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A mate of mine's rear entry garage door was starting to suffer the exposure of the weather. Plus after each time it had rained, water would drip over you when opening the door. So, I thought I would share this reasonably easy DIY project to install an awning over the door.
Bunnings have a range of awenings available, though these days with an ever expanding range, space to display them is not longer viable. So, when researching the various designs it's now more important to note the dimensions as well as design when placing the order through the special orders desk or on-line.
Though not the cheapest, we really liked the modern design of this Santa Monica model from Altamonte. The dark tinted polycarbinate roof, meant it would hide dust and debris over clear ones.
They can be installed to both timber and brick/concrete rendered walls and come with fixings for both. In our case we are fixing to brick.
DIY Level: Beginner to Intermidiate.
Materials
1 x Altamonte 1200mm x 900mm Santa Monica Tinted Premium Polycarbonate Canopy
1 x Roof and Gutter Sealant
Tools
Tape Measure
Marker Pen
Hammer Drill / SDS+ Hammer Drill
10mm Masonry / SDS+ Drill Bit
Hammer
Mallot
Impact Wrench / Socket Set / Ring Spanner
Platform Steps / Ladder
and of course a second pair of hands!
Steps
Step 1
Unpacking and Checking Contents
The product is well packed, though the instructions could be a little clearer, especially for the less experience DIY'r.
Step 2
Installing the Rubber Edge and Metal Side Supports
There are rubber strips that are fitted to the edge, that then fit within the side metal frames.
Start at one end and tap it into place as you move to the other end with a rubber mallot.
Step 3
Installing The Canopy Edge Support Strips and Support Bracket
The end brackets tap onto the rubber edge strips. It's not clear in the instructions and is easily confused that they are actually reversible. And it's not 100% clear which is the top of the canopy or the underside.
There is a keyway in the side profile that matches the side bracket profile. So, before tapping the side strips fully into place, double check how they will align to the side support brackets.
Step 4
Determining The Mounting Height and Marking the Position.
This can be a little tricky as ideally you want the awning to be fitted perfectly level/horizontal. But the brick course maybe off level.
So, you need to establish if level is more aesthetically pleasing than in line with a brick course that might not. This when you need a second pair of eyes to help determine the set height.
The awning frame is slightly off square until you mount it. This makes aligning the mounting holes a little tricky.
When marking out the holes, the most important factor is doing your best to align at least the top ones within the bricks and not the mortar course. Fixing to the brick will always be far more secure than the mortar.
You also don't wont to align the holes on an edge of a brick as it will chip out when drilling.
So, it becomes a little bit of a challenge to find the sweet spot of secure fixing holes whilst still aligning the awning central and to the right height over the doorway.
Step 5
Drilling the Fixture Holes
I decided to mark the top holes of each side, drill and fix them first. Then pull the bottom of the frame in as square as possible.
I am fortunate to own a pneumatic hammer drill, but a standard impact hammer drill on high-speed will do the job just fine.
When drilling into masonry with a standard hammer drill always start slow until you make some progress on the hole.
You need to apply constant pressure to maintain the hammer action. But don't lean on the tool. As you drill deeper, continually remove the drill bit to help clear the debris. This will keep the bit cooler, increase its life and drill the hole faster and cleaner. Wrapping painters tape around the bit will help guide the depth.
Same process if you own a pneumatic hammer drill, except don't apply much pressure as this counter-acts the efficiency of the tool.
Step 6
Fixing the Canopy to the Wall
Once the top of the awning is fixed in to place, hold square the side brackets and make the holes. Then drill through as per the same ethos as per step 5.
Step 7
Applying a Weatherproof Sealant
The instructions state to apply "glue". In actual fact you need to apply an exterior silicone sealant. I used a Monument coloured "Roof & Gutter one to match in with the brickwork. For added measure, I also applied this on the underside.
Step 8
Standing Back and Admiring a Job Well Done!
Job Completed!
Please reach out if you want any advice on your awning installation project.
Regards, Nailbag
Afternoon @Nailbag
Nice professional how to I must say 
Right down to having it look right more then being 100% level
Dave
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