Patio cover kit?
#1
03-24-10, 09:52 AM
Patio cover kit?
I need to replace a patio cover that's in my backyard. The patio cover that's there is wood and has been damaged by the weather. The patio cover was installed already in my home when we moved in and we've been living in our home for a few years now so I think it's time to replace it. I've heard from friends that there's companies who sell patio cover kits so that you can install yourself. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
#2
03-24-10, 05:16 PM
Welcome to the forums! Could you possibly post a couple of pictures of your situation so we can see what you see? You can do it using the following method. http://forum.doityourself.com/electr...your-post.html
#3
03-24-10, 06:41 PM
Erik_79,
there are kits for some types of covers, but not others.
First, what kind of material are you thinking about using? How much maintenance do you want? And how much do you want to spend up front? A solid cover, or partial, like a lattice cover?
Is this freestanding, or is it attached to the house?
Depending on where you're at, it could very possibly need a permit, and the city or county will have some restrictions on it if it does.
there are kits for some types of covers, but not others.
First, what kind of material are you thinking about using? How much maintenance do you want? And how much do you want to spend up front? A solid cover, or partial, like a lattice cover?
Is this freestanding, or is it attached to the house?
Depending on where you're at, it could very possibly need a permit, and the city or county will have some restrictions on it if it does.
#4
03-25-10, 12:27 PM
I don't have any pictures of it right now, it seems like a good idea to get some.. as soon as i have some i'll put up. I was thinking of maybe aluminum or vinyl. I would like the patio cover to be easy to maintain that way the weather won't be an issue. I don't know how much money I'm thinking of spending up front I've never bought a patio cover so I guess i would have to check that also. It's attached to the house.
#5
03-25-10, 07:37 PM
Erik_79,
I've installed both vinyl and aluminum covers.
The first problem that you are going to run into to will be getting somebody to sell you (as a DIYer) the cover. That will be fairly easy to find with vinyl -- those guys will usually sell covers to anybody. It will be next to impossible in aluminum -- those guys usually only sell to their authorized installing contractors.
The vinyl is going to be more expensive, and probably won't be engineered. so getting a permit is going to be more expensive and a bigger headache (YOU will have to pay for the engineering required in order to obtain the required bldg. permit.)
The aluminum will have readily available engineering, and all of the bldg. depts. are familiar with it.
Vinyl will come cut to exactly what you need. Aluminum will have some parts precut and others not. The aluminum can be a solid, but, depending on where you are at, you may not be able to install a solid vinyl cover.
Your FIRST STEP is to check with your local bldg. dept. and find out their regulations and restrictions on each type. Then go shopping and see what you can find for a supplier who will sell to you directly.
The alternative would be to realize up front that it's probably NOT a DIY project and simply call some local contractors and get several estimates. They will have pictures and designs for you, color selections, etc.
I've installed both vinyl and aluminum covers.
The first problem that you are going to run into to will be getting somebody to sell you (as a DIYer) the cover. That will be fairly easy to find with vinyl -- those guys will usually sell covers to anybody. It will be next to impossible in aluminum -- those guys usually only sell to their authorized installing contractors.
The vinyl is going to be more expensive, and probably won't be engineered. so getting a permit is going to be more expensive and a bigger headache (YOU will have to pay for the engineering required in order to obtain the required bldg. permit.)
The aluminum will have readily available engineering, and all of the bldg. depts. are familiar with it.
Vinyl will come cut to exactly what you need. Aluminum will have some parts precut and others not. The aluminum can be a solid, but, depending on where you are at, you may not be able to install a solid vinyl cover.
Your FIRST STEP is to check with your local bldg. dept. and find out their regulations and restrictions on each type. Then go shopping and see what you can find for a supplier who will sell to you directly.
The alternative would be to realize up front that it's probably NOT a DIY project and simply call some local contractors and get several estimates. They will have pictures and designs for you, color selections, etc.
