Canopies: One Size DOES NOT Fit All

Austin Mohawk often gets requests to quote our “standard” product. This term has been used to refer to canopy size, column spacing, and the number of columns.

However, Austin Mohawk custom designs each canopy to be specific to each unique job site. While some canopy sizes are typical, there are several important factors to keep in mind when designing a new canopy. This includes items such as property lines, village/town/city code requirements, and brand-specific requirements.

The canopy footprint must be contained within the property line and drainage should always be directed within the boundaries of the property. Underground utilities must also be accounted for to ensure there is no interference with canopy footers. Turn lanes, drive lanes, and fuel islands must be measured so that the canopy can be designed to the correct size.

Another critical consideration is local village, town, or city code requirements. Every municipality has its own unique set of code requirements that must be followed. Height, size, and branding requirements are only a few of the possible design elements that can be regulated by codes. Designing a canopy from the start with these items in mind can save on costly changes and delays that can happen further along in the project.

One more design element to give thought to is brand-specific “rules” (i.e. Shell, BP, Mobil, Exxon, etc.). It is a good idea to research what is allowed on the canopy specific to your brand imaging. For instance:

• The number of signs allowed on the canopy and their placement.
• Some newer/upgraded images have switched to LED or illuminated fascia. Learning this in advance can help incorporate these updated images if necessary.
• Towns typically make these determinations based on zoning and look at the overall SF of illumination to consider signage.

Austin Mohawk offers assistance throughout this process with our Eastern States Sales rep force who can provide guidance for the ideal canopy layout depending on your pump quantity/positioning and site layout. Austin Mohawk also provides preliminary sketches to use for incorporating into your site plan with architect or engineering firm to confirm the layout works with all other site factors.

Contact us today to let us know how we can be of assistance.