The best choice of canopy

Those looking to shelter their patio with a canopy have a number of different options to choose from. Glass offers many benefits for such projects – and is a better alternative to slatted plastic canopies.

It’s a Saturday morning in middle of spring. The sun is shining, and a family are enjoying a leisurely breakfast on their patio. Hot toast and orange juice, coffee and croissants – the whole scene could have been lifted straight from a picture book. Then the wind picks up, and a dark front of cloud moves in. It starts to rain, and before long the idyllic morning tableau has become far less pleasant. As they rush to clear everything inside, the family start to talk about getting a patio canopy – preferably one with glazing at the sides so they’re protected from the wind as well as the rain.

But how do they choose the “right” canopy to suit their needs? The options available are endless, with a variety of materials to choose from for both the framework (usually wood or aluminium) and, especially, the canopy. Glass and plastic seem to be the most popular choices for patio canopies. Plastic canopies are available as either complete acrylic or polycarbonate panes, or a slatted covering. German manufacturer Solarlux, on the other hand, swears by glass canopies. And for good reason, too.

First and foremost, glass is quieter. The type of shower that has just driven our family inside can transform a plastic canopy into a cacophonic orchestra. With a glass canopy, this “background music” is much more muted. On top of this, glass is more stable and can withstand even heavy precipitation. Snow might not be as common as it once was, but it can’t be ruled out completely, especially at higher altitudes. Slatted plastic canopies can’t hold a candle to glass when it comes to dealing with this kind of weather. In order to keep the snow from damaging the canopy or impairing its function, the slats need to be tilted so it can slide off – right onto the family’s favourite garden furniture. This renders the canopy practically unusable during the coldest months of the year. That’s always a shame – after all, winter can be just as beautiful as summer when the sun comes out. 

Another benefit of a glass canopy is that it is generally sturdier than its slatted plastic cousin. The entire construction of a slatted plastic canopy – the rafters and pillars – is much more lightweight. In most cases, this makes it impossible to add side glazing for additional protection from the wind and rain, as a plastic canopy cannot support the weight. Glass canopies provide the requisite stability for side glass elements. And last but not least, they look much classier and are unafraid to show the world what they are – a premium patio shelter solution.