The days are getting warmer and the nights are getting longer. As the hot and sunny days of summer approach, a canopy—a structure that can be attached to your building, typically over the door— can provide valuable shade for you, your employees, and your customers. It can also beautify your building, save energy, and boost your brand appeal. But keeping your canopy maintained and replacing it when it reaches the end of its life is essential.

If you are not ready for the summer season, there's still time to get started. Replacing your business canopy before it falls apart reduces the risk of an emergency when you need to replace it urgently, which can be stressful and costly.

Faded fabric, corroded frames, and weakened UV protection are just some of the signs that suggest it's time to upgrade your canopy. A broken or poorly maintained canopy cannot adequately protect your business's premises, customers, guests, and property.

In this guide, we will show you how to spot problems with your canopy, when to upgrade, choose the right commercial canopy, and maximize the return on your investment.

When to Replace Your Business Canopy

Is your business canopy looking tired or worn out? Look for visual warning signs such as fabric tears, color fading, water pooling, and structural issues. Inspect your canopy regularly in the lead-up to summer, and if you notice any of these problems, start the replacement process early.

Remember safety and compliance regulations, too. For example, UL-48 regulates electrical signage and outdoor lighting products, such as digital signage solutions and illuminated canopies. Similarly, malls and industrial sites must adhere to strict wind load ratings when installing outdoor features such as awnings and canopies.

Benefits of Modern Commercial Canopies

Canopies have advanced significantly in the last few decades. Modern commercial canopies offer benefits that can improve how your business premises look and perform.

Modern business canopies can offer better protection from challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and snow and stronger UV protection on hot days. This can save you money by lowering your energy bills. It's also a great way to increase your green credentials by making your premises more eco-friendly. 

A modern commercial canopy can enhance brand presence and recognition. It can help capture the attention of passing foot traffic, encouraging prospective customers to enter. Custom-printed valances, integrated lighting displays or digital signage solutions, and bespoke color schemes can all create visual interest, help to communicate your brand's tone or message, and form part of an entire ecosystem of cohesive branding.

Modern canopies are designed to withstand even harsh weather conditions and are durable enough to last many years. Many come with limited lifetime coverage on materials and installation, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you are covered if anything goes wrong with your new business canopy. 

Choosing the Right Materials and Design

Business canopies are available in many styles, colors, finishes, and designs. You must choose the right materials and design for your needs, factoring in your performance requirements and stylistic preferences.

You must make various choices, such as choosing between flat-roof, peaked, and barrel-vault canopy designs. Different types of architectural canopies are best for other properties, so consult a professional to help you select the perfect canopy, no matter your needs.

Some of the most commonly used fabrics for business canopies include high-performance polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Sunbrella® performance acrylics, and tensioned polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These fabrics are highly durable, weatherproof, and built to perform well in various settings. They come in an array of different colors and finishes. Some businesses also personalize their canopies with custom graphics or branding elements.

The two most common canopy frame materials are aluminum and steel. Aluminum, which is lighter and cheaper, is suitable for most applications. Certain specialist applications, such as businesses located in coastal areas or chemical-exposed industrial sites, may prefer the increased durability and strength of steel.

The Replacement Process Explained

A business canopy installation project can feel like a significant undertaking, but it may be faster and easier than you expect. This section will walk you through the complete process of demystifying it.

A business canopy installation begins with a site assessment. Your contractor or team will visit your premises to meet you, better understand your needs, recommend the most suitable products, and take measurements. You will then need to obtain any relevant permits. Your canopy supplier can manage this, liaising with your facility management team and the local authority.

Once you have agreed on the details and features of your business canopy and signed off on the order, fabrication will begin. The entire canopy fabrication process typically takes 4-6 weeks, from the specifications to the final build.

When installing your canopy, your contractor should take all possible steps to minimize downtime and disruption to your business. They may use rapid-deploy equipment to support the setting up of the new canopy. When the installation is complete, check your canopy thoroughly to make sure you are satisfied.

Business Canopy Maintenance: Maximizing Long-Term ROI

A new business canopy can be a significant investment. However, it can also pay for itself many times over. For example, one study indicated that sunshade canopies could reduce summer cooling costs by 20-30% in hot climates! Some energy-efficient sunshade systems may also qualify for government subsidies or tax rebates, allowing you to recoup some costs.

It is essential to maintain your canopy regularly to keep it looking and performing at its best. Get into the habit of inspecting its hardware and fabric, cleaning your canopy, and completing any necessary repairs promptly. If your canopy is retractable or has moving parts, ensure all users are appropriately trained to operate it and run maintenance checks.

DCI Signs & Awnings: Your Leader in Custom Canopy and Enterprise Digital Signage Solutions

Maintaining, caring for, and replacing your business canopies will benefit your business in ways that go far beyond the cosmetic appeal a canopy can provide. Adding or replacing a canopy makes your premises more welcoming and comfortable, saves money, and improves your business's presence and brand recognition.

If you are ready to start the process of replacing your business canopy, ready for summer, get in touch with the DCI Signs & Awnings team to schedule a corporate site assessment and receive your free customized canopy replacement plan. We are proud to serve clients all over New Jersey. You can count on our expert team to manage the entire process for you, from consultation to design to installation, taking the stress out of commercial canopy replacement. Get started with your business canopy replacement today, and we will do the rest.

Contact us to keep your property cool, compliant, and on-brand all summer!