Dome awnings are awnings with rounded faces and rounded sides. A dome awning provides more style and architectural interest than the more traditional styles, such as hood and convex awnings. A perfect dome awning resembles a quarter sphere, but there are many different styles that draw upon this basic shape. Some of the more common are long domes, canopy domes, and entrance domes. In addition, there are a variety of coverings for the awning frames, including synthetic canvas and metal.
A perfect dome awning is twice as wide as it is tall. The bottom of the awning projects away from the wall the same distance as its height. This shape has limitations and is used mainly over single windows and doors. The perfect dome awning shape does not work well with multiple window or door applications, as the wider the dome awning, the taller it becomes. Modifications of the dome shape create different styles of dome awnings that can be used to cover wider areas.
Long dome awnings are capable of spanning any width. This awning style has half of a perfect dome shape at each end of the awning. The space between the ends of the awning follows the projected curve of the dome but runs straight across from one end to the other. The awning does not get taller in the space between the ends.
A canopy dome awning is a larger version of the perfect dome awning but without the height. This shape solves the problem of using a dome awning to cover a large area without becoming disproportionately tall. The awning still uses curves to achieve the dome shape, but they are longer curves. A canopy dome awning is more than twice as wide as it is tall, and the bottom projects farther away from the wall than its height.
An entrance dome canopy projects from an entrance wall out over a walkway. The back of the awning is connected to the wall, while poles support the front. This style uses either the perfect dome shape or the canopy dome shape at its front. An awning, matching the curve of the back bar of the dome, fills in the space between the wall and the dome.
The framework of a dome awning is typically made of aluminum or galvanized steel. Aluminum awning frames may utilize either round or square bars. Galvanized steel frames use round bars. To achieve the rounded shape of a dome awning, the bars are put through a pipe bender. Once the bars are bent to the proper curve, they are cut and welded together to make the awning.
Dome awnings are covered in either a fabric or metal material. Awning fabrics are specialty fabrics made to resist the damaging effects of the sun. They are available in vinyl, cloth, and cloth/vinyl designs. Most cloth awning fabrics are made of synthetic materials. Metal dome awnings have thin skins of metal screwed onto the awning framework.