Retractable Canopies for Schools and Businesses

A lot of industry literature, websites and product pages, magazines and other marketing use various names to refer to retractable canopies.

To mention a few – retractable canopy for pergola, retractable awnings, retractable roof systems, retractable roof canopy, retractable awning roof, commercial canopy, commercial retractable canopy, commercial retractable roof system, commercial roof canopy, retractable awnings, retractable canopy awning, sunshades, outdoor shades, adjustable roof systems.

When in doubt, all these product terminologies basically discuss, and refer to, retractable canopies.

Yes, all structures require concrete foundations and fixings to ensure they meet building requirements. But don’t worry, we’re experts at identifying and assessing the specific foundation requirements for each unique project.

The answer to this is likely yes – but we will need to look at the size of the canopy and the sizes of any existing support structure.

Yes, depending on design specifications, retractable canopies can be intended for an internal space with doors, walls and windows closures. LED lighting options and heating systems can likewise be installed. All these specifications should be discussed during the design stage of the project.

In deciding whether to have the structure attached to the building or freestanding, many factors will be taken into account.

First and foremost, you should express the purpose of the project, the foreseeable uses of the project in the near future, and your preferences for the canopy such as the material, the size, design and all other attributes. 

The overall physical attributes of the whole property in relation to the positioning of the planned structure are also considered.

After all these, we will assess and make our suggestions with the end-view to ensure you are 100% satisfied at the completion of the project. We will suggest the type, shape, design and size and placement of the new canopy.

In fact, many canopy designs work well when installed freestanding, such as the shade sail, and the gazebo style.

There will be markings on the wall brought about by the bolts used to secure the mounting brackets, but there should not be any substantial defacements evident at the exterior wall of the building.

It depends on the design of the retractable canopy, plus, there are lots of options when it comes to fitting these to building exteriors.

The best way to discern what you’ll need for your project is to get in touch with our friendly team, who will be perfectly positioned to answer your questions.

Give us a call or use our handy contact form to find out more.

For waterproof fabric canopies, the only thing required is washing with mild detergent and water using a light pressure washer or brush. Retractable canopies tend to require much less maintenance than fixed units, which get dirty faster since they are constantly exposed to the exterior elements.

Retractable canopies, as with any other equipment, may be cleaned at least on a seasonal basis. Over time, they collect dirt and dust – making them an eyesore rather than an attractive part of your exterior.

In addition, water can collect in crevices in fabric canopies, which can lead to mould and dew growth. As well as keeping things looking clean and fresh with regular wipe-downs, you will also need to keep the metal parts of the canopy free of debris to keep it functioning properly.

Once installed, we’ll give you a guide with everything you need to know about the long-term maintenance of your new retractable canopy – so no need to worry!

Salt laden air is extremely corrosive, so certain care and extra maintenance are required when installed where salt air is present.

To keep your canopy looking good and lasting long, monthly washing of the frame and fabric with a suitable cleaner is recommended.

Thoroughly rinse the frame and fabric with clean water and allow the fabric to fully dry before retracting the structure. Also, lubricate the moving joints with a penetrating lubricant at least twice a year.

Retractable canopies and fixed-type canopies have completely different underlying structures and fittings and are not readily ‘convertible’. Any attempt to do this would be, in our opinion, misguided.

As with any long-lasting solution designed to be installed and used outside, we create our to handle most weather conditions. However, it’s generally accepted that these structures can handle light to moderate wind of up to 20pm – although they aren’t designed to be used as a wind break!

A retractable awning is a covering attached to the exterior wall of a fixed structure.

Typically, it’s made from a sheet of woven canvas in acrylic or polyester fabric on a roller system that extends out when the folding aluminium arms are extended.

You’ll normally find these fixed above a window or a door and overhanging a porch or patio or shopfront and are mostly used for shade, not shelter. Meanwhile, retractable canopies tend to be used for this reason.

Other differences between the two include:

• Wall fixed or Independent – An awning is attached to a structure while a retractable canopy may or may not be attached to a structure depending on design.
• Fabric – An awning will typically be manufactured with a woven cloth material suitable for sun protection and for some light rain. A retractable canopy design will use a PVC type of materials designed as 100% waterproof.
• Rainwater – Any rainwater will drip off an awning, whereas our canopies have an integral gutter to provide comprehensive drainage and rain protection.
• Shade or shelter – A window awning provides shade to a window, door or patio while a canopy provides shade and shelter to the whole area.
• Size – An awning’s size is limited by either the size of the projection dictated by the strength of the design, often around 3 or 4 metres or the available space for the folding arms to retract into. A retractable canopy can be any size.
• Cost – Awnings have become very inexpensive over time with some designs supplied and fitted from just £2000.00. Our clients typically invest from £7,000 – £100,000

An awning could be a good solution in these applications and for residential applications too, it may be the only option if a wall fixed cantilever type design is required.

Many local blind companies as well as national companies such as www.hillarys.co.uk/awnings/ will be able to offer you good advice.