Canvas roof on birdcage

[Coal Miner]

We are going to build a birdcage onto our home. Since it will be facing southwest excess sun is a problem. Should we consider a canvas roof . In your experience, what are the disadvantages?

[vintageogauge]

You might want to check and see if a canvas roof is allowed before investing in one.

[ColdNoMore]

A canvas roof on a birdcage?

Sorry, but my first thought is...M.A.S.H. :D

[villagetinker]

We installed sun reducing screening in our birdcage, and it does make a difference. When we did ours we were told we could get 25%, 50%, and 75% sun reduction, we chose 50%. This approach has the advantage that we still get air flow through the roof area. Send me a PM with your phone number if you want to stop by and see our installation, Village of Pinellas.

[wisbad1]

We installed one on our lanai, love it. Keeps rain out gives us more space.

[tophcfa]

We were told by T & D that a canvas roof would void the warranty on our birdcage since it would effect the wind rating on the structure. They recommended using a retractable awning that is not attached to the framing of the birdcage.

[rivaridger1]

We put a cover on our bird cage extension and were very happy with it. Hurricane Irma did not carry it off and we had no damage. It will however eventually leak and need repair. The Florida sun beats any fabric to death even though treated.

[bluedivergirl]

Our neighbors have large colorful triangular sails in their birdcage. They clip into the structure and can be easily removed. The sails have been in place for two years, and look like new.

[Coal Miner]

Villagetinker, thanks for your advice. A shade screen is what we are leaning toward right now.

[Challenger]

We have a sunbrella roof on our birdcage. Installed 6 yrs ago. Expensive but never a problem of any kind. Some water (mist) through in heavier rain. Appears to be very small stretch holes appearing near attachment points and we are having it checked this week. These are mounted on aluminum frames attached to BC members . -o- wind damage in 6+ years. I do believe that in a very strong wind event , damage to BC would occur. Only my Opinion and personal experience.

[Crowebar007]

Our birdcage is 18x26 feet the wanted $8000.00 for a sun shade, just so you know............

[ColdNoMore]

Our birdcage is 18x26 feet the wanted $8000.00 for a sun shade, just so you know............

YOWZA! :22yikes:

[coffeebean]

Our neighbors have large colorful triangular sails in their birdcage. They clip into the structure and can be easily removed. The sails have been in place for two years, and look like new.

You said the triangular sails are IN the birdcage. How does that look? I can't picture how the sails would block the sun.

[Goldwingnut]

There is a home between the 8th and 9th hole of the Southern Star course that has the triangular sails inside their bird cage that look very nice. The picture below is from Google maps and it shows what they look like from above.

A very nice touch, my complements to the owners of this home.

[bluedivergirl]

You said the triangular sails are IN the birdcage. How does that look? I can't picture how the sails would block the sun.

It looks very nice. They have four sails, each one attached at a different point. It creates a false ceiling of cloth sails.

They had a rectangular one first, but it failed in heavy rain. The whole thing came down. The triangular ones seem to shed water better.

[vintageogauge]

Seems like a cleaning nightmare.

[Lovey2]

We were told by T & D that a canvas roof would void the warranty on our birdcage since it would effect the wind rating on the structure. They recommended using a retractable awning that is not attached to the framing of the birdcage.

Told this exact thing yesterday by a Sunsetter Rep that was pricing out an awning replacement for us under the cage. We asked about the canvas covers we see and asked if they do it. The voided warranty was their reason for not.

[Coal Miner]

Our birdcage is 18x26 feet the wanted $8000.00 for a sun shade, just so you know............
Thanks for the info

[dietpepsi]

Thanks for the info

blue tarp from Farm King 50x50 $126

[Carl in Tampa]

A canvas roof on a birdcage?

Sorry, but my first thought is...M.A.S.H. :D

We installed sun reducing screening in our birdcage, and it does make a difference. When we did ours we were told we could get 25%, 50%, and 75% sun reduction, we chose 50%. This approach has the advantage that we still get air flow through the roof area. Send me a PM with your phone number if you want to stop by and see our installation, Village of Pinellas.

Having lived under canvas, I agree with ColdNoMore. Too much like M*A*S*H.

I took the route of villagetinker and selected sun reducing screening. You can put lighter screening on the sides, to facilitate seeing out, and darker screening on the top to block more of the sunlight.

Enjoy.

[PoolBrews]

You said you have had no issues in 6 years - yet think you may have damage in a strong wind? I'm assuming that you had no damage during hurricane Irma, and I would qualify that as strong winds.

I ask because I'm about to put up a very large canvas cover - covering about 1,000 sq ft. I also have a south facing birdcage, and the summer sun makes it unusable, and I would also like to use it during rainy times.

To the previous poster that said to check with The Villages - the canvas cover by Sunshine Awnings is pre-approved through the ARB as long as you go with one of the approved colors.

[Rickg]

We have a canvas cover by Sunshine Awnings and are at the very west end of Evans Prairie, so we get high winds from the east. Hurricane Irma hit our bird cage straight on and we had no damage. We like the cover and can use the bird cage in all weather. The engineering report has it rated at either 135 or 140 MPH. I dont remember which one, but it seems to be adequate for our area.

[Ross]

Be aware of how much light will be blocked from windows using canvas, making rooms darker.

[janetsplanet26]

I love the canvas covering on my bird cage...not a drop of water has come through, even during Irma! Plus it really adds a bit of insulation to the room. My room faces due East so mornings were brutal

[Challenger]

I have 350 sq ft installed by Sunshine 6 years ago. Due east corner of Birdcage. Some light leakage(mist) in heavy rain. Lived through IRMA with no damage of any kind. Original Cost = $3200. Showing some light stress wear at attachment points. Have never had any cleaning although there are a few stains-birds, berries etc.

[dianemg]

my next door neighbor loves it, I would worry about wind/hurricane lifting whole darn birdcage

[Gerry P.]

What is the name of these companies that installed the sunbrella roof

[Challenger]

What is the name of these companies that installed the sunbrella roof

Sunshine Awning

[KraussL]

There is a home between the 8th and 9th hole of the Southern Star course that has the triangular sails inside their bird cage that look very nice. The picture below is from Google maps and it shows what they look like from above.

A very nice touch, my complements to the owners of this home.
Do you know the name of the company that they purchased the triangular sails from?

[PoolBrews]

You can buy the shade sails on Amazon - they come in both rectangular and triangular. Price is quite reasonable - around $80-$100 for a fairly large one. We had rectangular over our pool - worked fantastic, no issues with wind or rain and dropped our pool temp by 10 degrees in mid summer. The sails lasted about 4 years... then the sun takes it's toll, and you need to replace.