Patio Covers / Porch Covers / Patio Roof Covers
Sunshine is for your soul and medicine for your mind. That is why we say, Live more outdoors!
Patio covers, also called covered patios or porches, are among the most popular shade structures we build, especially in our region’s warm climate. They create a perfect gathering spot that fits today’s latest trends. So, get that shade set up and the grill ready to fire—it’s time to enjoy the outdoors in style.
Modern patio and porch covers are far more advanced than the simple tin sheets over timber our grandparents might have used. Today’s designs use durable, innovative materials to create stylish canopy coverings for patios, porches, decks, pools, or break areas. These sturdy, low-maintenance structures provide excellent shade while blending seamlessly with your outdoor space. Available in a variety of styles, colors, and canopy options, they offer the perfect mix of function and visual appeal. We can also add some architectural style and shade to your property. High-quality construction helps reduce heat, keeping outdoor areas cooler in summer while enhancing the beauty and comfort of your surroundings. It is a place to relax, de-stress and get out of the house and relax a little bit. Some people enjoy cooking outside, especially when making messier dishes like frying fish that can leave strong odors and heat to the indoors. If you love spending time outdoors but want to avoid getting sunburned, a patio cover is a must-have. The truth is everyone needs some form of cover for protection. Front door patios and porches are also becoming increasingly popular these days as well, adding style and function to the home. Get rid of the old umbrella(s) and expand upon your outdoor living experience.
Does your backyard space need a makeover? Looking for a way to cool down an overly hot patio? We’ve met many customers who considered buying new windows to reduce the heat coming through the biggest window in the house the sliding glass doors, which was making their air conditioners work harder. But after installing new patio covers, they found them so effective that upgrading the windows wasn’t needed for that part of the house. Before picking out your outdoor furniture and adding personal touches to your porch or patio, it’s always best to build the shelter structure first to protect everything from the weather elements.
- There are various types of patio covers. As patio covers has a lot of different build options to choose from, including solid covers, lattice covers, attached cover, freestanding covers, combination covers, and the newer kid on the block are the movable pivoting slat patio covers, or the polycarbonate type of patio covers.
- Solid patio covers offer year-round shade and protection but may block out natural light completely and require additional maintenance and in the South-Central Region of the USA it is the most popular because of our hot summers and our rainy seasons.
- Lattice work Patio Covers provide a mix of sunlight and shade, adding character, architecture and style to outdoor spaces. Some just might a part of the patio cover covered with lattice for a hot tub or a BBQ-er to let the steam or the smoke out. So, we offer a Combination type of patio cover as well see below.
- Attached Patio Cover are attached to the house or other structure.
- Freestanding patio covers are ideal for areas away from the house, providing flexibility in placement and cost-effective coverage.
- Polycarbonate or plastic patio covers which can be clear, semi clear or bronze colors.
- Movable slat type of patio covers which can be manually or automated controlled
- Combination are part patio covers, and part arbor or pergola or even part screen rooms offer both partial shade and complete coverage, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in any weather.
There are three different types of Patios Covers: - An attached overhead structure that is attached to the roof or back wall of the house and is supported by poles or post. * Stand-a-lone - type of structure is not attached and would require additional poles and beams. * Roof Extension - It is a built-in solution to the home roof structure and extended or wall build out add-on type structure. Note; you should never just plop a patio cover structure up on top of your roof.
Crafting multi-functional spaces to serve multiple functions, from dining and entertainment to relaxation and shelter, is a cornerstone to masterful planning that is hinged on the unique preferences of the homeowner. For example, we have had our clients mix and match the following spaces with their pergolas or patio covers:
- Dining areas
- Kitchens and bars
- Lounge spaces
- Exercise zones
- Children or pet play areas
- Garden spaces
- Spas and hot tub areas
- Firepit circles
- Media entertainment zones
- Home outdoor offices
We say: We build it, and then you make it your very own by adding your unique style, colors, and flair, along with outdoor furnishings, to transform it into your own distinctive outdoor style and haven!
Improving your home's appearance, value, and overall coziness is always a great idea and can enhance your property's worth.
Spring, summer, and even fall are perfect seasons for patio weather! It’s the ideal time to enjoy the warmth outdoors while staying protected from the sun. With more people in North America wanting to spend time outside, incorporating shade into patio designs has become essential. The right shade solutions provide UV protection, help regulate temperature to keep things cooler, extend the life of outdoor furniture, and enhance the patio’s overall look. Invite family and friends over for some quality time—it’s the perfect place to relax and hang out together!
These days, more people are staying home, driving up demand for cozy spaces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor charm. This trend makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors—whether working on a laptop, reading, or watching TV or a football game while having a meal or drink on the patio.
With permanent work-from-home setups on the rise, many are turning parts of their homes into offices and fitness areas. Outdoor spaces are getting creative makeovers into spa retreats, mini gaming zones, cooking and grilling stations, bars, social hubs, compact workout and yoga spots, home theaters, veggie gardens, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens. Known as outdoor living spaces, this trend is booming and expected to keep growing.
The global outdoor living structures market is experiencing rapid expansion, valued at $2.5 billion in 2025 and projected to scale up to $4.0 billion by 2033. The driving force behind this booming sector is a massive structural shift in lifestyle: homeowners are no longer viewing backyards as secondary spaces, but rather as literal extensions of their indoor floor plans. Patios and pergolas represent the most dominant slice of this market, capturing over 64% of the total revenue share, as consumers prioritize long-lasting architectural upgrades that maximize livable square
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About Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs
Want a patio cover that keeps you super cool?
Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, feature a 3-, 4-, or 6-inch-thick high-density foam core sandwiched between two outer layers of aluminum cladding or OSB wood. These panels are a modern, innovative alternative to patio covers, outperforming traditional single-ply or roll-formed options, as well as carport canopies, especially in hail-prone areas. These panels block all direct sun and dramatically reduce the temperature under the cover. You can have the coolest summer / fall season yet. They’re consistently ranked as the best-performing material for extreme heat. SIPs offer outstanding strength, flexibility, and long-lasting energy efficiency, making them ideal for covering screen rooms or sunroom additions.
SIPs are incredibly versatile and strong building panels, serving as roofing panels or wall panels for screened and sunrooms for many years. They’re also used in cold storage and are becoming increasingly popular in mainstream construction, including SIP-based home kits available today. During the summer and at times throughout the year, temperatures can climb past the century mark, with the sun’s rays beating down relentlessly. Staying out of the isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. The best patio cover for keeping heat out is an insulated aluminum panels a patio cover is one of the smartest upgrades for your home, creating a barrier from the intense heat and offering a safe, comfortable spot for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors without being stuck inside.
SIPs are built for top-notch energy efficiency and durability, capable of supporting up to 72 lbs. per square foot. They’re four times stronger and fifteen times more airtight than traditional stick framing, reducing the heat transfer by 97% and keeping the area underneath significantly cooler. Their strength means less supporting framing is needed compared to metal, stick, or timber frames. Designed to block heat from passing through the canopy, SIPs can make the difference between enjoying your sunroom or screen room on a hot summer day and avoiding it altogether. They’re arguably the coolest canopy cover you can buy. Available in a variety of pole and crossbeam colors, you can start with an open patio cover and upgrade later. SIPs offer unmatched strength, flexibility, and long-term efficiency, making them ideal for patio covers, screen rooms, or sunroom additions. In short, SIPs are the best solid type of patio cover option because they keep the space cooler, quieter, and more comfortable year-round, while offering durability, weatherproofing, and energy efficiency that standard covers simply can’t match. They can even include a fan beam that doubles as an electrical wire chase for LED lighting and other options.
We invite you to explore to newer more advanced, modern day building materials of today!
The best version of summer happens outside!
Rolled Formed - Machine rolled aluminum canopies
Rolled formed Flat Pans are machined formed by sending rolled flat stock coil materials through a series of rollers to form the final pans shapes then cutting them to it's final to size. Much like a gutter machine but on a larger scale. All of our rolled formed designed products are available. These very large and heavy rolls of flat stock coils that are available in various different thickness and are formed by different mills in their own different sizes and shapes. Not all pans are the same nor may not be interchanged.
All of the rolled formed Flat-Pan are not the very same nor equal as different manufacturers offer various different thickness of this manufactured building materials. All sizes are formed to the very own unique pans styles shapes and sizes, so they are proprietary to their very own product manufacturer. It is important to know what the thickness is of the rolled formed panels and how it can perform in a damaging hail weather event. Although pricing has gone up the custom rolled formed pans as a whole offers a good-looking modern-day patio canopy cover product at an economical affordable price. Rust free aluminum construction protects from rain, snow, sleet and sun. Environmentally green design saves energy by reducing heat gain through doors and windows of your home The rolled formed products can also have its own built-in guttering system as well. All of our aluminum rolled formed pans have the handsome baked-on finish as well as the strength to give you beauty, durability, at little to no maintenance cost.
There is also a foam core insert option (see below) that can be added to 12"-inch-wide flat pan coverings.
Today we can use a combination of various different building materials in building anyone types of structure. Today we blur the lines a traditional structure and we can use Wood - Steel - Aluminum and various other building materials to build any type of structure based on the customers wants and needs and budget requirements. You might want a rustic look of wood poles and beam understructure with the benefits of using and structural insulated canopy top roof.
It all starts with a new patio cover to protect everyone from weather and the sun. Then most will add their own personal touches like furniture, grill, outdoor TV or even a bar or a new grow wall that is popular these days.
Envision a space where family bonds strengthen, friends eagerly gather, and relaxation is limitless. Embrace the summer vibes and cool evening and fire up the grill to create some delicious delights for everyone to dine on under your new patio cover!
Most of the rolled formed panels are rolled in a smooth finish that is pictured here. We now can get a spluttered finished coated .032 aluminum flat pan finish that is available in a wheat color only.
W-pans or Twin V pans are machine-formed by passing painted or colored flat stock through a rolling machine that shapes the material into its final form, which can then be cut to various lengths. Imagine it as an oversized guttering machine that forms gutters into shapes.
Roll-formed W-pan patio covers offer economical, solid shade that protects you and your home from inclement weather and harmful UV rays, while also providing a comfortable area for relaxation. Our steel or aluminum W-pan systems are robust and adaptable. Each project system is designed with pre-engineered pans and understructure to meet local code requirements.
The W-pan is preferred because each bend adds to the panel's rigidity. These roll-formed pans are available in both steel and aluminum, with a variety of thicknesses and colors.
W-pans use the same external perimeter guttering system as flat pans, which is also rolled into its final shape and cut to specific lengths. However, these perimeter guttering profiles may differ and are not always interchangeable between different manufacturers. They also use a stamped, formed corner that can vary significantly in shape from one manufacturer to another.
W or Twin Vee pans have a wavy design, and at their highest point, they create a triangular area that small birds often inhabit. A small foam triangle, known as a Bird Block, is designed to fit into this section to deter them, but birds are clever and often remove these blocks. Many people have attempted various methods to keep the birds out, which is why the flat-pan style is generally more preferred. With its flat bottom, the pan does not have undulations and does not require any bird blocks.
Both types of roll-formed pans may optionally include pre-installed aluminum leaf gutter guards, which are designed to prevent larger debris from entering the drainage or guttering system.
The only significant maintenance required for these systems is perhaps an annual cleaning and visual inspection.
The integrity of any structure is only as robust as its foundational columns (poles) and beams, as they perform all the critical support work.
Yes, you can add the aluminum "Santa-Fe: style type of trim onto the rolled formed aluminum flat-pan type of patio cover, carport or screen room. As experienced skilled tradesman and craftsman of the trade we can offer this service to you that the other will not. We are fabricators not just your average run of the mill installers.
Our daily mission is to transform an ordinary outdoor space into a shaded, welcoming retreat!
Aluminum Flat-pans optional coverings and insulated inserts.
Aluminum Flat-pan type of patio covers with the top of the panels for hail damage protection covering and its optional Styrofoam core insert's.
Rolled-formed aluminum 12"x 3" aluminum flat pans are available with an optional top canopy covering
There is also an optional "plain and simple" just Styrofoam core insert is also an option at the time of installation as well.
Don’t confuse a makeshift roll-formed aluminum flat-pan panel canopy with basic Styrofoam inserts and a flimsy top cover for a true insulated panel. These provide almost no insulation or R-value compared to a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) cover. Some local competitors might tell you otherwise, but those dudes they’re just trying to sell you a bill of goods.
Building with Structural Steel - Red Steel/Galvanized Steel
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Red Iron Steel comes in various shapes, such as angles, C-channel beams, and I-beams, and is available in different thicknesses and lengths. It’s commonly used for framing, often covered with sheet metal and bent-formed trim in a range of colors. The red oxide is a shop-grade primer coating that should be painted if used outdoors. Most me
Red Iron Steel comes in various shapes, such as angles, C-channel beams, and I-beams, and is available in different thicknesses and lengths. It’s commonly used for framing, often covered with sheet metal and bent-formed trim in a range of colors. The red oxide is a shop-grade primer coating that should be painted if used outdoors. Most metal buildings are constructed with some type of steel, which is strong and capable of spanning longer distances than wood. Steel itself is black, but red iron—also called red steel—refers to black steel coated with red oxide primer. Red steel is widely used in metal building applications, typically clad in sheet metal for indoor environments where it’s protected from weather. When used outdoors, it should be finished with a protective coating to prevent rust. Most red steel framing is completed with sheet metal cladding and custom bent-formed trim for a finished look.
Galvanized Protected Steel framed patio covers
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Galvanized steel is known for its impressive durability, making it ideal for long-lasting applications. Its zinc coating acts as a shield, protecting the base metal from rust and wear. The zinc-iron alloy layer also provides excellent corrosion resistance, enabling it to withstand tough conditions like moisture, salt, and chemicals. Even
Galvanized steel is known for its impressive durability, making it ideal for long-lasting applications. Its zinc coating acts as a shield, protecting the base metal from rust and wear. The zinc-iron alloy layer also provides excellent corrosion resistance, enabling it to withstand tough conditions like moisture, salt, and chemicals. Even after galvanization, it keeps its strength, making it a popular choice for modern steel-framed buildings, balconies, verandas, staircases, and more. It’s low-maintenance, helping reduce long-term costs while maintaining its appearance and resisting rust. Similar to a silver-coated galvanized fence that stands up to outdoor elements, galvanized metal can eventually rust but only after a much longer time compared to steel with minimal coating. Steel products can be fabricated with various pole and beam styles and clad in different materials, with multiple color options available.
Painted or Coated Steel framed patio covers
Basic premiered Red Steel / Iron framed patio covers
Painted or Coated Steel framed patio covers
Powder coating is a tough, long-lasting finish for metal frames. Whether you go with powder-coated steel or hire a third-party painting service to add a finishing coat after construction, there are some great benefits. Rust resistance is a big one—powder-coated frames can last up to 20 years without reapplication. They also resist chippi
Powder coating is a tough, long-lasting finish for metal frames. Whether you go with powder-coated steel or hire a third-party painting service to add a finishing coat after construction, there are some great benefits. Rust resistance is a big one—powder-coated frames can last up to 20 years without reapplication. They also resist chipping and peeling thanks to the electrostatic application process, making them ideal for outdoor use. Plus, the coating adds protection against dents and scratches, helping maintain structural integrity without adding weight. Best of all, they’re low-maintenance—just a simple cleaning keeps them looking great.
NEW- We now have the new 3-D high-definition wood printed sheet metal panels that has a realistic wood grain color on them. So now you can have a steel metal patio cover that is made to look like it is wood and it all designed to last. It
Structural Steel - Patio covers / Red Steel and Galvanized Steel
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Wood Structures - Stick / Timber Framing
Wooden structures and stick framing have a long history in carpentry, but for outdoor builds, it’s important to choose woods like cedar or redwood that are well-suited for exterior use. These woods offer natural advantages, though they still need to be treated and protected to preserve their look. With a variety of building options and materials available, we can work with your specific requirements and budget. We also offer different roof designs and bring professional experience in both stick framing and truss framing for attached or standalone structures.
Is paradise a place, or is it just a state of mind?
Also see our pergola or porch pages!
Starting a patio project opens up endless possibilities for covers and design options. With a wide range of materials, sizes, and colors available, you can easily create a space that’s uniquely yours. We’re professional wood framers with years of experience working with aluminum and steel as well, often combining different materials to craft a single patio cover. Most wood structures need at least a 3/12 roof pitch or higher to effectively shed rainwater.
Let us know when you're ready to log off and shut down, then take a moment to step outside and unwind on your new patio.
Commercial Heavy / Duty - Extruded Aluminum Patio Covers
Extruded Aluminum Covers
Aluminum is often the material of choice for outdoor canopy covers because it does not rust over time, unlike steel structures. There are various types of aluminum covers available, including rolled-formed and heavy-duty, thicker extruded aluminum canopy structures.
Extruded shape. (means that the liquid aluminum was forced though a die to form its final shape) not rolled into it is formed into its final shape. The extruded aluminum canopy structures are much thicker and heavier gauged building materials then most of the smaller gauged rolled formed or bent into formed economical priced aluminum canopy.
Extruded aluminum covers are thicker and heavy duty and is considered to be a lifetime aluminum roof panel. They are mainly used a commercial or industrial or a hospital or a school learning application or anyone who might want the strongest lifetime roof cover canopy that is made with aluminum. We offer extruded covers for residential commercial and industrial applications as well. We deal is Shade!
Louvered Roof or Movable Slats- Canopy Covers
The modern-day Hi-tech patio cover! Your choice, let the sunshine come-on in or just keep it out altogether!
Louvered movable‑slat pergolas (also called motorized louvered roofs, adjustable louver pergolas, or bioclimatic pergolas) These outdoor structures feature aluminum slats that rotate to manage sun, rain, and ventilation. They can be manual or motorized, often incorporating sensors for wind, rain, and sunlight, along with LED lighting and drainage systems. Pivoting and movable louvered patio covers offer great versatility, letting sunlight in when open or providing shade when closed. Modern versions come with technology to open, close, pivot, and slide to suit your needs, and can even be fully automated smart covers controlled through a smartphone app.
The patio cover that turns into a pergola!
A "Smart" Louvered Roof gives you the power to tailor your outdoor environment to your preferences, be it shade, sun, or a bit of both. “Smart outdoor spaces are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re here. Smart homeowners want patio covers that don’t just provide shade but actively contribute to energy efficiency and year-round comfort.”
Constructed from high-quality materials, our systems are designed to exceed your expectations, no matter if you are a homeowner, builder, architect, or business owner.
The movable slat patio cover can be upgraded with ceiling fans, heaters, and custom LED lighting, making it the ultimate solution for any patio. It’s ideal for commercial spaces like restaurants or bars, as well as your own backyard. With this setup, weather control is right at your fingertips!
Let's create the space that you deserve!
Polycarbonate- Patio Covers / Pergola Coverings
Back in the 80s, you could buy a clear-ish patio system with fiberglass roofing panels on the cheap. But after a year or two, the panels would turn all types of odd colors Then along came poly materials that looked much better than inexpensive materials like fiberglass. But quality and aesthetics don’t come cheap. The downside of better-looking roofing panels is they will often cost more than other roofing materials. Yet the value comes into play as these modern polycarbonates can last as long as the home it’s attached to.
This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor applications such as skylights, greenhouses, and patio covers or even in the sign industry. Clearly, this space-age material is meant to last.
hese ploy panels do give rain protection but doesn’t keep them from the most valuable thing Earth has – the sun or the heat. Some might say the exact opposite of what you want in a patio cover. Even better, some polycarbonate translucent patio covers are coated and can block out the bad UV rays from the sun but that is not the same what is called radiant heat transfer. The radiant heat is allowed to pass though all types of panels so they can heat up and get hot. But with coated translucent patio panels, most of these harmful rays are blocked, while still letting the light to on into the structure. It’s true that some polycarbonate patio covers do have a little bit insulation – due to the invisible air trapped between the bottom and top panels but not much. But this isn’t near as much insulation protection as you get with our other models utilizing foam insulation type of panel. Since it’s impossible to see through insulated aluminum panels, studies show, that is the trade-off. I get it for someone who wants to feel and see the light of the sunbeams while being a little less insulated from the elements and we do offer twin and a multi walled polycarbonate roof option. most polycarbonate panels come in 6mm, 8mm 10mm and all the way up to 20mm thickness. They come in a single ply or a dual ply or even a multi-wall panel. Some are really more of a wall panel then a roof panel. We really like using a standing seam type of panel for the roofing panels as they offer more of a leak proof type of roof panel then using a panel with a H rail system with a rubber type of gasket system to keep the water out of in-between the roofing panels
Ploy panels are more commonly used in a colder or cooler weather climate such as the Pacific Northwest region that can use the heat infiltration that accurses with any type of translucent panel. Ever been around a window or a skylight that allows the radiant heat transfer though the roofing panels and into the structure. Or a greenhouse or even botanical garden facility. I'm sure you have felt the "radiant heat" that the polycarbonate translucent panel can allow to transfer though the roofing panels. In a colder weather climate this is expectable to help warn up the enclosed area on cooler or a rainy day.In warmer climates like the Southern regions, radiant heat may be less desirable. People might opt for solid roof panels that reduce heat transfer into the structure. Similar to glass manufacturers, additional protective coatings can be applied to panels to minimize radiant heat passing through, though these coatings fade and lose effectiveness as polycarbonate panels age. Panels are available in clear, tinted, frosted, or textured finishes to match aesthetics and control glare. Colored panels can further reduce heat transfer through polycarbonate, and they are often built without rain gutters for a sleek, modern look.
We offer more selection at a better overall project price.
We now offer and a very nice polycarbonate patio cover option. It has a low maintenance extruded aircraft grade aluminum metal frame with a high-grade outdoor use of a standing seam sheet polycarbonate cover.
The beauty of this type of structure is that it offers the use of an aluminum frame in white, blk, bronze, or a sandstone color with the clear or a semi clear ploy or bronze color panels. Making for a very sleek and clean application.
Our polycarbonate Panels include five unique air chambers, nearly one inch thick. The extruded aluminum frames handle the heavy lifting, while the thick polycarbonate with an infrared-rejecting reflective insulation layer delivers the industry’s best translucent patio cover. With standing seam connections—similar to a standing seam metal roof—these panels prevent leaks at the seams, giving you a cool, bright, and comfortable patio space that also keeps the weather out.
Polycarbonate panels let about 25 percent more heat through than a fully insulated solid roof. They’re also more prone to scratches from falling branches or other tree debris, and leaves can leave marks that might mean cleaning them more often.
Entertain your guests under your new patio cover!
What is a Combination type of Patio Cover?
Combination types of patio cover can be any two parts of a patio structure that is combined together to for a single shade structure. Can be any part of a solid type of patio cover, or any part pergola or you can throw in any part Screen room or even a Sunroom as well that is combined within one structure. Today we blur all the lines all the way around. Sometimes we found ourselves building a pergola and then covering it like a patio cover. And sometimes we are building a patio cover and making it look like a pergola. Or a screen room bit they some type of an open patio cover for grilling purposes or just to get outside in the open wind for a bit. So today we combine different types of patio covering to make any one patio cover!
We offer more design and trim options!
Elitewood Ultra and Alumawood Classic Trim.
We offer two different trim products, Santa Fe and Monterey. The new Ultra trim, called the Monterey trim package, is a slightly thicker aluminum trim with a more defined driftwood wood grain look, featuring deeper embossed details. There are four different rafter tail end cut options to choose from. The Ultra trim comes in a rich dark brown and a bronze color that closely resembles black in color.
Want to make a Statement!
The Santa-Fe or Monterey aluminum trim packages can be added to almost any aluminum carport or patio cover. They come in various colors and four different pergola rafter tail end styles. Why choose aluminum? It won’t rot like wood, will never rust, and requires no ongoing maintenance. Pictured is a patio cover with the full Santa-Fe trim package, including side and front canopy trim, a lower “cross beam header,” and front and back pole claddings, which must be installed during construction. (Only the canopy top trim claddings can be added later.) This trim package works with Flat, W-pan, or SIP patio covers, screen rooms, sunrooms, and carport structures.
It’s not wood—it’s aluminum crafted with an embossed or textured design to look like real wood. Unlike actual wood, it won’t rot or require any ongoing maintenance like real wood does.
Our new Monterey trim package features embossed aluminum designed to mimic the look of wood, adding a stylish touch to any carport, patio cover, screen room, or sunroom. We also incorporate it into some lattice work on combination patio covers. The updated design offers more detailed, embedded wood grain for an upgraded, eye-catching finish. Perfect for those who want to move beyond the ordinary, it adds a true WOW factor and works beautifully in pergolas or lattice applications. Shown here is our first Monterey carport trim package, installed on 04/24, where the depth of the wood grain really stands out. We also covered the C-beams to prevent birds from nesting on them.
Beware of any contractor that wants to build directly up on
Patio cover installed up on the roof...
Buyers beware—It’s never a good idea to let someone rush through building or installing anything on your roof. That’s not a proper installation. No matter what they say, cutting openings to fit a structure often isn’t worth the hassle for several reasons. In Oklahoma, the biggest concern is high wind damage. If a structure is only attached to the roof decking, you’re relying on that decking to hold up in strong winds, which could fail and lead to losing the whole patio cover structure. No matter what the builder claims, drilling multiple holes and adding extra weight to your roof is never in your best interest. Then by driving long lag screws through the shingles and underlayment, ideally and hopefully into the roof rafters, isn't best practice at all.
Attaching pole brackets on one side to the rafters and the other side only to the roof decking can compromise the roof’s strength and holding power and hurts its value now and in the future. This approach is rare, impractical, and not supported by trusted or experienced builders. It’s wise to research, get advice, and hear different perspectives before moving forward. Many contractors steer clear of it due to the significant risks involved.
Most roofs are designed to hold only their own weight, along with the decking and shingles. They’re not built to handle the added load of another structure on top, which could cause damage. It’s important to think about the customer’s best interests, especially for future work like re-roofing. If a patio cover is attached to the roof and gets in the way, it would need to be removed, possibly adding extra costs depending on its size and the time required to take it down and reinstall. This expense might not be covered by insurance, so it’s wise to plan for it in advance.
Throwing together a patio cover on the roof with makeshift aluminum surface-mount pole brackets is just risky. It can let more wind get underneath, raising the chances of the cover being lifted and torn away.
The back half of the patio structure doesn’t have proper beam support and really needs an extra header or support beam. As it stands, they’re relying on the patio cover’s roll-formed .050 aluminum guttering as a structural beam along the back of the canopy, which doesn’t meet wind load code requirements. That guttering isn’t designed to be a structural beam, and it could give way in strong winds.
No qualified building designer, engineer, or inspector would ever recommend constructing something like that. It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion! Most builders won’t risk their reputation or face legal trouble in a court of law by building this manner.
Plopped up on top of the roof surface?
We were recently retained to remove a patio cover in Moore, OK so roofing contractors could replace the shingles, with labor costing about $3,300 for removal and reinstallation. During the project, we noticed the original installer had only used one small tack screw on each end of the aluminum flat pans each end. We, of course, use three screws on each end of the canopy pans, as recommended by the manufacturer. The owners are planning on selling the home and retiring then move away soon, so they elected to keep it the same as it was.
Like anything there are right ways to do things and then there are wrong ways of doing things. If you’re looking to build onto your roof, consider using what’s called a “Skylight Roof Riser.” This is a true metal riser that extends through the roof cladding down to a structurally load-bearing exterior wall, rather than just sitting on top of the roofing surface. By using these roof risers you're not connecting just the surface of the roofing cladding.
Building materials should always be used as designed and engineered for their intended purpose. In this case, they’re taking a couple of aluminum pole brackets, joining them together, attaching them to the roof surface, and then securing the roll-formed guttering system by poking holes into it up on the roof.
This builder's sale pitch might say they warranty their structural up to 80 mph wind loads which is so flawed in so many ways and that is a load of crap. This only benefits the builder by offering you a cheaper price because they do not have the costs of the heavier sturdy structural beams to hold the patio cover while under stress like higher wind or snow or Ice loads which we are subject to get.
If they were required to pull a building permit; this definitely wouldn’t get past the trained building inspectors—assuming they’re actually obtaining any permits in the first place which they are not doing.
Gross incompetence will eventually lead to consequences in a court of law. Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be, especially when it involves reckless and sloppy construction methods. Contractors need to know building codes and permit requirements and must not deliberately ignore them or build whatever they please.
Seasoned experienced roofers and builders often stick to a few basic rules for any project, and one important piece of advice is to avoid climbing onto the roof. Many roofs aren’t built to support the added weight of a patio cover without extra structural reinforcement in their design.
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!