A canopy adds practical shelter over an entrance, improving kerb appeal and protecting your doorway from the weather. We supply and install a range of canopy styles across South Wales, including tiled, fibreglass and glazed options.
A simple way to add shelter and kerb appeal
Canopies are a straightforward upgrade that can make a big difference to the look and usability of an entrance – especially during wet and windy weather.
Key benefits
Shelter from rain and wind
A smarter, more finished entrance
Helps protect doors and thresholds
Suitable for many property styles
Click image to enlarge
Canopy types
We’ll recommend the right canopy type based on your entrance, the look you want, and how much coverage you need.
Tiled canopies
A more traditional look that suits many homes and gives a robust, permanent feel over the doorway.
Key features:
Strong, traditional appearance
Great for kerb appeal
Ideal where a more “built-in” look is preferred
Fibreglass canopies
A lightweight option designed to provide practical shelter with a clean, low-maintenance finish.
Key features:
Lightweight and durable
Low maintenance
A neat, practical solution
Glazed canopies
A modern option that keeps the entrance bright, while still providing shelter.
Key features:
Brighter entrance area
Clean, modern look
Ideal where you want shelter without blocking light
Matching your canopy to your entrance
We can help ensure the canopy complements your doorway and wider frontage, including finishes and colour choices where appropriate.
Key features:
Canopy style to suit the property
Finishes that work with existing windows/doors
Practical sizing for the level of cover you need
Doors that pair well with canopies
If you’re upgrading your entrance, it’s often a good time to review door style and glazing too.
Door options:
Composite doors
uPVC doors
Aluminium doors
Decorative glass options (internal link to Glass options hub)
Brochures & Resources
Helpful resources
Welsh Government – Planning permission: permitted development rights for householders
Welsh Government – Householder permitted development technical guide (PDF)
Planning Portal – Interactive House
Please note this informative but is aimed at homes in England.
Building Regulations (Building Control)
Most home improvement work has Building Regulations considerations, but what’s required depends on the scope of work.
Replacement windows and external doors are “controlled fittings” and must meet Building Regulations (for example energy efficiency, safety glazing, ventilation and means of escape where relevant).
Distinction Windows is FENSA registered, which means we can self-certify qualifying replacement window and door installations and provide certification as proof of compliance.
Conservatories in Wales are normally exempt from Building Regulations approval when they meet certain conditions (for example: ground level, under 30m², thermally separated from the house by external-quality doors/walls/windows, no fixed heating or heating system extended into the conservatory, and glazing/electrics comply). Exemptions aren’t automatic — it depends on the design and specification.
Important: even where the conservatory is exempt, a new structural opening between the conservatory and the house will require Building Regulations approval.
Porches can also be exempt in Wales in many cases, but (among other factors) the existing front entrance door must remain in place, and the porch must not adversely affect level/ramped disabled access where this applies.
Orangeries and other extension-style glazed spaces, especially those with more solid roofs/walls, may require Building Regulations approval depending on the scope of works.
We’ll flag anything likely to need Building Control approval during survey. If there’s any doubt, we recommend confirming with your local authority Building Control for peace of mind.
Planning Permission
Planning rules vary depending on the size and position of what you’re building. Many domestic projects can fall under permitted development, but this depends on limits/conditions and whether your property still has permitted development rights.
In Wales, conservatories are treated the same as single-storey extensions for planning purposes, and permitted development is subject to specific limits and conditions (including restrictions around principal elevations, boundaries, designated land and listed buildings).
Porches in Wales are typically permitted development provided:
external ground area is no more than 3m²
height is no more than 3m
no part is within 2m of a boundary and the highway
(And these allowances apply to houses, not flats/maisonettes, and may be removed by the local authority.)
Want to improve your entrance?
Get a free, no-obligation quote and we’ll advise on the best canopy option for your home.