Canopy Awning Buyers Guide

In recent years there has been an increase of new entrants into the Canopy and Awning market. While we certainly think having more options to choose from is a good thing, it’s imperative to research the company and understand how long they have been in the industry for. Some newer entrants are unfortunately making fraudulent claims about their length of ‘experience’ in the industry. If you have doubts, you can check when the company was incorporated by visiting the New Zealand Companies  office.

Additionally, you can check when the company registered it’s website using the domain name commission. Fortunately, when we claim to have been in business for over 20 years – we actually mean it! We began designing our canopy awning systems in 1998. Since then we have been continually innovating and making improvements to our design and engineering process. We’ve certainly learnt a lot about what works and what doesn’t. This is certainly something to consider when evaluating newer entrants to the market. 

We recommend a supplier of outdoor solutions who has been in the industry for some time with access to their own manufacturing expertise and a robust track record of customer success (such as industry awards). Having a showroom and mobile team of helpful consultants is a must. Ask to see canopies in your area that have been recently installed. The capability and reputation of the installation team is a great question to ask and drill into – such as examples and references.

Curtains and sides turn the canopy into an outdoor room. There are many different options for side screens, some are more weather proof than others, some are quick and easy to use – others can be harder to handle. Consider extras such as doors, louver insets to control airflow, sun shade roller blinds, cat or dog doors and other options to provide the best custom solution for your home. Also consider the space where your canopy will go. Does it need to fit around a fireplace? Are there design challenges based on the structure of your house? We’ve seen it all and have a highly experienced engineering team that can solve challenging situations.

Our canopy rooms are specifically engineered to suit your outdoor area.

One size doesn’t fit all, which is why all of our canopy awning rooms are 100% custom designed to suit your area. We know choice is important, which is why we offer a variety of different design styles (link to design options), including both fixed and retractable roof options.

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Oztech retractable roof systems are 100% waterproof, Wind rated to 150 kph and perfect for New Zealand climate. Control your climate, reclaim your BBQ area, make your Outdoor area usable all-year round.

They provide a shield from harsh outdoor elements, such as rain, wind and hail. This increases the longevity of your furniture by protecting metals from warping and fabric from fading in the summer sun. It also offers a much needed respite from harsh UV rays – filtering up to 99%.

Canopy awnings provide a safe space for children and pets to play all year round. Awnings can be used to create a whole new room, with fireplaces, kitchens, BBQs, a bar and even a hot tub all accommodated!

Our canopy rooms can be designed to fit around fireplaces. Infrared heaters can also be hung to create extra warmth. Optional side screens can also be added to block wind and rain.

Easily retractable blinds and optional OzTech retractable roof make for perfect climate control, allowing for the ultimate flexibility by using nature to both cool and heat the canopy awning room. In summer, outdoor blinds provide UV shade and can increase the effectiveness of your air conditioning unit by trapping cooled air. As the sun retreats the roofs and / or blinds can be retracted to increase ventilation from a cool evening breeze or retracted to block a cold wind. The same goes for the colder months, with blinds acting as a temporary wall to trap heat and subsequently minimise heating bills. It’s a win win for both your bank balance and the environment.

Whereas traditional conservatories lack the ventilation and flexibility to truly “bring the outdoors in”, this is where canopy awnings really come into their own. Retractable roller blinds and the retractable OzTech roof both create a completely versatile outdoor cooking space when tackling electric, open-flame cooking (i.e. barbecuing) or smoking meats. As previously mentioned, this robust PVC all-weather structure allows for a full conventional kitchen to be fitted, truly extending a dining area that is primed for entertaining.

Enjoy outdoor entertaining all year round, regardless of the weather!

The roller screens utilise Glidetrak technology with an individually adjusted spring mechanism, providing a smooth operation that makes the screen easy to lower or be raised – depending on the conditions. Using a central locking system in the bottom bar, screens are locked into place when fully down, delivering security and stability that limits wind spill and rain. For the roof, our OzTech retractable awnings are fully automated and can be connected to existing smart home systems.

To say the canopy awning build is durable is a bit of an understatement! Combining a galvanised steel frame with state-of-the-art tensioned architectural grade PVC means it can take in its stride whatever the NZ weather has in store. The tensioned PVC makes is 100% waterproof and less noisy vs. polycarbonate equivalents, eliminating creaks by not expanding and contracting on hot days and rain not drumming. It’s so tough we guarantee our fabric for at least 15 years. We cut, bend, shape and power-coat all frames in our Auckland factory using Dulux Duralloy meaning awnings are effectively protected from corrosive airbourne salt and rain. If you opt for the OzTech retractable awning roof, they are wind rated to 150 kph!

Although the canopy roller screens and curtains can provide complete privacy through opaque coloured PVC, proximity to neighbouring dwellings remains a key consideration for two reasons; noise and smells! If you are using the space to entertain late into the night, or smoke meat, then keeping a fair distance can minimize any complaints. The majority of our canopy designs are attached to your home or building with strong custom engineered brackets, however our canopies and awnings can also be free standing if a bit more distance is required to keep the neighbours happy!

It is worth checking with your local council office to look over the latest regulations and how they apply to your home/building. If your project does require council consent, we can help you through the process. If you have any further questions, we would be happy to help.