Frequently Asked Questions

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Q1. Can you offer a complete service?

Yes, we can undertake everything necessary to survey, design, manufacture and install your canopy. Our in-house design teams, who work on sophisticated CAD/CAM systems, can also advise on different design options for your space. We do not outsource any of these important elements. If the canopy installation is part of a larger project, we will liaise with the architect and/or builder to ensure that any works undertaken are co-ordinated with other elements of the project. Our fully trained, CRB checked installation teams will ensure that safety is paramount during every part of the installation process. We demonstrate our total Company commitment to health and safety by being an Accredited Contractor to CHAS, the Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

Q2. Can Twinfix canopies be re-cycled?

Yes they can.  The structure and panel framework are in aluminium, and the roof panels are in polycarbonate.  All of these components can be re-cycled, once the life of the project is complete.

Q3. Do you offer any guarantees?

Our canopy structures are all manufactured from virtually maintenance free, powder coated, aluminium sections. Aluminium does not rust and should never need repainting. We offer a 10-year guarantee on all our materials and on installation where canopies are fitted by one our own installation teams.

Q4. How will your canopy fit the uniquely shaped space that I need covered?

Whilst we follow standard design principles, our canopies are all designed to individual order so that they meet your specific requirements, however complex or simple your space(s) may be.

Q5. Will I have a choice of colour and finish?

Yes, for the canopy structure you can choose any of our nine standard matt RAL colours. Should you wish to match an existing colour, we can supply our canopies powder coated in any RAL or BS reference colour. (Please note, however, that choosing some colours may extend lead times and attract an additional cost). The polycarbonate roof glazing is available in clear, bronze or opal colours to suit your specific needs.

Q6. How will your canopy protect from the elements?

Our canopies are designed to shelter from rain and sun using tough, multi-wall polycarbonate glazing that allows light transmission, whilst filtering out virtually all the harmful UV radiation. The area under our canopies will be safe, dry, sheltered and shaded.  In particularly exposed areas you may also wish us to fit vertical glazing to the sides and/or front of the canopy to give added protection and shelter from prevailing winds.

Q7. Will I need planning consent?

In many cases, having one of our canopies installed will not require planning consent. However, on the basis of your specific situation we can advise you whether planning consent and/or building control approval is likely to be required. If this is the case, we will provide you with advice on how to undertake a planning application.

Q8. Will the canopy be safe for users and our maintenance staff?

Although polycarbonate glazing is tough and virtually unbreakable, if simply fixed into a standard glass glazing bar system, it can be vulnerable to wind and impact loadings that cause it to pop out of the bars. Our pitched canopies are different. In addition to the weather protection that they give, our canopies utilise our unique patented, factory-made, non-fragile, Multi-Link-Panel system. This means that not only is the roof exceptionally resistant to high winds but anybody who gains access to one of canopies and falls onto the glazing (whether they are authorised to be there or not), will not fall through the roof glazing. This not only protects the falling person, and anyone underneath the canopy, from possible fatal injury, but it removes the risk of any subsequent litigation. Our non-fragile, Multi-Link-Panel system is tested to the HSE test ACR(M)001:2000, amended in 2005. Do not consider using any system that does not comply with this test.

Q9. If I’m interested in one of your canopies, what happens next?

It’s very simple. Just use the contact form on this web-site, or call our office on 01925 811311 to speak to one of our internal sales team, and we will arrange for one of our surveyors to call you to arrange a site or office visit. The initial survey will normally be carried out within seven working days and within five working days of the survey we will send you a firm, no obligation quotation for a canopy that will fulfil all your needs.

Q10. Am I required by the Building Regulations to have a non-fragile roof?

The Building Regulations themselves do not refer to “non-fragility” in relation to roofing systems. However, they do require that any structure is designed in accordance with the CDM Regulations, (Construction Design & Management) and these Regulations require that all buildings should be designed to utilise the safest method of construction available. (i.e. if a non-fragile design is feasible, then it should be used.)