Engineering and Permits
Obtaining a Permit
Here is some information about engineering and permits needed to build a patio cover.
In some cities, a building permit is not required for constructing a Patio Cover, check with your Building Department about specific requirements before construction. i.e. a Permit may not be required for a free-standing patio cover if it is at least 6 feet away from another building and the roofing structure (including eaves, gutters etc.) does not cover more than 300 square feet. Also, some departments do not require a permit if using a lattice (non-solid) cover.
In other cases, to obtain a permit, contact your Building Department. The department typically requires:
(drawing of backyard, cover, and its measurements)
Product Engineering Evaluation Reports
Different states accept different engineering reports, the most widely accepted is the ICC 2009 (stamped for approval by 38 states):
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming
ICC Evaluation Report
Amerimax Exterior Home rProducts Alumawood Patio Cover, Carport and Commercial Structure Engineering 2015 IBC
Need help with your engineering? Get a professionals help today!
Factors to consider for Patio Cover Engineering
Regional Live/Snow Load
Wind Speed
Wind Exposure B or C
Regional Snow Load
The Ground snow load (GSL) is calculated by pounds per square foot of snow coverage and dictated by your region and elevation. The Roof Design Load (RDL) refers to the amount of snow a roofing structure is designed to hold.
Note: Rooftop Attachments are not permitted in Snow Load areas.
For areas with 10 lbs ground snow load,
roof design load equals 10 pounds.
20 lbs GSL = 20 lbs RDL
30 lbs GSL = 25.2 lbs RDL
40 lbs GSL = 33.6 lbs RDL
60 lbs GSL = 50.4 lbs RDL
Wind Exposure
Wind Exposure is measured in MPH. Alumawood Patio Covers are designed to withstand 90 MPH winds. If your area receives winds higher than 90 MPH consult your Building Department for the exact requirements for constructing a roofing structure.
*All Patio Kits Direct Pre-Fabricated KITs are designed for 10 lb snow load and 90 mph winds. If your area differs in these factors, please contact us or use our customizable quote form so we can put together an even stronger KIT for you that will withstand the elements of your area.
