#22 Frame Cut Outs by Tom Atkins, Steel Stitch Corp.
This month's tech tip focuses on frame cut-outs. Frame cut outs are needed when the awning or canopy frame members must be fitted around non-removable surface obstructions on the building. The most common situation that calls for a frame cut-out occurs when a down-spout has been routed vertically
along the wall and through the installation zone. In this case, the top-bar
and the back-bar must be rerouted around the down-spout. For the back-bar,
the problem is easily solved by using 45° miters as shown in
Figure A.
It is wise to allow at least a 1/2" gap between the back-bar and the down-spout.
You may allow more or less than the standard 1/2", depending on the accuracy
of your field measurements. The frame cut-out along the top-bar is a bit
more tricky because there is fabric involved. Since the face of the awning
or canopy is most often sloped, the simple technique shown in
Figure A
for the back-bar will not work. Instead, the cut-out must be
made by using a u-rafter. A u-rafter is made by cutting two small
rafters that connect to the top-bar in the same manner 
as the other rafters
in the frame. The lower ends of the small rafters are then mitered with
facing 45° angles
and connected together with a short piece of SMP-1C, which is also mitered
to fit, as shown in
Figure B. Smaller frame cut-outs can be made
along the top-bar by cutting small mitered pieces of SMP-1B as shown in
Figure C.
This method is particularly useful on awnings with nearly
flat tops, or on end panels. If you have any questions regarding this
technical tip or other technical matters, feel free to contact Tom Atkins at 1-800-441-3316 or reach him via e-mail at
Click to eMail Tom.
Also don't forget, the Awning Manufacturing Guide is loaded with technical information on building with the Steel Stitch™ System, and can be purchased by contacting your Steel Stitch™ Distributor.
© 2001-2006, Steel Stitch Corp., All Rights Reserved
Screen last modified 13 September 2006