All building products should be utilized for their intended purposes.
Most temporary or portable structures are designed to be lightweight, primarily for cost-effective packaging and shipping, as well as ease of handling in stores. They come in multiple different boxes. These "DIY kits" or portable structures sold by Club, Big Box, and Garden stores may not adhere to local building codes requirement,. It is always best to check with your local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) before purchasing.
Typically, these structures are rated for a maximum load of 10 pounds per square foot (PSF), a crucial specification for consumers to consider. They are intended for temporary use only, similar to tents, and should be dismantled after their intended short-term use.
Pounds per square foot (PSF) is a load rating determine the strength of a structure's frame and its capacity to handle weight, including live loads and the impact of snow and wind when installed correctly. Some of these KIT type of structures providers might offer an upgraded, more expensive version of these DIY kits with a higher PSF rating. These versions may include larger poles and cross beams, enabling the frame to support greater live loads. Structures with a 20 - 40 PSF live load rating are capable of heavier lifting and, if engineered and installed properly with cement pear foundations at least 2 feet deep, can be used as permanent structures. Local building codes often require this for a building permit, which may be mandatory depending on the structure's size. Conversely the flimsy 10 PSF rating is typically designated for temporary structures, which should be dismantled after use. These are commonly seen at arts and crafts shows and trade fairs but are not intended for use during thunderstorms or high wind events.
Local news often reports on canopies that are carried away by the wind, turning into hazards that first responders must navigate during emergencies. Recognizing the risks posed by such temporary or portable structures during high wind conditions, local municipalities are beginning to require building permits to regulate safe construction on private property.
Most of these kit type patio structures are products are manufactured in China and are sold and marketed under several different name brands. Some of the retails of these kit type of structures go to great details and effort to hide the original manufacture origan. They make big claims like can withstand 100mph wind load and deep snows, but they cannot even come close. It just leaves the customer hung out to dry, so you just have to use your best judgements. I have seen some of them but their USA sales office address on the packages but when you open them up and read the installation manual it clearly says Made in China!
These structures are marketed as "Temporary or Portable" use, not intended for permanent installation on property, which is how sellers circumvent certain regulations.
From personal experience, assembling these carport or patio cover kits can be quite a challenging and laborious. I recall a customer who had two kits lying around, unable to find someone to assemble them. The first took me eight hours to complete, while the second only took an hour and a half, including setting the concrete piers for the legs which is required where I live. Most of the kits sold in the big box or club type of stores lack quality and do not last very long before becoming an eye sore within short order. Many purchasers of those types of carports, patio covers, and pergola kits deem them an unwise investment.
Ultimately, customers or landlords must determine the requirements and appropriate use of a product. Landlords may ban such items on their premises to prevent liability in the event of an incident. If a structure collapses or damages adjacent properties, insurance may not cover the expenses if building codes were disregarded. Thus, researching local regulations and insurance policies is essential before making a purchase.
Do you need a local building permit? Yes, you might need a building permit to construct any type of patio cover, especially if it’s attached to your home. Let me break it down for you:
- Attached or Detached Structure:
Most incorporated cities require a permit before building an attached or detached structure. No matter what the size may be. I do know that in Edmond, OK they do have a size of under 200 sq ft you don't need a permit.
- The permitting process ensures that structures are constructed safely and are stable.
- If you’re doing it yourself, contact your local city or county for permitting details.