How to Level a Screened Canopy

Screened canopies are used to provide covering and shading over an area when outdoors and protection from annoying insects. The screened enclosure consists of four legs with a canopy across the top and screen walls attached to the legs, with one side having an opening for a door. To ensure safety, it is necessary for the canopy to be level, as an unevenly hung canopy is at risk of collapse. You can quickly level the screened canopy yourself with very few materials.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Dirt (optional)
• Cement block (optional)

Instructions

1. Inspect the area under each canopy leg to determine which legs need to be leveled. Determine which of the canopy legs are firmly on the ground; the other legs may be 2 to 3 inches off of the ground. The legs that are on the ground will be the ones you will use to level the canopy.

2. Gently lift one of the canopy legs off the ground.

3. Put the appropriate material under the leg you lifted up. For example, if the screened canopy is located on top of dirt, you need to put dirt under the canopy leg. If the canopy is located on cement, put a cement block under the leg that is the same width as the leg and 1 inch in height. Repeat this step for the other legs that are on the ground.

4. Examine the canopy to determine if all of the legs are on the ground. If they are not, add more dirt or blocks to the legs you leveled.

5. Set up a ladder next to the canopy. Climb the ladder and place a level on the top of the canopy. If the level's bubble is in the middle, then it means the canopy is level. If it is not, the side the bubble favors is the side you will need to put more dirt or blocks under the leg.

Tips & Warnings

• If the canopy is too heavy for you to lift up, enlist the help of a friend or relative.

• Cement blocks and dirt are available at most local home improvement stores.

References

• Greg Peil; Landscaper; West Palm Beach, Florida