A canopy is an overhead roof that is constructed to give shade and shelter. It protects the building from the natural elements and helps in keeping the home cool. It can also be a tent without a floor. It is generally a covering that is attached to the outside of a house. It is built to cover the exterior of windows and doors on a building. As an architectural projection, it enhances the look of a building. A canopy can also be constructed near the building and stand alone and can be made of fabric. This is called a cabana or a gazebo.

The canopy is constructed as a roof that is attached to the building with the support of two upright supporting posts. The support cannot be less than two. Over this frame made of metal or aluminum (that is strong and corrosion resistant), one can have a fabric or metal covering it. The canopies can be made of fabric, which are generally strong, long lasting, fire resistant, created with beautiful designs having bright colors. Earlier only canopies of striped material were used. Now many colorful options are available to suit the buildings exterior.  It can also be made of corrugated fiberglass. Nowadays you can have canopies made of polycarbonate sheeting material. It is versatile, maintenance free and shatterproof.

Canopies add to the architectural beauty of a building. They are available in a whole range of materials and colors. You can have the color and design to suit the building.. Canopies can be used as patio covers. It can also be used over play areas attached to buildings. Canopies can be installed quite easily within a short span of time and is very convenient to use. Canopies can be built as extended cover for buildings. They can act as patio covers, car ports, a sun cover or a covered walkway.

In these days of global warming, the canopy protects the building acting as an energy saver. They also make a building cool. They provide shade near the building. The canopies provide shelter from strong winds and the heat to the sun. The windows facing the sun can have canopies built on them, so that the rooms are cool. This also helps in conserving energy, as the windows are covered and the consumption of the air conditioners is reduced. They also give protection from rain and snow in winter. The wooden frame of the windows and doors which have canopies are also protected from these natural elements. If the canopies are used over windows, the glare on the computer screen and the television will be reduced. 

You can also have adjustable canopies instead of permanent ones. These can  give the building shade in summer, but can be folded up in winter. You can have either manual canopy or automatic canopy. In manual canopy, the canopy has to be folded manually. In a automatic canopy, the canopy folds at the press of a button. This is ideal for shops and offices that do not have enough space for erecting permanent canopies.

Instead of making an extension of concrete over windows and doors, building a canopy of aluminum, fabric or polycarbonate is a good option. It is not only colorful but gives protection from the sun, wind, rain and snow. With so many varieties to choose from you can obtain the one most suited to the building that is going to have the canopy.