A good wind seismic performance and live load is crucial to the design of any type of structure.
Be careful with any builder who might cut corners and skimp on quality when installing a carport or building a patio cover. Some will use cheap materials or misuse products in ways they were never designed or engineered for, which can lead to serious issues. Don’t be fooled—there are builders out there who ignore engineering standards and throw together shoddy structures with subpar parts, putting their customers at risk.
Poles and beams are the key elements of any structure, forming the backbone that supports it all. The framework takes on the weight of various loads, especially from snow, ice, wind, and the demands of live load requirements.
Construction materials need to meet certain standards and follow engineering guidelines. Ensuring they serve their purpose without going beyond design limits is key to keeping any structure, including outdoor living spaces, lasting for years.
Also, be cautious about unverified claims regarding wind load capacity; using building products beyond their intended purpose results in shoddy, overblown work—and that’s putting it politely.
However, this occurs more frequently than one might expect, mostly from cut-rate, inexperienced builders who wish to present customers with the lowest possible price instead of taking the time to explain why it’s beneficial to build a stronger canopy and adhere to today's modern building standards.
All structures are limited by their weakest link!
Columns or poles are built to handle vertical loads, while cross beams are meant to support horizontal loads. Knowing this distinction is key when designing and building structures like carports or patio covers. While cheaper rolled-formed steel poles might improve vertical strength, they don’t do much for resisting horizontal forces. Choosing a sturdier, thicker beam is always the smarter move—it’s like using a 2x6 instead of the required 2x10 wooden beam according to specs, which is simply weak and not recommended.
A structure might perform well at first, but its real strength shows when it’s put under pressure from high winds, heavy snow, or ice. Using roll-formed poles as fake beams, especially with seams running through them, raises the risk of failure since these poles can buckle the whole structure.
As the “open span”—the distance between support columns or poles—gets larger, the need for strong, well-reinforced beams becomes more important. Wider spans and taller canopies are more vulnerable to uplift from trapped winds, so it’s essential to make sure any structure is built to handle the loads it might face.
A structure’s true test of resilience comes when it faces the weight of heavy snow or ice. Its stability depends on the poles and beams, which do the real heavy lifting to keep everything standing strong.
Opting for well-designed, expertly engineered structural beams, even if they cost more than lower-quality materials, provides better strength and ensures lasting structural integrity.
We always encourage our customers to spend a little extra on a well-designed, properly built outdoor living space, highlighting the value of using a strong, correctly installed header beam instead of cutting corners.
It is crucial for withstanding the higher wind loads commonly experienced within our region
(See pic above which is building framed damaged during construction by high winds)
Choosing a cheaper, low-cost, roll-formed, lighter-gauge steel column or pole—a product never meant to serve as a horizontal structural crossbeam—can compromise the integrity of the structure. This approach is often just a way to present the customer with a lower project bid instead of taking the time to explain the advantages of using stronger, properly designed support beams and poles that can handle heavy lifting and withstand loads from high winds, snow, and ice.
The pole they typically use was never designed, nor should it be used, as a beam under today’s stricter building codes and standards. This product was neither designed nor engineered for that purpose, so it doesn’t meet any building codes at all. It’s what’s called a lock seam pole, not a beam, and it’s made from rolled flat stock with a seam running the entire length. It’s built with bends to add strength, but being a rolled-formed steel post, it can rust. It’s also not the more expensive extruded aluminum 1/8-inch-thick beam or pole.
A contractors must be knowledgeable about building codes and permit requirements and must not intentionally deviate from them and build just anything!
Do it correctly the first time, and you won't have to worry about doing it over.
About Structural Insulated panels
Beat the Oklahoma heat with the best patio cover for summer comfort, featuring our structural insulated patio covers to keep you cool all season long.
Oklahoma summers are perfect for backyard barbecues, family get-togethers like family reunions, and laid-back evenings outside—but the sweltering heat can make patios unbearable well before the day ends. With temps often soaring into the 90s or even breaking 100°F, plus constant sunshine and high UV levels, many homeowners end up heading inside instead of enjoying the outdoor spaces. You have worked hard to create and invested in their property.
The challenge with patio covers isn’t just blocking direct sunlight. Traditional patios, decks, and even some pergolas can soak up heat during the day and radiate it back, making the space feel hotter than you’d expect. Just shading the area isn’t always enough if the cover itself becomes a heat source, much like an attic does in most homes. That built-up heat forces your AC to work harder to keep things comfortable indoors. That’s why picking the right patio cover makes all the difference.
Why is the Oklahoma heat so challenging for outdoor living? Outdoor living in Oklahoma means tackling the tough task of creating a space that stays comfortable despite the weather working against it. Unlike mild climates where a bit of shade might do the trick, Oklahoma homeowners need outdoor solutions that can handle long stretches of extreme summer heat and fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.
Creating a comfortable outdoor space takes more than just blocking direct sunlight. It’s all about finding the right balance of shade, airflow, and heat control so people can enjoy their patios at any time of day, not just in the cool of the morning or evening. Without thoughtful design, even the most stunning outdoor area can end up looking great but feeling unusable during the peak summer heat.
Can a open Patio cover really Keep You Cooler?
A patio cover can really enhance the comfort of your outdoor space, but the overall experience depends a lot on its design and features. Traditional single-ply covers or pergolas are mostly meant to give partial shade. While they help cut down on direct sunlight, they might not offer enough protection during the hottest times of the day.
Modern-day structural insulated panels (SIP) patio covers offer a flexible and practical solution. Featuring a strong 3-inch-thick high-density foam core, these energy-efficient sandwich panels provide the highest R-factor of any patio cover or covered pergola currently on the market. They create a sleek, modern overhead canopy that enhances comfort beneath it, making them the best solid-core patio cover available today.
To further enhance the outdoor experience, many homeowners choose to add features such as ceiling fans, misting systems, and smart-controlled LED lighting. Fans help circulate the air flow and create a refreshing breeze, while additional accessories can improve the overall functionality and usability of the space. Together, these features allow the outdoor area to adapt to different weather conditions and usage needs, making it more enjoyable throughout your day.
With thoughtful design and the right combination of features, a SIP type patio cover becomes more than a seasonal shade solution—it becomes an extension of your home that allows you to make better use of your outdoor living space.
Aluminum patio covers tend to perform better in the southern region of the USA. When selecting a patio cover for this area, the choice of materials is just as important as the design. Outdoor structures face intense weather conditions year-round, so durability and long-term performance should be key considerations.
Aluminum is a top choice for modern patio cover systems because it’s strong, stable, and low-maintenance without compromising on looks. Unlike wood, which can warp, crack, fade, or need regular staining and sealing, aluminum keeps its shape and finish with very little upkeep.
For homeowners in the Southern region, this means enjoying a gorgeous outdoor space without the hassle of constant upkeep. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are built to handle shifting weather while offering a sleek, modern design that pairs well with many architectural styles.
We offer a variety of pole and header beam options, with standard aluminum trims available. As experienced industry professionals, we can also add other trim options to enhance their appearance.
What has to happen before we build?
Residential Construction
We understand how crucial it is to create a home that’s both beautiful and functional, especially when it involves aspects like carport installation and outdoor living space enhancements. Our team collaborates closely with you to bring your vision to life smoothly, without hiccups, delays, or unnecessary stress. That’s why being prepared for construction crews to be on your property, particularly during patio cover construction, is essential.
Agreements
We require a signed agreement before starting any work at the site, including carport installation or patio cover construction. A written bid proposal can serve as an agreement in principle for the price and services to be provided, which helps us enhance your outdoor living space. Depending on the project’s size and turnaround time, we may ask for an agreed-upon down payment, as well as procurement and progress payments. Special ordered materials for your project will also necessitate a down payment.
Add-On products and services to the original agreements - No problems we love add-ons.
All project add-on products and services, such as carport installation or patio cover construction, can be included in the original agreement through an add-on contract rider. A customer may be asked to schedule any additional services related to outdoor living space enhancements in the original agreements at a later date.
Project Management and Building Permits
We have been specializing in carport installation and outdoor living space projects for a long time, observing various job sites across multiple locations. Each municipality may have its own set of rules and requirements for building permits. It is ultimately the customer's responsibility to understand what is needed before beginning construction on their building site. If a building permit is required for your patio cover construction or other projects, we can offer additional professional services to assist in acquiring the necessary building permits on the customer's behalf. Please note that there are costs associated with the permit, in addition to our service fee for obtaining the building permits. Most applications require a job site drawing and a visit to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) location. Payment for these services and their associated costs must be made upfront when needed. Customers are always welcome to conduct their own research and obtain their own building permits if they prefer.
Pets removed and the Animal poop should be removed from the area leading up to the work
We specialize in designing modern, functional buildings, including outdoor living spaces, that meet our clients' needs and preferences. If we’re scheduled to work on your property, please clean up after your pets—no one likes stepping in animal waste. Additionally, if you are considering carport installation or patio cover construction, we can connect you with a third-party contractor who offers these services; just let us know, and we’ll be happy to share their contact details.
Underground Utility's locations
Before starting any excavation for carport installation or patio cover construction, it’s important to locate and mark underground utilities. You can use the Call Okie (811) service for assistance with this. Ultimately, it’s the customer’s responsibility to ensure there aren’t any underground obstructions. We’re not liable for hitting any unexpected underground obstacles, so if there are any utilities in the area of the planned outdoor living space or construction, we need to be informed upfront and before the work begins.
Sprinkler Systems
We specialize in construction, including carport installation and patio cover construction, and marking the locations of sprinkler systems is key to avoiding them whenever possible. We understand this isn’t always doable, so having clear mutual agreement and understanding is important for creating a safe outdoor living space.
Trash
Regular trash is bagged and left on-site for standard pickup unless our agreement specifically includes disposal. For bigger items or old structures that need to be removed from the job site, such as during a carport installation or patio cover construction, haul-off and dump fees apply. Sometimes, we place these items by the curb for heavy trash day or arrange for a scrapper to pick them up, ensuring the outdoor living space remains tidy.
Pictures -
All photos taken at the jobsite during carport installation and patio cover construction are the sole property of A Better Construction DBA Carports and Patio Covers of Oklahoma, and we retain all rights to them. If you’d prefer we not take any photos, just let us know ahead of time. We’re flexible and happy to respect your wishes.
Being on-site during construction is not obligatory, but it is recommended, as unexpected decisions may need to be made that require immediate discussion. It is crucial to have your cell phone number available so that we can reach you quickly if any issues arise concerning your outdoor living space.
What you type of building do you need?
Engineered, Pre-Engineered or a Non-Engineered Structures?
The goal is to ensure optimal performance and safety of any structure, including various applications like carport installation and outdoor living space enhancements.
There are essentially three distinct types of buildings. A canopy-style structure is similar to most buildings, except that many do not include walls. Canopy structures serve a variety of purposes, including break areas, carports, patio cover construction, pavilions, product storage covers, sidewalk coverings, entrance covers, and strip mall structures, all intended to provide protection for people and their vehicles.
All building materials have their own limits regarding safe usage for covering a canopy open span area or between any structure poles. The stress on any structure can come from various sources, but typically arises from wind, snow, earthquakes, or shifting soil.
Snow load refers to the amount of "snow and ice" weight per square foot (PSF) that a building's roof is able to support.
Wind loads refer to the force that winds exert on any type of structure, and in the context of a canopy type of application, we consider up-drafts and down-drafts, as well as the effects of earthquakes and shifting soils.
Dead load represents the weight of the building itself. If any building material limits are exceeded, the structure may collapse or fail during stress, often occurring during severe weather events. Live load refers to the weight of all the furniture and people inside the structure.
Non-engineered structures are those not specifically designed to meet particular design criteria. Such buildings might be constructed by a builder purchasing components at a local building materials yard and fabricating a structure without plans, blueprints, or documentation to verify their compliance with engineering or design standards.
Non-engineered building design processes do not account for component loads or actual material strengths. Somewhere in between lies a partially engineered structure—a non-engineered type where no gray areas exist. Most residential structures fall under this classification, but more municipalities are now requiring a certified pre-engineered type of construction.
A pre-engineered structure is designed and fabricated by a manufacturer to meet specific specifications, building codes, and load requirements. Opting for such a building structure is an easy way to ensure compliance with local codes without hiring a structural design engineer. The manufacturer conducts its own testing and design, ensuring that when built correctly, the structure will perform according to established engineering standards. Additionally, it offers numerous customization options, allowing modifications based on your unique wants and needs.
Engineered buildings involve professionals who specialize in structural engineering to analyze, design, plan, and research structural components and systems, thus achieving design goals while ensuring the safety and comfort of occupants.
A professional structural design engineer can certify structural blueprints with their state approval seal, confirming that the design meets safety standards. Each state has its own rules and regulations, meaning designs accepted in one state may not be permitted in another. Structural engineering requires critical skills and ongoing training to meet specific design criteria, ensuring structures adhere to engineering standards. Engineers need to predict how materials will perform over time and under certain stress or load.
Normal stress can result from heavy rains, ice and snow loads, high wind loads, earthquakes, and soil movements. A fully engineered building ensures that all structural component interactions are accounted for during analysis, and forces from this analysis are used to size all building components appropriately.
For larger structures, local municipalities often require architectural blueprints and engineering specifications, which must accompany a submittal package before building permits are issued. These additional professional services incur costs that must be addressed before construction begins. Some local building material suppliers employ engineering personnel who can provide certification on their designs when built to specification.
We also collaborate with product manufacturers whose canopy designs are pre-engineered and include the stamped blueprints from company engineers, available for review if necessary. It's important to note that you cannot build a non-engineered canopy structure and later seek engineering approval after construction; this must be addressed upfront.
The real test of any structure is when it is put under stress!
Building codes serve as the construction industry's guidelines, establishing minimum standards to ensure that structures are safe and functional. These codes outline essential construction methods, enabling builders of all skill levels to avoid major errors while meeting critical safety and quality standards. Consequently, even novices can create buildings that are sturdy and safe. Conversely, experienced builders often go beyond these basic requirements, understanding that the minimum isn't always sufficient for long-term quality, design, and performance. They select better materials, implement smarter building techniques, and incorporate distinctive features not covered in standard codes. This is where skilled inspectors play a vital role, able to recognize superior methods and approve them, even if they aren't included in the codebook. This interaction is particularly prominent in areas known for luxury custom homes. In conclusion, while building codes are essential for basic safety and quality, they cannot replace the expertise and judgment required for superior construction. The best buildings are typically erected by those who adhere to the rules while also recognizing when and how to exceed them for exceptional results.
What Is Structural Engineering?
It is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering depends upon a detailed knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science and applied mathematics to understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. To apply the knowledge successfully a Structural engineering generally requires detailed knowledge of relevant empirical and theoretical design codes, the techniques of structural analysis, as well as some knowledge of the corrosion resistance of the materials and structures, especially when those structures are exposed to the external environment.
Carports and Patio covers of OK builds permanent structures.
We are skilled wood and metal frame carpenters by trade, also functioning as specialty metal contractors who build all types of high-quality canopies and awnings for various residential and commercial applications.
**Carports & Patio Covers of Oklahoma**
We specialize in custom carport installation and build a variety of canopies tailored to meet our customers' wants and needs, all while recognizing that even a millionaire has a budget. Our constructions can be crafted from wood or metal (steel & aluminum), along with other quality building materials available in different sizes and thicknesses.
As outdoor living spaces gain popularity for entertaining, relaxation, and outdoor cooking, more individuals are looking to enhance their surroundings. Creating versatile outdoor areas that extend the comforts of home into the fresh air has become a significant trend.
Before we provide a bid proposal, we will schedule an appointment to visit each project site. By working directly with us, you can engage with the builder and avoid the high markups, overhead, and substantial sales commissions charged by middlemen. If you're interested in patio cover construction, you’ve come to the right place.
We offer elegant style and beauty solutions, whether you need shelter from the sun, protection from the rain, or simply want to enjoy a refreshing outdoor experience!
A well-designed patio cover adds an attractive design element that enriches your home’s overall style.
There is a significant movement toward personalizing your outdoor living space!
Patio covers offer a variety of options for shade, relaxation, entertainment, and dining, enhancing your outdoor living space. Adding a patio cover is perfect for protecting outdoor furniture, hot tubs, and other outdoor features. These canopies can also significantly lower the heat in your home, contributing to energy savings and cooler indoor temperatures during the summer months.
We provide the latest products for patio cover construction along with a range of color options available in the industry. Our expertise includes constructing various structures such as pergolas, arbors, pavilions, screen rooms, and sunrooms, all designed to complement your outdoor living experience.
By using traditional building materials while also presenting advanced options, we encourage you to explore all available choices before embarking on your carport installation or other projects. We take pride in staying informed about the latest trends and building options within the industry.
In addition to custom-built structures, we are also proud dealers of select product lines, showcasing the finest options the industry has to offer.
Outdoor patio covers vary widely in shape, style, size, material, and price. Since 1982, ABC has been crafting extraordinary structures, establishing ourselves as your locally trusted builder and contractor.
It's important to note the difference between a canopy and an awning: a canopy is supported by legs or poles, while an awning is mounted to the side of a structure without any legs. Both canopies and awnings are constructed with an array of building materials.
Enhance your home with added value and useful living space by choosing a patio cover, arbor, pergola, or pavilion!
Creating an outdoor living space is a recent trend that offers more benefits than initially apparent, potentially increasing your property's value. It adds functional square footage and helps mitigate interior heat during summer by providing shade under a well-constructed patio cover.
The first steps in patio cover construction involve determining the placement and dimensions. A crucial decision is selecting the type of building materials, which often hinges on your budget. Each material presents its own cost considerations.
Explore our website to discover options that resonate with your vision. If you don't find what you're looking for, please let us know. If you have an image of a design you wish to bring to life, that's fantastic; we'll evaluate it together and figure out what is needed for construction.
Give your old patio a new facelift!
You might notice that all our patio cover projects feature a larger design header cross beam that spans across the canopy poles for structural strength. This support is essential, especially when the structure is subjected to stress from high wind loads and snow or ice. We strive to differentiate ourselves from other builders who may use inferior products that were neither designed nor engineered for proper support, simply to present a cheaper bid price.
Never let any contractor simply plop a patio cover on your roof without ensuring it meets structural standards for durability.
Preparing the surface for the installation.
Surface mounted, Into the ground in a concrete pear or core drilling the surface?
Most of the time we are boring a pear hole into the ground and placing the poles of a structure into that concrete pear to meet local code requirements. Some of the time it can be surface mounted using various different pole brackets. It is never recommended that all of the poles of any canopy structure be all surface mounted as you could have a lot more lateral swaying within the structure during higher winds. Any appreciable lateral or side-ward movement of top of a vertical member relative to its bottom is called side sway, sway or lateral drift. It is away wise to use a bigger and stronger pole to keep any swaying from happening as well. It is always best when the poles place into a concrete pear if at all possible. Sometimes it is best to core dill the concrete surface or if it is asphalt or concrete surface it might be best to install with a larger concrete landing pear and while concrete coring works for residential jobs might be a simple as renting a machine and a bit to do the job, commercial projects benefit from a more experienced concrete drilling professionals with specialized boring equipment.
It Summer, Time to beat the heat sale.
If you got a project and you want to get the good stuff cheaper then give us a chance to bid the project and save. We don't just one type, one size, one size, one design we build them all. Call us today and save!