The roof covering allows for waterproofing an acroterium or a low wall. It prevents water infiltration during construction. Read on to learn more about this element.

Regulations for the Installation of a Canopy

The design of a roof covering is regulated by the DTU 43.1 (Unified Technical Document). This document sets out all the procedures to be followed before installing a roof covering on a low wall or acroterion, including

  • the adaptation of the materials used according to the altitude of a region ;
  • the obligation to use unalterable and galvanized materials;
  • the recommendation (height higher than 60 cm) or the obligation (height lower than 60 cm) for acroteria;
  • the use of a company specialized in the installation of guardrails.

Models of Canopy

There are 3 different types of canopy:

The symmetrical canopy: consists of a drop of plates and two overhangs (interior and exterior) of the same size on each side.

The asymmetrical canopy: this model is designed to evacuate rainwater. One of the overhangs is longer than the other to facilitate water drainage.

The platinum or console canopy: prevents condensation and reduces thermal bridging.

The Different Materials Used in Roofing

Each material used in the design of a canopy has a specific use:

Steel and aluminum: these are the main materials used in roofing.

Steel is suitable for all types of roof construction or renovation work. It is very resistant, robust, and easy to install. The maximum length of a steel canopy is 6 m, while it is 3 m for an aluminum canopy. Aluminum is the most popular and widely used material. It is more resistant to adverse temperatures and bad weather. Moreover, opting for aluminum is a long-term investment because of its lifespan of about 20 years.

As for the thickness, it varies according to the width. For a width less than or equal to 500 mm, the thickness must be equal to 15 tenths, while it is equal to 20 tenths for a width between 500 mm and 850 mm.

The natural stone: it is especially recommended for the low walls of the garden to preserve their state. Even if it is very aesthetic, it is little used because it is quite expensive. There are two ways to make a natural stone coping: either granite or marble. Most of the time, the natural stone canopy is used as an armrest or table on roof terraces.

Concrete: This material is solid and easy to install. It can be stained with the color of your choice.

The Price of a Cover

The price of a roof covering is determined by its chosen material, model, and dimensions. In general, the average cost per linear meter is between 5 euros and 20 euros.

For a concrete canopy, the linear meter is 15 euros, while it is necessary to foresee between 15 euros and 20 euros in entry-level for a natural stone canopy. If you opt for :

-an aluminum cover, you should count at least 250 euros;

-a steel cover, the price varies from 14 euros to 24 euros per linear meter, depending on the thickness;

-a corner cover with a thickness between 30 mm and 500 mm, the price starts at 60 euros per linear meter.