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Sunroom vs canopy

Cost: A fixed canopy costs less per m² than an opening louvre roof - use the price calculator for an indicative figure.
Flexibility: Fixed canopy is always covered; louvre roof adjusts to conditions on demand.
Maintenance: Fixed canopy needs only cleaning and a fixings check; a louvre roof has a motor, drainage channels and pivot points to keep serviced.
Consent complexity: Both depend on the specific structure, but the electrical work for a motorised system is an extra factor to plan for.
Lifespan: Both use aluminium framing and are built to last well beyond their warranty period with basic care - fewer moving parts on a fixed canopy is one reason it needs less attention over time.

A canopy is a roof over an outdoor area. A sunroom is an extra room. The right choice depends on whether you want to use the space in winter.

Side by side

	Sunrooms	Elite Canopies
Enclosure	Fully enclosed with glass or polycarbonate walls	Open sides, roof only
Glazing	Toughened Low-E, single or double glazed	Polycarbonate roof panels
Doors and windows	Sliding or push-pull doors, lock and key	None - add blinds or panels if needed
Wind / snow rating	Up to 160 km/h / 50 cm	Up to 160 km/h / 50 cm
Consent	More likely to need building consent	Often simpler - depends on size and design
Warranty	10-year structural	10-year structural

Choose a sunroom for genuine year-round living space you can heat and lock.

Choose a canopy for a sheltered outdoor area that keeps the open-air feel, and add blinds later if needed.