Most owners of British gardens will eventually reach a breaking point after three washed out barbecues or two summer afternoons of squinting at the BBQ. The weather has other ideas. These structures tackle the problem of needing space to use the garden.\n
In this section, we review the main options, from manual and electric Blue Sky Awnings to garden canopies to pergolas with retractable roofs. These categories each have a set of options with different features and outcomes, so we will highlight the most relevant differences to ease decision making.\n
Awnings
A retractable awning is usually attached to the rear wall of the house, and extends over a patio or seating area. Manual awnings extend and retract through some kind of physical interaction, like a pulley or a crank. Automatic awnings do this with the push of a button, and some of the better models have wind sensors that retract the awning automatically if the wind becomes a hazard.
An awning attached to a wall has many benefits. First, there is no need for ground footing. Second, there is no low clearance obstruction. Third, the awning retracts when it is not needed. The last point is more important than many people realize. When the awning is retracted, the backyard is fully open. Other than no posts, no permanent structure, and no obstructions. It allows the space to be completely flexible and functional. Especially for small spaces, it is worth the cost to be able to gain that flexibility.
The walls that the awning will attach to must be solid. The wall must be a solid brick or masonry wall, not a block wall that has render on the outside. Concrete blocks on walls can be permanent. It is important to make sure the wall is solid, as the wall will be able to support the awning and the wind that will blow against the awning. An awning will move if it is attached to an inadequate wall. If the wall is not solid, the bolts that attach the brackets will come loose.
There is a significant amount of quality difference in the fabric used to make the awnings. An awning made of UV polymer will lose its color, and water will collect and not go through it. Polyester is cheaper and is not made as well. It will sag when it gets wet, and will lose its color in a couple of seasons. In the British weather, it is better to have aluminum that is powder coated than steel that is painted.
Canopy Systems
Retractable Pergola Roofs
Retractable pergola roofs provide a different structure. These structures can be separated from the main walls or can be mounted as a freestanding structure. Adjustable roofs can be opened or closed by a person or using a motor. Each of the roof panels consists of some form of aluminium metal that can be rotated in order to control light or can be made of polycarbonate or glass panels that can be either folded or slid. Many other high spec systems can be made to have some form of rain sensors, integrated LED technology systems, and wind protection screens built into the structure.
The main difference from an awning system and a pergola system would be that an awning is temporary as opposed to a pergola, which is a structure in and of itself. It also requires some form of a footer and takes up a predetermined amount of floor space, thus making it a permanent fixture in the space. This is advantageous in many systems as it can provide a form of visual breakdown to a previously open system.
This gives us the opportunity to really think out each of these design systems that we can create to give it that built-in look that will blend and harmonize the feature into the area.
Canopies like sails and solid-roofed types are in the middle. More substantial than a fabric awning, but less permanent than a full pergola, a common and practical option is a polycarbonate leaning-to canopy. This is attached to the house wall and covers the back door area or side passages. Twin-wall polycarbonate is better than single-wall, for insulation and for handling British winter conditions. Although it will eventually discolor, it is a better option than glass, which is better looking and lasting, but much more expensive.
If you are looking to install any of the above, check if you have planning permission. Most of the time, you will not have to comply with planning permission for conservation areas, listed buildings, and structures that are close to the boundary. However, it is best to check with the local authority.
The articles in this section result tissue to fine detail for each option – what to measure, what material to specify, and what questions to ask before you sign anything.