Advantages of entrance canopies and cycle shelters

A wide range of different solutions is currently available, supplying shelter solutions for specific applications. Shelters come in all different shapes and sizes and use carefully chosen materials to manufacture them. With such an extensive array of options offered, customers seeking a shelter for their premises can be forgiven for finding it tricky to discern the differences between them and buy the best solution to suit their needs.

While the role of any kind of shelter is to provide cover for pedestrians or vehicles in an outdoor environment, there are multiple kinds that companies can pick from. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at two types of shelter. We will examine the ways they are similar and how they are different. We will also look at the materials used in their construction and the different models offered today by expert shelter suppliers.

Read in to explore the differences between the entrance and cycle shelters.

What is an entrance shelter?

Entrance shelters commonly referred to as entrance canopies are a type of cover fitted directly outside access points. Predominantly designed to provide an area safe from the elements, they can also help prevent wet weather from entering a building when doors must remain open for extended periods. For instance, loading bays at industrial sites often have delivery doors open all day, but an entrance canopy positioned above can keep the area inside from becoming wet and ensure stock stays dry.

As mentioned, entrance shelters can keep site users as well as visitors protected from the weather. Different types of shelters have been cleverly designed to not only keep out the rain, wind, snow. and sleet, but also protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Schools, supermarkets, and offices all often benefit from these solutions. Pupils can wait safely to be collected, while customers and office workers can queue for businesses to open so they can shop or work undercover.

Entrance shelters come in an extensive selection of designs and styles, from fully enclosed areas offering maximum protection, to simple awnings.

What is a cycle shelter?

Instead of people, cycle shelters are designed to protect bicycles, scooters and sometimes even motorbikes. Made with metal parts, vehicles exposed to wind and rain can be prone to rust. Additionally, riding home on a wet bicycle is far less comfortable than one that has been protected from the elements all day. As a result, cycle shelters are designed to keep bicycles and other two-wheel vehicles dry.

Unlike entrance canopies, cycle shelters must also safeguard the bicycles from potential theft. Left unattended for long periods, bicycles left outdoors can make ideal targets for criminals. For this reason, cycle shelters must be made of robust materials, preventing bikes from being stolen.

As with entrance shelters, these protected areas for bicycles come in many different models and each will offer varying levels of security. Simple cycle shelters will rely on the strength of their materials to protect bikes, while more advanced models provide a lockable compound for optimum security.

What are entrance and cycle shelters made from?

Modern cycle and entrance shelters are typically made with similar materials. Designed for use in an outdoor environment, both types of shelters must use materials that are hardwearing but can also hold up to wind or rain or rust may take root. Along with making metal look unattractive, ruining the look and feel of a site, rust also known as iron-oxide, makes metal brittle and easier to break. In entrance shelters, this can make them hazardous to users, while in cycle shelters rust can put vehicles at risk from damage and theft.

As a result, aluminium is often used in the construction of both types of shelter as it never rusts. Metals that are iron-based such as steel, are susceptible to this corrosion but can still be protected if they undergo specific processes. Steel can be hot-dipped in zinc in a process called galvanisation, so that iron oxide can’t occur.

For increased visibility and an attractive design, entrance shelters and cycle shelters often include transparent panels. Today, these are commonly made from thickened sections of durable polycarbonate rather than glass, which can be damaged more easily by vandals making them unsuitable. The polycarbonate is designed to be UV stable for added sun protection.

To ensure no water ingress or unwanted leaks occur in both types of shelter, protective seals insulated with rubber are also a common inclusion in designs.

To add extra protection and ensure shelters remain to look at their best for longer, entrance canopies and cycle shelters are not painted but powder coated. Any RAL or BS colour can be selected, ensuring that sites can brand up their shelters using their company colours.

Protected against rust, contemporary shelters no longer need repainting over time, making them exceptionally low maintenance to look after. To keep cycle and entrance shelters in excellent condition, periodic washing with simple soap and water is sufficient.

Combining different types of shelters

While entrance shelters and cycle shelters are designed for different uses, larger sites may sometimes combine both in a single solution. For example, expansive retail outlets may sometimes locate their cycle bays beneath their entrance shelter.

Experts in built-for-purpose shelters

Whether you’re looking to install an entrance shelter to keep people dry or a cycle shelter to safeguard bicycles from poor weather and thieves, we can help. At Ace Shelters we can manufacture, deliver, and fit any design of shelter you need.

We pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive service that is second to none. As part of this commitment, we offer a no obligation to purchase, free site survey. Our expert surveyor will visit your premises and give you advice on both positioning and design. They can also make sure that all Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Health and Safety regulations are adhered to, so your site keeps compliant.

Whether you’re after a fully lockable cycle compound or a simple entrance canopy get in touch with our dedicated team today to discuss the type of shelter you require.