Build a Free-Standing Patio Cover
© 2009 by Kelly Smith all rights reserved
Build a freestanding patio cover to protect your camper, car, or boat. Or add value to your home while
creating a space for entertaining.
You can build one from scratch or build one from a kit. If you opt for a kit and need a pre-screened
contractor, take advantage of Angie’s List Angie’s List - Ratings,
reviews and sometimes revenge. See what local homeowners say about the service companies they hire.
Home Equity and Location
The free standing patio cover will increase the value of your home. Where is it generally situated?
That depends on your needs. It works well on the side, rear, or front of the house. It’s used for various
reasons but generally because it protects people and possessions from the weather.
It allows homeowners to
enjoy the outdoors without the blistering heat and unhampered by rain. Many homeowners take advantage of this
to enjoy their family and friends. If this sounds like you, go here to shop for
Hot Tubs.
We offer a wide variety of hot tubs and spas at thousands below retail.
It can also be handy keeping the
the sun from damaging your camper, truck, or boat.
Many patio cover roofs are solid, using materials such as fiberglass or aluminum while others are
decorative, with joists open to block any sunlight not directed straight down. However it’s built,
it’s a superb investment in your home’s value.
Apply for a Building Permit and Alert Your Neighborhood Association
Because a free standing patio cover is an extension to your home, attached or not, most likely
you’ll need to apply for a structural building permit at town hall. Your insurance company might need to
see it. Also, if you’re a member of a neighborhood association, you’ll have to secure their
permission.
Preparing to Build Your Patio Cover
Is there an existing concrete patio slab on the site? If there is, you’re ready to build your patio
cover. If not, the first thing you have to take care of is
pouring and finishing a concrete slab.
When that’s done, you’re free to construct a cover of your own design or purchase a pre-fab patio cover
kit from a supplier. An Internet search will reveal a slew of them and some offer free shipping.
Patio Cover Design
You’ll need posts for support; one on every corner and also spaced along the sides. The interval
between them depends on your building code. These are to be connected by beams, and the joists run
perpendicular to the beams.
Your roofing material is attached to the joists or if your design is open,
the joists are your roof. If additional protection from the sun is needed, attach a lattice, or vines
can be trained on the joists. Depending on your situation, you may want to install
rain gutters and downspouts
for the rain.
Choosing Construction Materials
There’s a wide selection of materials available. When you choose to construct a wooden patio cover
out of weather resistant wood, such as redwood, you’re assured of many years of regular use.
Other than wood, two top-rated building materials are fiberglass and aluminum. Each is relatively
untroubled by rain, snow, or heat. Historically, cedar and redwood have been considered superior
material for outdoor construction; however the expense has been increasing.
Alumawood: A Made to Order Patio Material
Currently the trendy material is Alumawood. Its benefit is that it has the appearance of wood but
has the durability of aluminum. It is reputed to sustain winds up to 90 MPH.
A free standing patio cover is a smart addition to a home, and can be utilized for entertaining,
storage or recreation. If you design and build it by yourself, you’ll be money ahead and the envy of
your neighbors.
Additional Resource Links
- Advanced Water Filters Advanced Water Filters offers a complete line of premium and value reverse osmosis units for the home or office.
- LED Lights Magnalight sells golights, 24v flashlights, spotlights, and military lights, one of the largest light suppliers on the web.
- Infared Sauna Our saunas use industry leading technology that is the most energy efficient available today.
- Swimming Pools If you have always wanted a pool but aren't sure if you can afford one, check out the financing program at Nationwide Pools.
- Titanium Surplus Titanium Metal Supply is a full service source of titanium mill products.
- Spa Covers Custom made covers for all hot tub and spa types any shape new or old.
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