Are you thinking about a canopy in your garden and want to be sure what height is permitted on or near the property boundary? This question is often asked by homeowners who want to create extra living space and comfort with a canopy. Before a canopy can be installed, it is important to carefully review the regulations. In the Netherlands, clear rules apply regarding the maximum height and position relative to the property boundary. These rules are in place not only to ensure that your construction plans go smoothly, but also to prevent conflicts with your neighbors. In this article, you will read all about when a permit is required and what the maximum height is for a canopy on the property boundary.

The rules: legal height for a patio roof on the property boundary

In the Netherlands, a patio awning on the property boundary be a maximum of 2 to 3 meters high. The exact permitted height may vary per municipality. In general, however, the guideline is that when a canopy is built directly on or against the property boundary, it may not be higher than 2 meters without a permit. Is the canopy located a bit further from the property boundary, for example at least 1 meter? Then the maximum permitted height is usually 3 meters. Is the canopy placed within 2.5 meters of the rear facade? Then in some cases the height may even increase to 4 meters.

Before you begin creating construction plans, it is important to consult your municipality's local regulations to avoid surprises. Do you want a canopy that is higher than the meters mentioned above? Then a permit is required that is tested against specific conditions.

Building on the property boundary without a permit

Thanks to the Environment and Planning Act, in some cases it is possible to install a canopy without a permit, provided you meet a number of conditions:

• The canopy must be located in the rear yard area of your plot;
• The total surface area of outbuildings, including the canopy, may not exceed a certain percentage of your garden area;
• The maximum permitted height of the canopy is 3 meters if it is located directly on the property boundary;
• The canopy must be placed at least 1 meter from the property boundary, unless you have agreed with your neighbors to build it closer;
• The structure may not be used as independent living space.

Are you in doubt whether a permit is required for placing your canopy? Or would you like to know how far a canopy must be from the property boundary? Please consult the Environment and Planning Portal or your municipality for the correct information for your situation.

Consulting the neighbors

Building a canopy near the property line can cause tensions with your neighbors. To avoid conflicts with your neighbors, we advise you to before the assembly of the canopy to talk with your neighbors. Discuss your construction plans and make sure they are aware of the placement. Make clear agreements with each other to prevent complaints about obstructed views, reduced light, or privacy. By reaching an agreement together, you save time, costs, and conflicts.

Practical tips for installing a patio roof

If you plan to place a canopy on or along the property boundary, it is first of all important to determine the property boundary and measure your garden. Make a plan for the layout of your garden and determine how the canopy plays a role in this. For example, does the canopy serve to create more shade, or for more privacy? Draw up a precise construction plan that details everything about the height, surface area, and materials. This is how you successfully complete every project.

Are you interested in having a patio roof installed and want to make sure you comply with all the regulations? At Valk Veranda, we offer the expert help you need: from design to installation, we take care of everything for you. Request a non-binding quote to realize your dream canopy!

A beautiful one porch or patio is not complete without good sun protection. It provides shade, comfort, and extends the time you can spend outdoors. But like any other part of your outdoor space, awnings also require maintenance. Cleaning awnings is important to extend their lifespan and keep their appearance fresh. But how often should you actually do this and why is it so important?

Why it is important to clean your awnings

A sunshade exposed day in and day out to various weather conditions: rain, sun, wind, and sometimes even hail. Dust, sand, and algae slowly accumulate, making the fabric that you thought would last for years not only look dirty, but also wear out faster. By regularly cleaning the awning fabric, you prevent dirt from setting in and keep the material in top condition.

In addition, hygiene plays a role. Moisture and dirt can lead to mold formation or green deposits. These become more difficult to remove if you wait too long to clean. Proper maintenance therefore not only ensures a neat appearance, but also prevents unnecessary costs for repair or replacement.

How often do you need to clean an awning fabric?

In general, it is recommended to clean your sun protection at least twice a year: once in the spring and once in the autumn. This way, you start every season with fresh and well-maintained awnings.

• Spring: clean the awnings to remove pollen, dust, and winter dirt.
• Autumn: Remove leaves, moisture, and dirt residue so that the fabric goes into the winter clean.

Depending on the location and usage, cleaning your awning may be necessary more often. For example, is your patio roof close to trees or do you live in an area with a lot of traffic and particulate matter? Then it is wise to clean your awning more frequently.

We also recommend preparing your veranda for the season twice a year: once before winter and once before spring/summer. By getting your patio ready for winter, ensures that you can enjoy it even in cold weather.

Cleaning the screens of your awnings

Not all awnings are the same. Cleaning screen awnings, for example, requires a slightly different approach than cleaning traditional fabric. Screens are made of sturdy, mesh-like material that can trap dirt. Rinse the surface regularly with lukewarm water and use a soft brush or cloth to keep it clean. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, as they can damage the material.

Tips for cleaning sun shading yourself

Want to get to work yourself? With these tips, you will ensure the best result:

1. Use lukewarm water and a soft brush, this prevents damage.
2. A little bit of soft soap is enough to loosen dirt.
3. Do not use a high-pressure washer! This can damage the fibers of the fabric or screens.
4. Let it dry thoroughly and only roll up the awning when the fabric is completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning your sunshade fabric yourself is often quite doable, as long as you carefully follow the right steps. This keeps it looking good for longer and ensures it lasts for years. Are you in doubt whether you are doing it right, or do you want to be sure of the best result? Then you can always a specialist contact us for no-obligation advice or let us handle the cleaning for you in a professional manner.

The advantage of regular cleaning

By keeping your awnings regularly cleaned, you extend their lifespan and prevent expensive replacements. Moreover, clean awnings look inviting, which immediately increases the comfort of your veranda or patio. Therefore, it is a small investment in time that pays off handsomely in the long run.

Whether you choose to clean your awnings yourself or prefer to hire a professional, maintaining your awnings is very important. It extends their lifespan, keeps your patio cover looking well-maintained, and prevents unexpected costs. With a little attention a few times a year, you can enjoy a fresh, comfortable outdoor space for longer. Do you have any questions about cleaning your awnings? Please contact us!

A wedge can be used to create a neat finish for patio roofs, but it also has practical benefits. It is a functional application to increase comfort in your outdoor space. In this blog, we explain what a wedge in a roof is exactly, what it is used for, and what materials wedges for a roof can be made of. Are you considering investing in a roof? Discover our extensive range here!

What is a gusset/knee brace in a canopy?

A shim, as many people know it, is often made of wood and usually has one slanted side and one flat side. It is used to place under or against an object to secure it firmly. Think of a door wedge, for example, to keep a door in place. In the context of a patio roof or canopy, a shim is slightly different. It is still a component with a sloped surface, but in a canopy, shims are used to shield or enclose the space.

A wedge in a canopy is a side wall made of panels with a slanted side that is placed between the slanted roofline of the canopy and a vertical structure, such as a fence or wall. The wedge closes off the open space on the side of the canopy, making the canopy more sheltered and enclosed. Wedges are often used in combination with side walls or sliding walls to completely enclose a canopy.

In the image below you see an example of a key, with on the nearest side a key with below it a open glass sliding wall and at the rear a spline in combination with a side panel.

Benefits of a feather key

Now that you know the answer to the question ‘what is a wedge in a canopy?’, it is also useful to know the benefits of wedges. Wedges in a canopy are very useful for several reasons:

• Protects against weather conditionsA wedge can be placed on a fence, wall, or side panel. This fills the empty space and blocks wind and rain. As a result, you will be less bothered by weather conditions under your canopy and you can sit comfortably regardless of the weather.
• Reduces visibility from the outsidedepending on the choice of material, a wedge can reduce visibility from the outside. Often, a wedge is chosen that reduces visibility while still letting light in. This way, you have privacy in your outdoor space without too much light being blocked.
• Creates an aesthetic finish: Brackets offer various functional benefits, but they are also designed to provide a neat finish to a roof structure. The bracket creates a more attractive transition between the roofline and the side walls or fence.

Wedges are available in various materials, each with its own characteristics and benefits:

Polycarbonate

This material is lightweight and transmits diffused light, meaning the peephole is not completely transparent, but still allows light to enter. Polycarbonate is resistant to UV radiation and has a long lifespan, ensuring you will enjoy it for a long time. There is a difference between opal and clear polycarbonate. You can see through clear polycarbonate fairly well, while opal has a milky white color with no visibility through it. Therefore, with an opal polycarbonate wedge, you have more privacy and less visibility from the outside.

Glass

Tempered glass is often used for skylights because it is a transparent and durable material. It lets in plenty of natural light and provides a clear view of the outdoors. It also gives the roof a spacious, open look. The downside is that it allows more visibility from the outside. For added privacy, privacy film can be applied to the glass.

Aluminum

Aluminum dowels often come in one piece with a aluminum side panel, which immediately closes off the entire side of the canopy. These side panels can be precisely matched to the style of the rest of the canopy.

Installation and Costs

Wedges are available in various standard sizes, but can also be custom-made. With standard solutions, the wedges are supplied in fixed dimensions and colors, while custom wedges are specifically tailored to the customer's wishes. The installation of a wedge is simple and can often be done yourself using a assembly instructions.

The costs of a wedge vary depending on the material and design. A standard polycarbonate wedge is usually cheaper than a glass version. In addition, custom solutions and extra options such as privacy film can increase the price. When choosing a wedge, it is important to take your wishes and budget into account. However, the most important thing is that the wedge is functional and matches your patio cover. For what is a wedge in a patio cover if it has no added value for increasing your living comfort?

At Valk Veranda, we offer various veranda systems and patio covers made from different materials. In addition, the addition of a custom-made wedge is often possible. You can easily Request a free quote to get an idea of the total price of a patio cover including triangular inserts. Our specialists can install the patio cover at your home if desired or you can installing the patio cover yourself with a assembly kit. For questions or more information, you can contact Join our team!