Aluminum & steel · Portland, Oregon
Commercial metal awnings & canopies
Aluminum and steel awnings, architectural canopies, trellises and sunscreens that bolt to the façade, for storefronts, offices, apartments and entries. Little upkeep, a clean modern line, and a crew that’s worked Portland buildings since 1954.
- Aluminum or steelMatched to the span
- 6 systemsBolt-on canopies to sunscreens
- Very littleUpkeep, year after year
Metal for business, explained
What is a commercial metal awning?
A commercial metal awning is a fixed awning or canopy with a metal frame and cover, mounted over a storefront, entry or walkway. Rose City Awning & Flag installs aluminum awnings, steel where a heavier build is called for, and bolt-on architectural systems such as canopies, trellises, shutters and sunscreens. Metal holds up to snow, hail and sleet and needs very little upkeep.
Support styles
How metal canopies are held up
The support decides how far the canopy can reach and what your wall has to carry. We look at the wall first, then suggest the support that fits the building.
- Simplest
Wall bracket
Angled brackets or knee braces under the awning carry it back to the wall. Common on smaller door and window awnings.
- Classic canopy
Hanger rods
Rods run from the wall above down to the front edge, so the canopy needs nothing underneath. Typical on entrance canopies.
- No visible supports
Cantilever
The frame is anchored into the structure and simply projects out. The cleanest look, and the most dependent on what’s in the wall.
- Longest reach
Post-supported
Posts at the front carry the load, for deep covers over walkways, patios and drive-up areas.
Drawings are simplified side views, wall on the left. Which supports suit your building depends on the structure behind the façade and what the city requires.
Architectural systems
Bolt-on canopies, trellises and sunscreens
For a clean, modern commercial line, we install manufactured metal systems that bolt to the façade: canopies over entries, trellises and sunscreens that shade glass, and decorative wall panels and shutters.
- Tuscany TrellisTrellis
- Decorative Wall SystemWall panel
- Caribbean ShuttersShutters
- Colorado CanopyCanopy
- Hollywood SunscreenSunscreen
- Seattle CanopyCanopy
Need your name on the building too? Fabric awnings carry logos and lettering made in our shop. Awning graphics.
Choosing the material
Aluminum, steel or fabric?
Most commercial entries get aluminum. Steel comes in where the span or the load asks for more. Fabric on a welded frame wins when the awning has to carry a sign.
| Feature | AluminumMost entries | SteelHeavier builds | FabricOn a welded frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light | Heavier | Light frame, fabric cover |
| Rust | Doesn’t rust | Needs its protective finish kept up | Aluminum frame doesn’t rust |
| Strength | Plenty for most entries and windows | Extra strength for a bigger span or load | Shaped to fit; the cover can be replaced |
| Look | Sleek and modern | Industrial, heavy line | Soft, any color or stripe |
| Branding | — | — | Logos and lettering from our shop |
| Upkeep | Very little | Keep the finish intact | Cleaning; recover when the fabric wears |
| Learn more | Metal awnings | Metal awnings | Commercial awnings |
Examples
Metal on the façade
Aluminum awnings from our Portland jobs, a bolt-on system and the canopy styles commercial buildings use.
Rooftop patioCurved metal and fabric cover Decorative Wall SystemBolt-on louvers · manufacturer photo 
Entrance canopyIron and glass along a brick façade 
Door and windowAluminum awnings, Portland job 
Window runGreen aluminum awnings, Portland job
Portland permits
Do you need a permit for a metal awning?
Often, especially over a sidewalk. Portland City Code Chapter 32.52 sets structural, clearance and maintenance standards for awnings, and attachments must meet the building code.
- 01
Photos and a rough width
A straight-on photo of the façade and the opening tells us most of what we need.
- 02
Site visit
We check the wall, the clearance over the sidewalk and the support that fits the structure.
- 03
Permit guidance
Storefront awnings often need a permit. We’ll tell you what the city is likely to ask for.
- 04
Install
Our crew mounts the awning or system to the building and checks the finish.
What customers say
In their words
“Rose City Awning installed awnings at our Multnomah Village location to protect customers from rain. The work was excellent and the workers were very professional.”
“We ordered new awnings for our condominium property. The staff at Rose City was very helpful and patient including providing samples, measuring the current awnings and a prompt and efficient installation.”
“This is a really great and honest company and know what they are talking about. The quality of their product is very good and just what I wanted.”
Commercial metal awning questions
What is the best metal for a commercial awning?
For most commercial entries and windows, aluminum: it’s light, it doesn’t rust and it needs very little upkeep. Steel is heavier and stronger, so it comes in where a bigger span or load calls for it, and its protective finish needs keeping up.
Are metal awnings better than fabric for a business?
For upkeep and weather, usually: metal holds up to snow, hail and sleet and asks for very little care. Fabric wins when the awning needs to carry a logo or lettering, or a particular color or shape.
Do you install metal canopies over building entrances?
Yes. We install bolt-on architectural metal systems for commercial buildings, including the Colorado Canopy and Seattle Canopy, along with trellises, shutters and sunscreens.
Do I need a permit for a commercial awning in Portland?
Often, especially when it projects over a sidewalk or public space. Portland City Code Chapter 32.52 sets standards for awnings, and attachments must meet the building code. We’ll tell you what to expect at the site visit.
Can a metal awning go on brick or stucco?
Yes. Metal awnings mount to almost any exterior surface, including brick, siding and stucco. At the consultation we check what’s behind the wall and how the awning should attach.
How much does a commercial metal awning cost?
It depends on size, metal, system, support style and mounting, plus any permit work, so Rose City Awning & Flag quotes after a free consultation. A photo of the façade and a rough width are often enough for a ballpark. What sets the price.
Get a metal awning or canopy bid
Send a straight-on photo of the façade and a rough width of the entry or frontage. We’ll suggest a system and follow up with a ballpark.
- Call
- (503) 226-2761
- Showroom
- 2728 NW Nela St, Portland
Send us your project
Photos and rough measurements are often enough for a ballpark.
