What Thickness of Hollow Iron is Safe for Canopies?

Hollow iron is the most commonly used material for canopy frames because of its sleek appearance, strength, and ease of installation. However, one common mistake in the field is choosing hollow iron that's too thin, which can easily sag, vibrate, and even cause the canopy to collapse.

So, what thickness of hollow iron is safe for a canopy? Here's a complete explanation.

Why is Hollow Iron Thickness So Important for Canopies?

The canopy must be able to withstand:

• Roof load (spandek, polycarbonate, glass, or Alderon)
• Rainwater load
• Wind pressure
• Long-term vibrations and loads

If the hollow thickness is insufficient, the frame will:

• Bend easily
• Rust quickly
• Shorten its lifespan
• Hate safety

Recommended Safe Hollow Iron Thickness for Canopies
1. Residential Canopies (Terrace & Carport)
Safe thickness:

• 0.8 mm – 1.2 mm

Commonly used sizes:

• 40 × 40 mm Hollow (0.8–1.0 mm)
• 50 × 50 mm Hollow (1.0–1.2 mm)

Suitable for:

• Terrace canopies
• Private car carport canopies
• Lightweight roofs such as spandek or polycarbonate

2. Medium-sized Canopies (Shophouses & (Balcony)
Safe Thickness:

• 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm

Recommended Sizes:

• 50 × 50 mm Hollow (1.2–1.6 mm)
• 60 × 40 mm Hollow (1.4–1.6 mm)

Recommended for:

• Shophouse Canopies
• Balcony Canopies
• Slightly wide spans with medium-height roofs

3. Wide-Span or Open Area Canopies
Safe Thickness:

• 1.6 mm – 2.3 mm

Commonly Used Sizes:

• 75 × 75 mm Hollow
• 100 × 50 mm Hollow

Used for:

• Parking Canopies
• Factory Canopies

Public Areas with Wide Spans and Heavy Loads

Recommended Types of Hollow Steel for Canopies
1. Galvanized Hollow

• More Rust-Resistant
• Suitable for Outdoors
• Long Service Life Longer

2. Galvanized Hollow

• Smoother surface
• Easy to paint
• Remains resistant to light corrosion

Note: Black hollow is not recommended for outdoor canopies without additional anti-rust coating.

Common Mistakes in Choosing Hollow Iron for Canopies
Choosing a thickness below 0.6 mm

Not adjusting to the span and load

Using non-galvanized hollow iron for open areas

Spacing the frame too far

Conclusion
The safe thickness of hollow iron for canopies is a minimum of 0.8 mm, and must be adjusted to the span size, roof type, and installation location. The wider the span and the heavier the roof, the greater the thickness of the hollow iron required.

Need Quality Hollow Iron for Canopies?
PT Intisumber Bajasakti (ISBS) supplies galvanized and galvanized hollow iron in various sizes and thicknesses, suitable for everything from home canopies to large-scale projects.

📞 Phone: 021-66675999
🌐 Website: intisumberbajasakti.com
✉️ Email: info@intisumberbajasakti.com

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