What determines the choice of a patio cover?

Sunflex, optimally designed!

Many private homes, as well as restaurants and cafés, have a balcony or terrace. This makes it possible to spend long evenings outdoors, with a terrace and adjoining garden bringing you closer to nature. A terrace cover is a good solution for enjoying the fresh air in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and even strong winds. All Sunflex glass roofs are custom-made to customer specifications. With a wide range of colors to choose from, a canopy can be optimally adapted to a home or building. 

When choosing a patio cover, a number of factors must be taken into account, emphasizes Ernst Schneider, director of Sunflex Aluminiumsysteme GmbH. “First and foremost, a suitable material for the roof must be chosen. Options include Plexiglas, polycarbonate, and safety glass, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages, although most people tend to find a glass roof the most attractive.” 

Patio cover? Safety first!
Sunflex uses safety glass that complies with DIN standards for its patio covers. It consists of a layer of flat glass and a layer of laminated safety glass with a film in between to prevent the glass from shattering if broken. The glass is at least 8 mm thick, while the film is 0.76 mm thick. 

“The Sunflex SF 112 and SF 115 patio covers without overhang and the SF 112 Plus and SF 152 Plus with roof overhang are available with 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 mm glass,” says Ernst Schneider. “The number of posts and roof beams depends on the size and weight of the roof and must always be determined in consultation with the specialist installing the roof.” 

If too few uprights and roof beams are used, there is a risk that a roof will not be able to withstand a heavy snow load or downpour, with all the consequences that entails. It is therefore wise to have the statics calculated by a specialist, taking into account strength, stiffness, and stability. In addition to the (material) properties of the patio cover itself, other aspects to consider include the maximum ground load, the strength of the wall, the required weather resistance, and any other loads. For roofs that are built around corners or with a special construction method, even more aspects must be taken into account. That is why Sunflex dealers always advise their customers in detail about the roof shape and the possibilities. 

Durable and protective
Some people decide against a glass roof structure because they are concerned about keeping it clean. However, there are now various ways to limit the amount of cleaning required. For example, self-cleaning glass has a photocatalytic and hydrophobic coating, which creates a lotus effect and prevents dirt and water from adhering to the surface, allowing them to run off. This type of coating protects the glass and makes cleaning easier. 

Enclosed outdoor area
Extending a patio roof with a Sunflex sliding or tilt-and-slide system made of glass can create a comfortable, sheltered outdoor space. “This means that a patio—whether in a private setting or in a hospitality environment—can still be used even in cooler temperatures in the spring or fall,” says Ernst Schneider. “With heating and lighting, the possibilities for use can be expanded even further.”     

Sunflex:
SF 152 and SF 152 Plus

Sunflex recently introduced the SF 152 and SF 152 Plus patio covers. To make them stronger, more weather-resistant, and suitable for large spans, the aluminum profiles of these new Sunflex covers can be reinforced with steel. 

Features of the SF 152 and SF 152 Plus glass roofs: 

• Aluminum construction. 
• SF 152: without front roof overhang. 
• SF 152 Plus: with front roof overhang. 
• The roofs are custom-made. 
• Glass thicknesses of 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 mm. 
• Roof pitch 5° to 45°. 
• SF 152 Plus: available with no gutter, with an angular gutter, or with a round gutter. 
• Beams from 3000 mm. 
• Uprights can be placed up to 1000 mm inward. 
• The surface of the structure has a standard RAL gloss level, E6-EV1, DB703, or DB703 FS.

SUNFLEX Aluminiumsysteme GmbH
Mr. E. de Jong
Im Ruttenberge 12
57482 Wenden
M: +31 612739541
F: +49 2762 9253-280
E: info@sunflex.nl, e.dejong@sunflex.nl
W: www.sunflex.nl

Text and image: Sunflex