Retail canopies give your building the professional, smart-looking exterior it deserves, while offering extra shelter and protection from the elements for customers/staff. Equally you can create a commercial/awning canopy or shade sail to complement your business brand to perfection – plus you will find plenty of choice, from small over-the-door models to bigger, more imposing structures.
What is a retail canopy?
A canopy is a structured shade solution with a frame and roof, providing a defined shaded area. Typically without walls, canopies can be either freestanding or attached to a building.
Retail canopies come in a variety of designs, including options made from aluminium, steel, wood, and fabric. One type of canopy is the shade sail, which uses flexible, tensioned fabric anchored at multiple points. This allows for various shapes and aesthetic designs without a rigid frame. While both canopies and shade sails provide outdoor shade, they differ in their structural support and flexibility.
But, whatever you choose, it will help draw customers in with what customers like to call ‘kerb appeal.’
Overall, these canopy structures require minimal maintenance. However, regular upkeep and cleaning of your canopy will ensure its structural integrity and longevity. This will avoid having to carry out or pay for repairs by avoiding issues before they happen.
Here are a few pointers to help you ensure your canopy serves its purpose safely and effectively:
Cleaning
A dirty canopy can give clients a negative impression of your business. However, they’re easy to keep clean: just sweep off the loose dirt and debris, then wash with warm soapy water using a mild detergent with a soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge. Brush in circular motions and wash away quickly. Allow the canopy or shade sail to dry out thoroughly, especially if you are about to store away your canopy for any reason, to prevent any mould.
Try and brush your canopy monthly, with a deeper clean a few times a year to avoid staining and dulling it. For heavy leaf or mould staining, you might want to consider using a pressure washer but take care not to damage the fabric or frame of your canopy.
Clear the Gutters
Keep your canopy in top condition by frequently clearing your gutters. This avoids overflow and associated risks, including icy patches or unexpected showers on customers or passers-by.
Regular Checks
Watch out for any damage to your canopy or shelter, paying attention to fixtures such as screws, bolts, and brackets, as these all need to be secure. Tighten up anything which may be loose immediately. (Be especially sure to do these checks after high wind or storms.)
Look for rust, cracks, dents, scratches and any other indications of wear and tear. With fabric canopies, check the entire surface area for leaves and twigs, and remember to check the underside for stains and cobwebs.
If you find any problems, seek professional advice if you feel like you are unable to resolve the issue safely yourself. The company who installed the canopy for you should be able to advise you.
Retail Canopies from Kensington Systems
At Kensington Systems, we supply a very wide range of commercial canopies and our powder-coated aluminium Spaceshade® models are corrosion-free, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. They also come with a 25-year warranty. You can also look forward to end-to-end project management, integrated gutters, concealed downpipes, and a non-fragile roof.
Other benefits include free site surveys, end-to-end project management, a 25-year warranty, exceptional service plus a low-maintenance end result. What’s more, all our installers are fully DBS-checked.
Get in touch today and book an initial meeting – let us make your project a reality.
