The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Canopies

Commercial canopies — especially metal commercial canopies — are a great finishing touch for a commercial design because they make it cohesive and offer excellent branding opportunities. However, like any design element, commercial canopies need to balance form and function to fit into the overall aesthetic of the building. 

Understanding Commercial Canopies

Canopies are an excellent way for architects to add function to a design and create a focal point that brings the design of the building together cohesively and stylishly without sacrificing function. 

They are used by businesses in a wide range of industries, including: 

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Shops and shopping malls
• Apartment buildings
• Schools
• Hospitals and medical buildings
• Sports arenas
• Museums and cultural attractions
• Libraries
• Office buildings

Benefits and Advantages

Canopies can serve multiple functions for a business and have numerous benefits, including: 

• Protection for People: Canopies protect anyone entering or leaving the building from inclement weather, including employees and customers. If the building is located in an area with a lot of foot traffic, longer canopies provide more shelter while encouraging customers to enter the building.
• Protection for the Building: Metal canopies protect buildings from the effects of harsh weather. Over time, rain and snow can damage a building’s exterior, but a metal canopy helps keep the elements away from the building to reduce maintenance costs. 
• Wayfinding: Canopies over the entrance, walkways or drive-thrus of buildings help direct customers where to enter and exit the building. 
• Aesthetics and Branding: Having a distinct canopy that fits into the company’s brand will help the company increase name recognition and customer loyalty. This is especially important for franchises of national brands or brands with multiple locations. 
• Improving Efficiency: Canopies can also improve a building’s energy efficiency. They keep the sun and bright light out of the building so that less HVAC use is necessary to keep the building at a comfortable temperature. 
• Increased Sustainability: Canopies custom-designed with metal are more sustainable than fabric awnings that must be replaced regularly. 
• Comfortable Outdoor Areas: Metal canopies create comfortable outdoor areas for consumers and employees. A restaurant can use canopies to create outdoor dining areas for guests. A school can have metal canopies to create protected outdoor play spaces for children. An office building can also have metal canopies to create an outdoor courtyard where workers can get fresh air and sunlight during the day.

Planning for Canopy Integration

Incorporating a canopy into the original design of a building doesn’t just involve the aesthetic style of the canopy. Architects also need to plan for canopy integration by considering:

• Design and Selection: When designing a metal canopy, architects need to consider the canopy’s color, material and shape. There are many customization options for metal canopies, so talk with a Mapes consultant to learn more about the design options available.
• Site-Specific Adaptations: Site-specific adaptations that can affect the design and construction of the canopy include things like drive-thru height, the location of the building, the height of the building and more.
• Compliance and Safety Standards: Metal canopies must meet local compliance and safety standards, as well as any style requirements. If the building is in a historic area or an area with regulations regarding style, color or building materials, the canopy created by the architect may need customization to meet those requirements.

Managing Installation and Construction

When it comes to installing and constructing metal canopies, it’s important to collaborate on design and fabrication, implement efficient construction practices and plan ahead for any installation obstacles.

Collaboration Strategies

When designing a custom metal canopy for a building, working closely with the company that is fabricating the canopy is the best way to avoid mistakes or delays that can increase the cost of the project. 

Collaborating with the canopy manufacturer from the start makes communication more efficient and eliminates the need for multiple design edits.

Architects also need to collaborate with the project engineer to make sure there is adequate wall structure to carry the canopy’s load and prevent wall failure.

Efficient Construction Practices

Prefabricating as much of the canopy off-site will save time and money. Clear communication with the fabrication company will ensure that any customizations are done according to best practices so that the finished canopy will be ready to install on time.

Overcoming Installation Obstacles

Avoiding construction obstacles is necessary to finish projects on time and on budget. Mapes’ professionals can provide the design and fabrication support necessary to help architects overcome installation obstacles that could slow the completion of the project down.

Ensuring Long-Term Durability and Functionality

The durability and easy maintenance of metal canopies make them perfect for commercial building projects. To ensure they stay durable and effective, consider: 

• Maintenance Guidelines: Metal canopies don’t require excessive care or maintenance to keep their style or function. When they get dirty, a soap and water wash and cleaning out any debris from gutters is all that is needed to ensure their longevity.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues: The most common issue among metal canopies is incorrect sizing due to inaccurate or failure to field measure the building. Other problems can arise when custom finishes, mixed finishes or mixed materials are used. Fortunately, a Mapes consultant can help you troubleshoot common issues.

Create a Commercial Canopy With Mapes

With decades of experience, Mapes leads the industry in metal canopy design and fabrication. 

From our SuperShade canopies, which help keep the sun at bay, to our Super Lumideck canopies, which are specifically designed for high-load architectural applications, and more, our highly qualified industry experts will work with you directly to find the perfect solution for your project. 

Contact Mapes today to create a custom canopy for your business.