Installing Patio Cover on existing deck

Can anyone tell me how to build a patio cover on an existing deck?

 

What kind of patio cover? Describe the deck. What shape is the deck in? Was the deck built to support the load? Is snow load and/or wind load a factor?

I have mounted a lot of aluminum patio covers to existing decks. Once in a while, they are a slam dunk. Usually though, the deck has to be altered in some way before the cover is installed.

 

The deck itself is built next to a mobile home, (but not attached). It is a 20' X 20' deck & I am looking to put a deck over it. It has rails & all, so that is what is confusing me on how to build one on this existing deck. I would like to somehow attach it to the mobile home & use corrugated fiberglass roofing on the cover....by the way, we are located in a suburb NW of Houston, Tx., so there is no worry about snow or anything of that nature....thanks...

 

the deck is approx. 6 mos. old & in good condition....sorry, I forgot to mention it earlier....

 

Two key words in your entire response determine everything --"Mobile Home". The patio cover cannot be attached to the mobile, except for sheet metal flashing between the cover and the mobile (at least, this is the way it is in CA if you build by the book!!) That means the patio cover will have to be freestanding -- the posts embedded in concrete footings. As the posts pass by the joists or girders of the deck, you could lag or through bolt the two together.

What kind of a cover are you looking for? Aluminum? A wood structure some sort of comp. or metal roofing? Corragated fiberglass panels? If it were my choice to make, I would opt for the aluminum. Put it up and be done with it. Warranty on the finish is usually 10 to 15 years, and your semi-annual maintenance is to spray it off with a garden hose.