by about 30-40 cm, laying them inside profile or round pipe for a canopy.
Note!
Protective covers made of plastic or metal installed on top must, of course, be removed.
- If the gate was installed on steel supports or wooden poles, then we proceed even easier. We add segments of suitable height to the structure, attaching them to existing racks. For installation we use either welding or steel brackets.
- As a result, we should get two or three supports. We lay the lower trim of our visor on them, fixing the rectangular frame with braces.
- We erect rafters on the harness (for a gable or semicircular roof), which we connect in the upper part with a ridge beam.
- We fill the crate on the rafters: for large-sized roofing products - sparse from beams and slats, for piece material - solid from chipboard or similar material.
Our frame is ready. It remains only to protect it from moisture by soaking it with an antiseptic (wooden products) or treating it with paint with anti-corrosion properties.
canopy roof
Since the main task of our structure will be protection from rain, it is the roofing material that should be considered the most important detail of the entire structure.
Here you can choose from a huge number of options, and below we will consider the pros and cons of the most popular solutions:
- For a completely wooden structure, shingles are the best choice - plates made of chipped (not sawn!) Wood impregnated with a moisture-proofing compound. The only significant disadvantage of this option is the high price: both the material itself and its installation are quite expensive.
- Universal solutions include the use of euroslate, metal tiles and bituminous tiles. These modern materials are durable, relatively easy to install, and you can find quite budget models on sale.
- For a metal structure with semi-arc rafters, honeycomb polycarbonate panels are best suited. They protect well from moisture, while not creating excessive shading. Installation should be carried out using special screws.
- If you plan to make the simplest structure (such as, for example, canopies for garage doors), then it is best to take corrugated board made of galvanized painted metal for the roof. Yes, it does not look very attractive, but it protects well from precipitation.
Advice!
For any roofing material, except, perhaps, polycarbonate, laying an additional waterproofing membrane is necessary.
A canopy is more than just a roof
Very often, a “canopy” is understood not as a visor over the entrance, but as hinges on which the wings are held.
In order not to leave unanswered the question “How to properly weld canopies on the gate?”, which is very relevant for beginners, below are a few recommendations:
- To begin with, we weld a strong rectangular steel plate (the so-called plastic) to each loop. This device will facilitate the positioning of the hinged part horizontally, vertically and flat.
- Then we weld the products to the support pillars using a continuous seam.
- Next, we carefully align that part of the hinges that will be mounted on the sash, and weld (or attach with bolts) it.
- The only thing left to do is to hang the gate leaves on the supporting posts and adjust their position.
It seems to be nothing complicated, but it is necessary to practice!
Conclusion
Almost anyone can make a canopy over the gate, guided by the above algorithm. Yes, and materials for such a design do not need very much, so the costs will be quite acceptable. And yet, despite the seeming simplicity of the task, before starting work, you should study the video in this article and think it over carefully: then there will be no errors, and the result will be worthy.
Did the article help you?