Suojakato

Suojakato is a lightweight shelter with a roof supported by posts or a frame, designed to protect people, vehicles, or goods from rain, snow, and sun. It is typically not fully enclosed and can be free-standing or attached to a building. The structure emphasizes speed of construction, shelter effectiveness, and weather protection without the expense of a full building.

Common forms include entrance canopies over doors, loading-area canopies, car canopies (autokatos) and garden shelters. Roofs are usually pitched or slightly sloped, and the frame may be timber, steel, or aluminum. Roofing materials include metal sheeting, polycarbonate panels, wood shingles, or composite sheets.

Applications vary from residential porches and school bus stops to marketplaces and agricultural premises where equipment, feed, or livestock need protection from precipitation. In Nordic climates, suojakato helps extend outdoor use of spaces and reduces weather-related wear on items.

Design and placement must consider local regulations, wind and snow loads, drainage, and accessibility. Larger attached suojakatto structures may require planning permission and must comply with building codes. Regular maintenance focuses on sealing joints, rust prevention, and clearing debris from gutters.