A canopy is an overhead structure that offers protection from weather elements like rain, snow, and sunlight.
Canopies can come in various types and configurations, whether attached to an existing building or standing independently on their own supports.
With materials ranging from steel and concrete to aluminum, wood, or fabric, the design possibilities are extensive.
Designing canopies involves understanding specific considerations, especially when it comes to calculating the loads they must withstand.
This article will delve into the different types and layouts of canopies and the essential design factors to keep in mind.
For an easy way to estimate the necessary load requirements for your canopy design, see our ‘more help’ section below.
Basic Layouts of Canopies
Canopies can be categorized into two main types: freestanding canopies and host-attached canopies. Understanding these distinctions is essential for selecting the appropriate design for specific applications.
Host-attached
Host-attached canopies are structures connected to an existing building or structure. They can be further divided into two categories: those without posts, such as suspended, cantilevered, and retractable canopies, and those that incorporate posts for additional support. Suspended canopies are anchored to the host structure and hang freely, relying on strong cables or rods for support. Cantilevered canopies extend outward without vertical supports, requiring robust engineering to handle bending and shear forces while providing a sleek and unobtrusive design. Retractable canopies offer the flexibility to extend or retract the covering as needed, adapting to changing weather conditions. These designs provide various aesthetic and functional advantages while efficiently utilizing existing structures, offering tailored solutions to different architectural and environmental requirements.
Suspended Canopy
Cantilevered Canopy
Retractable Canopy
Post Supported Canopy
Freestanding
Freestanding canopies, on the other hand, are independent structures that do not rely on a host building for support. They come in many types, including shade canopies, pergolas, and awnings, each serving different purposes.
Freestanding Retractible Fabric Canopy
Elevated Freestanding Canopy
Types of Canopies
There are several types of canopies, each designed to meet different needs and preferences.
Fixed trellises are permanent structures that provide partial shade while allowing air to flow through and supporting climbing plants. They’re great for gardens and outdoor spaces where you want a natural look.
Mechanical or louvered sun control structures let you adjust the amount of sunlight and heat coming in by tilting or rotating the louvered panels. This feature makes them ideal for commercial buildings and outdoor areas that need flexible shading throughout the day.
Solid Insulated Roof Panels (IRP) offer excellent protection from the elements and help keep spaces comfortable, making them perfect for enclosed patios, outdoor dining areas, or commercial applications.
Finally, fabric canopies are lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles, providing a stylish way to offer shade and protection from the weather. Each type of canopy has its own benefits, making it easy to find the right solution for your outdoor space!
Fixed trellises Canopy
Louvered sun control Canopy
Solid Insulated Roof Panels Canopy
Fabric Canopy
Use our complimentary canopy design calculator to determine your preliminary canopy design loads.
Canopy Design: Meeting building codes standards
When designing and installing canopies, it is crucial to follow established building codes to ensure safety, durability, and compliance. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Florida Building Code (FBC), the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) provide comprehensive guidelines and standards for the various types of canopies. These codes address critical factors such as load-bearing capacity, wind resistance, fire safety, and structural integrity. Understanding and implementing these regulations is essential for creating canopies that not only meet aesthetic and functional requirements but also uphold the highest safety standards. In this section, we will explore the key code requirements for different canopy designs, ensuring your projects are both compliant and reliable
Host attached conopies
When designing host-attached canopies, it is essential to follow the guidelines outlined in ASCE 7-16 Ch 30.11 / ASCE 7-22 Ch 30.9 for determining wind loads on these structures.
The design wind pressure is calculated using the formula p = qh.Kd.(GCp) (lb/ft2) , where qh represents the velocity pressure at the mean roof height, Kd is the wind directionality factor, and (GCp) is the net pressure coefficient specific to the canopy’s design.
The velocity pressure qh is evaluated based on the building’s height and its exposure category, which reflects the environment surrounding the structure.
The net pressure coefficients (GCp) provided in the code vary depending on the building height, with specific figures for buildings under and over 60 feet tall.
For buildings between 60 and 90 feet, interpolation between the relevant figures is permitted to ensure accurate calculations. These guidelines were first introduced in ASCE 7-16 and later expanded in ASCE 7-22 to include specific sections for buildings over 60 feet tall.
This is particularly important for host-attached canopies, as their design relies on the existing building’s support and how wind interacts with both structures.
Freestanding canopies
Freestanding canopies are self-supporting roof structures, such as pavilions and walkway covers, designed according to the Open Buildings section of ASCE 7. To ensure their safety and stability, engineers assess wind loads by determining whether the wind flow is obstructed by permanent obstacles. The design process utilizes both Components and Cladding (C&C) and Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) guidelines. C&C focuses on wind pressures on the canopy’s surface, while MWFRS addresses the overall structural support against wind forces. For more details on when to apply C&C versus MWFRS wind loading, see ASCE 7 Main Wind Force vs. Components & Cladding Explained (MWFRS vs. C&C).
Trellises & Sunshades
Trellises and sunshades are unique structures characterized by their porous design, which allows wind, rain, and snow to pass through while effectively reducing sunlight exposure.
Due to their open configuration, these structures do not create a pressure differential between opposite sides of the roof surface. Consequently, they are designed according to the Other Structures and Building Appurtenances section of ASCE 7.
In this design process, wind pressures are applied both vertically and laterally to identify the least favorable loading conditions for the structure.
Additionally, trellises and sunshades must be engineered to withstand a concentrated load of 300 pounds applied at any point on the structure, simulating the weight of a maintenance worker standing on the roof surface. This ensures that they maintain structural integrity and safety under real-world conditions.
Fabric Awnings
Fabric awnings have special design rules that allow for flexibility when it comes to their structure and fabric. The framework of the awning can be designed with the fabric at a lower force, while the frame itself must be able to handle the full design load without the fabric. According to the FBC 3105.4.1, the structure shouldn’t rely on removing or adjusting the fabric during high winds (75 mph or more). For rigid awnings, the design must meet the loads in Chapter 16 of the code, but if the awning is meant to be taken down during strong winds, it should be able to withstand a wind speed of at least 115 mph and support a minimum roof live load of 10 pounds per square foot.
While ASCE 7 suggests a uniform load of 5 pounds per square foot and a concentrated load of 300 pounds for fabric structures, the FBC and IBC guidelines take priority. For fabric-covered structures, the wind load requirements vary based on whether the fabric is designed to be quickly removed or is permanent, with minimum wind speeds set at 105 mph for removable fabrics. The fabric must be securely attached to the frame, and there should be no rafters or front bars in the fabric pockets. Lastly, retractable awnings must be built to withstand both wind and live loads as described in Chapter 16, taking into account their open design to help reduce pressure and loads. For more detailed information, refer to the Florida Building Code section on Fabric awnings.
Sun control structucres
Sun control structures are becoming more popular in modern architecture, which is why they’ve been included in the Florida Building Code (FBC) 2023 8th edition. These structures help manage sunlight exposure, making spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient. According to the FBC, a sun control structure is an accessory structure with columns or posts supporting an open roof of girders, beams, or cross rafters. They can have fixed or adjustable louvers to control sunlight. The new FBC guidelines highlight the importance of these structures and their growing acceptance in other states.
The updated code introduces several important guidelines for the design and construction of sun control structures. One of the standout requirements is that all designs must meet specific wind resistance criteria based on risk categories. While this consideration is common across various outdoor structures, it is particularly emphasized for sun control structures due to their unique configurations and the potential risks they face in high-wind scenarios.
For instance, structures equipped with operable louvers have explicit mandates regarding their operation during severe weather. According to the FBC section 2002.8.2,
“Operable louvers shall be repositioned and locked in the vertical open position when wind speeds are predicted to be 75 mph (34 m/s) or greater. The contractor shall post a legible and readily visible permanent decal or sign stating words to the effect that the operable louvers are to be locked in the vertically open position when wind speeds are predicted to be 75 mph (34 m/s) and during a hurricane warning or alert as designated by the National Weather Service.” This requirement ensures proactive measures are in place to minimize wind damage.
To ensure the safety and functionality of sun control structures, the code highlights the importance of professional design oversight and adherence to electrical safety standards. Overall, these updates reflect a growing commitment to safety, compliance, and preparedness in construction practices, particularly in regions susceptible to high winds like Florida. For more detailed information, refer to the Florida Building Code section on Sun Control Structures.
The Evolution of Canopy Regulations
The regulations surrounding canopies have evolved significantly over time, reflecting advancements in engineering practices, safety standards, and environmental considerations. The Florida Building Code (FBC), the International Building Code (IBC), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) continually update their canopy codes to address emerging challenges and enhance structural integrity.
ASCE 7-22 & the 2024 IBC / 2023 FBC
The recent updates to ASCE 7-22, the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), and the 2023 Florida Building Code (FBC) bring new changes to canopy design. These updates focus on improving the safety and strength of canopies in various weather conditions.
ASCE 7-22 has introduced updated wind speed maps, offering more precise estimates, especially for areas prone to hurricanes, like Florida’s western panhandle. These changes reflect increased wind speeds for Risk Categories I, II, and III buildings. The standard also adds new criteria for tornado loads, which are vital for maintaining the integrity of canopies in tornado-prone areas. Additionally, it revises wind pressure calculations for buildings with roof slopes greater than 7°, which impacts canopies attached to those structures.
The 2024 IBC builds on ASCE 7-22 by emphasizing that canopies and awnings must be designed to withstand various loads, including wind and lateral forces. A key improvement is the addition of guidelines to address uplift reactions, which are essential for keeping canopies stable during high winds.
The 2023 FBC aligns with ASCE 7-22 by incorporating the updated wind speed maps and tornado load criteria. This ensures that canopies and awnings in Florida are designed to handle the state’s specific wind conditions. The FBC also introduces new requirements for site-specific wind speeds, which provide more precise design criteria, especially helpful for coastal areas and regions with unique wind patterns.
These updates greatly enhance the safety and resilience of canopies and awnings compared to previous standards. With a focus on updated wind load provisions, site-specific wind speeds, and uplift reactions, the new guidelines ensure that canopies are better equipped to face extreme weather events, ultimately providing greater safety for users and infrastructure.
More Help
You can purchase an engineer-certified, pre-engineered performance evaluation for permit that have tables which convert wind speed to pressure for a variety of situations. There is a free sample available for inspection before purchase.
We also have an online calculator that provides more precise answers and can help with the design. Find the wind speed-to-pressure calculator by clicking here.
Article provided by Zachary A. Rubin, PE and updated by Chris Arbelbide. Additional fabric commentary by F. Bennardo PE
Last Update: February 17, 2025
