How to install a door canopy on polystyrene?

[ty2]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to install a door canopy to help stop heavy rain from leaking through the bottom of my door, but I’ve run into a bit of a challenge. The existing overhang is made of polystyrene, which is attached directly to the stud, so I’m not sure of the best way to mount the canopy securely.

I’d love some advice on:

The best way to attach a canopy to polystyrene without damaging it.

Whether I need to reinforce the attachment area and, if so, how to do it properly.

Any specific brackets or fixings that would work well for this situation.

This is the canopy I’m looking at:

Herald 2.24m x 1.39m Door Awning

I’m still deciding between the 2-meter or 4-meter wide option:

2 meters would cover just the doorway and a bit of the window.

4 meters would cover the entire front door and both windows.

I’ve attached some photos for reference. If anyone has experience with this or any tips, I’d really appreciate the help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ty2,

The canopy will need to be directly attached through the polystyrene cladding sheets into the studs behind to ensure a secure and stable installation. If the canopy’s fixing points don’t align with the studs, you can install a timber bridging plate on the outside of the wall between them to provide a solid mounting surface.

I can’t imagine that the manufacturer of the cladding would recommend fixing the canopy directly to the polystyrene due to wind loads, as it wouldn’t provide enough strength to support it. Your best bet is to locate the structural elements behind the cladding and ensure your fixings go into those for a safe and long-lasting installation. 

It would likely be best to enlist the services of an engineer or builder to verify that the timber is structurally sound enough to support the loads.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell