The main difference between an awning and a canopy is that, while an awning is attached permanently to the exterior of a building a canopy may be freestanding. Canopies are mostly used to provide shades to areas where people relax. These areas include patios and portions of a yard. Awnings on the other hand are mainly used to provide shade to other spaces such as windows and doorways.
It is important to note that these two types of shades may occasionally possess features that make them somewhat of a crossover. For example, an awning that is attached to a building and extends far away may be referred to as a canopy. Both awnings and canopies are normally made out of the similar materials. These materials include treated and untreated fabrics such as cotton and polyester, and metals such as aluminium, and some alloys.
Types of Canopies and Awnings
There are mainly two types of canopies and awnings:
1. Fixed canopies/awnings
2. Retractable canopies/awnings
Fixed Canopies/Awnings
These are mainly welded shades that are attached permanently to a wall. These types of shades are designed to be a permanent feature of a building.
Examples of fixed canopies or Awnings include:
- Porch Valances:
Valances are designed to be hung ender the edge of a porch ceiling. They are normally made to match the length of the ceiling’s edge.
• Window and Door Awnings
These are attached to the upper portion of either doors or windows. These are usually permanent additions to a building’s design.
Retractable Canopies/Retractable Awnings
Although these are mounted on other structures, they can either be extended or retracted to provide shade as needed. Retractable awnings can be operated either manually or automatically at the push of a button.
- Fixed Guide Awnings/canopies
This type of retractable canopies is constructed with guide rails that are permanently fixed to one spot. This means that the rails remain visible even when the canopy is fully retracted. - Veranda Awnings
This awning is operated by a system of pulleys and ropes. A veranda awning may be mounted on the outside roof edge of a patio, deck, or veranda. This type of shade can be lowered or raised to keep out the sun’s glare and even shield the user against light rain. - Straight Drop Awnings/ Roller Curtains
As the name suggests, this type of cover can be pulled down or retracted upwards as needed. This type of awning can be either spring-loaded or designed with a series of gears to allow free movement. Roller curtains can be used on patios, gazebos, verandas and any other roofed outdoor spaces. These shades are designed to provide both shade and privacy to the users.
- Drop Arm Awnings
This is an awning or canopy that can be pulled down over a door or a window to a 90-degree angle. The fabric or cover material is specially tensioned to ensure that it remains taut regardless of how far within the 90-degree arc it is lowered. Some of these type awnings are manually operated, however most are motorised. - Freestanding Awnings and Patio Umbrellas
These types of awnings are similar to marquees in the sense that they can be erected anywhere. The fabric or cover is stretched out over a strong frame that is firmly supported at the base.