FAQs

Do you provide systems that can cover very large areas?

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Samson

Yes we do, in fact it is almost possible to say the sizes are infinite for some of the products but of course there are some sensible limits….
We get asked for fixed or retractable roof cover systems for some very large areas regularly but other factors always come into play when the area to cover is very large. One of the main problems on large areas is having either sufficient building to fix to if the system is to protect and extend an existing area next to a building OR having sufficient height on the building or in the case of a stand alone system ensuring the height required to ensure rainwater dispersal does not affect the aesthetic too much. With most fabric roof systems the recommended pitch for rainwater dispersal is 14 degrees or more and of course on large projections this can mean the high side is very high if you are starting from 2 metres on the low side.

Retractable Fabric Cover Systems
Most retractable fabric cover solutions will have a maximum projection of about 7000mm, but more like 6000mm for most. This is only for systems where the fabric is extended and supported by side channels with support posts and agin the maximum width is usually around 6000mm in one unit but because you can bolt units together you can continue indefinitely. Turn the system around and bolt it back to back and then you can create a gable roof with a cover width of up to 14 metres and any width at all. All this is possible with the correct support framework and foundations.
The Markilux Pergola, the Weinor Pergotex, The Gibus Med system and the Weinor Plaza all perform very well in this sector of the market and provide high quality solutions to covering large areas but also having the ability to retract the roof when not required or in the winter months when the facilities may be closed.
7 metres is always about the maximum width for one field after which the units become ‘coupled’ and have 2 covers but maybe one motor drive unit to operate the 2 fabric covers together. So after the 14 metre maximum width it would be necessary to bolt another system to go wider.

Fixed Roof Cover Systems
We can offer fixed roof systems which are usually available in an aluminium framework and then use either double, triple or quadruple polycarbonate roof sheets or laminated glass as the infill sections. These systems again need a certain pitch but not as much as the fabric systems and have similar projection limitations with the same ability to bolt together once you reach the limit of a single uniting the width. They can also be bolted back to back to create a gable roof shape and all these systems also have rainwater guttering at the front edge to take the water away, either down the support legs or out the side and into various options of water butts, soak away systems or into the main drainage system.
These systems  can cover very large areas and also be constructed to be stand alone when required and not rely upon a building wall.

There are of course other ways of covering large areas including some very large and extendable shade sail products and tensioned fabric roof systems with various support leg options.

Posted in General Faqs | Tagged Fixed Roof System, patio roof, retractable roof solutions, sizing | No comment