Canopy

If you are looking for canopy and are interested in building your own, let us provide you with some helpful tips. There are many different types of canopies on the market today. Choosing a pre-built canopy can be a daunting task. Browsing information on party tents, canopies and portable garages from one website to another is time consuming and at the end of it all, do you really know the differences between all the products being sold? This article will provide you with some of the answers to your canopy questions as well as explain how you can build your own canopy.

The first step in buying or building a canopy is to decide what diameter tubing is appropriate for the canopy size you are interested in. The frame diameter is probably the most important factor in any canopy decision. Do Not Be Fooled By Low Prices! Just because you see party tents, canopies or portable garages that are marked at an unbelievably low price does not mean it is a good purchase. A good general guideline for appropriate frame diameter is the following. Canopy frames that have dimensions of 18' W x 20' L or less should have a minimum pipe diameter of 1-3/8" and be made preferably out of galvanized steel. For canopy frames that have dimensions of 20' W x 20' L a minimum pipe diameter of 1-5/8" or more should be required. Pipe Gauge is another important factor when determining the frame size and diameter. Pipe Gauge is the thickness of the pipe wall and is a key element in determining how sturdy the canopy will be. Canopy frames that use pipe with a gauge higher than 18 should be avoided at all times. When dealing with tubing remember that as the number increases the pipe wall thickness decreases. A 24-gauge pipe is much thinner than an 18-gauge pipe. If the pipe wall thickness is too thin there is a greater likelihood that the canopy will collapse the first windstorm you encounter.

The second step in buying or building a canopy is to decide on the desired angle. The three main styles of canopies on the market today include the Flat Roof, the Low Peak and the High Peak. The most common of the three is the High Peak angle or A-Frame. The Flat Roof canopy features a 90-degree angle and is good for short-term shade protection or one day events such as flea markets. The Flat Roof canopy is not the best choice if you are looking for long-term coverage or all season protection. Although the Flat Roof canopy is highly functional, the flat top shape is not ideal for rain or snow. Since there is no angle to the roof, rain and snow can build up on the surface and cause collapse. For regions with fair weather and non-existent snowfall, the Low Peak style is a nice choice. The Low Peak canopy features a 110-degree angle and is considered a shallow pitch. The slight angle provides some shape for rain to run off but is still better suited for environments without severe, year round weather. However, the Low Peak canopy is ideal for neighborhoods that do not allow objects to show above the fence line. The High Peak angle is the most popular style for canopies and features a high angle 120-degree pitch. The High Pitch design is ideal for the shedding of snow and water. The steep angle prevents snow and water from building up on the canopy frame. The result is a sturdy all weather canopy frame that will last season after season.

Architectural Canopy

Most of the modern skyscrapers that we see do not sport architectural metal canopies unlike most of the smaller buildings and structures do. A canopy is considered to be an important element in the outdoor structure of a building because it protects it from the elements including the sun and rain. It also helps cool down the place without the need for a powerful air conditioning system to be installed inside.

Available Materials to be used of Architectural metal canopies

Metal canopies are considered to be durable in comparison to the other materials that are also used for canopies. They last longer compared to wood and canvass. It also needs less maintenance.

There are several kinds of architectural metal canopies that you can choose from. One is made of Iron or steel. Although this material is heavier than the other materials, it is sturdy and durable. However its weight is also the reason why it has a limited use. You will see a lot of wrought iron awnings, which completes the look of classic and old style buildings that are

If you are looking for a more lightweight material for a design that needs architectural metal canopies then you can consider getting one that is made of Aluminum. Metal canopies made of aluminum are more common because it is more affordable. The problem with aluminum canopies is that it is not the best looking one on the block. You would have to add more details like paint it with the color that matches the building in order to make it look more pleasing. The only concern when you paint it is that it tends to chip and flake off especially when the weather gets too hot.

If you are looking for the right balance of durability and style then you can consider using copper for your architectural metal canopies. Copper canopies actually get better with age since the color of it changes depending on the season. Also, this material is also the one that needs the least maintenance making a real value for money.

Fireplace

First, why are you installing a fireplace? Is is for recreational use and entertaining? Is it serving as a backup emergency heating system? Supplemental heat for a chilly room? Is it simply a decorative element to enhance your decor? Fireplaces are available in a wide range of designs fireplaces being used as supplemental or backup heat sources will get the most use and a higher quality (more expensive) model will be a better choice that generally offers greater efficiency.

Who will be using the new fireplace? What is your lifestyle? Elderly people and those with health problems may not be able to handle the vigors of toting firewood. But if you have the time to enjoy the rituals of cutting, splitting and stacking wood and the idea of free heat from fallen trees on your property, an investment in a wood burning fireplace may suit your needs perfectly. Otherwise, expand your possibilities to gas or electric fireplaces.

Fireplace design experts and chimney sweeps agree that low-end, builder-grade fireplaces should only be used for occasional, recreational fires such as family gatherings at holidays. If you expect to use your fireplace once a week or more during the winter, opt for a higher end model that will last for many years because replacement is an expensive, time-consuming project. Now let's begin with the next stage of planning.