What is a knee brace in a canopy?

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!