How to Choose the Right Roof Style for Your Canopy Structure

Picking the right roof style for your canopy structure is important to meet your needs whether you need to host an event, set up a market stall or create an outdoor workspace. It determines the functionality, durability and the overall look of your canopy. This guide will help you identify the different types of roofs, and which one is most suitable for your project.  

Types of Canopy Roofs  

Each roofing style is developed to suit certain environments and preferences. Here is a description of the various types of canopies and their most appropriate applications.  

1. Flat Roof Canopies (90° Angle)  

Best for: Light protection only such as shade in the backyard or over the garden.  

Flat roof fittings create a canopy roof that is completely level. These fittings are recommended for light-duty canopies that don’t need a high ceiling. Mesh or shade tarps are great for such frame styles. It is important to note that if you are using a waterproof tarp as a cover, rainwater will collect on it. It is recommended to cut some holes for drainage if you choose a waterproof cover. 

2. Low Peak Canopies (102° Angle)  

Best for: Market stalls, sporting events, mild rainy conditions.  

Low peak fittings slope the roof of your canopy slightly. This ensures rainwater does not accumulate while keeping the structure more compact with moderate clearance. Use these fittings in slightly rainy conditions or when you need a canopy has a bit more height than a flat roof. 

3. High Peak Canopies (120° Angle)  

Best for: Storage of recreational vehicles, equipment or for areas with some snowfall.  

High peak fittings are our steepest angled fittings that give maximum clearance and can also assist in aiding water and snow to run off. For areas that receive more than a few inches of snow, please note that these structures are not rated to support heavy snow loads.  We do carry other types of structures that are rated for snow. If you want valanced edge tops or to fully surround your canopy with side walls, a high peak canopy is your option. Our sides and tops are especially made to match high peak angles.  

4. Sloped Canopy Fittings (78° Angle)  

Best for: Patios and other spaces where there is little need for vertical clearance.  

You will be able to build a roof with a gradual slope using sloped canopy fittings. Because of the lower height at the back, they are ideal for use in structures that require very little vertical clearance, such as patio covers or awnings.  Although they offer excellent shading, do not employ these fittings in regions with intense rainfall or snowfall because of the low slope, which may result in water accumulation.

Got questions or need help choosing the parts for your project? Contact our expert team for tailored advice and recommendations!