The main types of covered walkway are open-sided, enclosed, wall-mounted and dome walkways, each offering a different balance of weather protection, cost and appearance. Open-sided walkways give overhead shelter with maximum freedom of movement; enclosed walkways add glazed sides for full protection; wall-mounted walkways fix to an existing building to keep the ground clear; and dome walkways offer a modern, low-maintenance profile. The right choice depends on your site, your budget and how much protection you need.
At Protect Canopies we design and install all four types for schools, hospitals, vets, prisons and commercial sites. Every covered walkway we supply is for semi-permanent or permanent installation, requires no groundworks or foundations, and carries an opal Sunlite™ roof on a robust aluminium frame that can be powder-coated to your colours.
1. Open-Sided Covered Walkways
Open-sided covered walkways are the simplest and most popular option: a roof supported on posts, giving overhead shelter while keeping the route fully open. They keep pedestrians dry between buildings while allowing maximum freedom of movement, and work well for queuing systems outside. We have installed open-sided walkways for hospitals, schools, vets and prisons, keeping patients, pupils, customers and visitors dry as they move between buildings.
2. Enclosed Covered Walkways
For more thorough protection, an enclosed walkway is the ideal solution. You can cover one side or both, depending on how exposed the route is. The sides are glazed in toughened safety glass or polycarbonate, giving full protection from wind-driven rain while still letting light through, and the panels can carry your branding or signage.
3. Wall-Mounted Walkway Canopies
Wall-mounted canopies fix to an existing building using wall brackets rather than a full leg structure on one side. The main advantage is that they keep that side of the ground clear, with no posts to work around. This makes them ideal where outdoor levels or measurements are awkward, or where space is tight against a building.
4. Dome Covered Walkways
A dome covered walkway suits schools and factories and is simple to maintain. The curved profile sheds water and debris easily and only needs cleaning with warm, soapy water roughly once a year to keep it looking new, saving time and effort without compromising appearance.
Which Type of Covered Walkway Is Right for You?
As a quick guide:
- Open-sided: best value, ideal for sheltered routes and queuing where full enclosure is not needed.
- Enclosed: best for exposed, windy sites or where full weather protection is essential.
- Wall-mounted: best where the walkway runs alongside an existing building or space is tight.
- Dome: best for a modern look and low maintenance, popular with schools.
For a full buyer’s walkthrough including roof styles, materials and extras, read How to Choose the Correct Covered Walkway Solution.
Why Choose Protect Canopies?
- No groundworks or foundations: surface-mounted ballast blocks suitable for almost any location.
- Certified to BS 6399: Part 2 wind and snow loading by independent structural engineers.
- Installed in just a few hours, with most orders delivered within 10 working days.
- Fixed-price contracts with a free site visit and free CAD design, so you see exactly what you are buying.
- Trusted by the NHS and HMPPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of covered walkway?
The four main types are open-sided walkways (a roof on posts), enclosed walkways (with glazed sides), wall-mounted canopies (fixed to a building) and dome walkways (a curved, low-maintenance profile). Each suits a different site and budget.
What is the most cost-effective type of covered walkway?
Open-sided covered walkways are usually the most cost-effective, as they provide overhead shelter without the cost of glazed sides. They are ideal where full enclosure is not required.
Can a covered walkway be attached to an existing building?
Yes. Wall-mounted walkway canopies fix directly to an existing building using brackets, keeping that side of the ground clear of posts. This is ideal where space is tight or ground levels are awkward.
How quickly can a covered walkway be installed?
Most covered walkways are installed within 10 working days of order, with on-site installation taking only a few hours. Our system uses surface-mounted ballast rather than excavated foundations, so there is no curing time or heavy plant required.
Talk to Protect Canopies
If you would like to know more about the different types of covered walkway, contact us today. We can install a walkway outside your premises in just a few hours, with no plant required and minimal disruption to your business. Explore our covered walkways page for sizes and pricing.
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