Builders: how do i add a patio roof?

Hi more experienced people than me,

this is my existing patio terrace. Could i make the roof solid? What materials would you use to do it? I would like the ability to sit out in the rain/fog and stay dry plus we get heavy morning dew that gets the patio table too wet to use.

thanks for the advice

 

How about a retractable cover? That way you get the best of both...

 

Pvc roofing sheets, corrugated vinyl panels. They even have clear to let the light in

 

Like these...

http://www.shadefxcanopies.com/retractable-canopies/

 

looks super cool, but looking to keep costs down and stay simple

 

Good morning. I’m a builder and I’ve dealt with plenty of pergolas and covered porches similar to yours. First question I have is, do you have an HOA that may have any restrictions on what you are allowed to do? What you currently have is cedar. Those 2”x2” slate on the top can get very weak if they are old and have been exposed to list of rain and sun for multiple years. So I would Be careful if you decide to walk on top of them. They may be fine but just a heads up. I’ve installed clear corrugated panels over cedar pergolas and shingles roofs. The clear corrugated panels are less expensive but they don’t always give the finished look you may want or the HOA will allow. Any other pictures from the side view to show the slope?

 

It’s totally flat, so i would need to create a pitch for a roof. No hoa, just a wife that wants a more finished look. I could remove the 2x2’s if need be and just keep the main framing

total size is about 16x 8

 

Keep in mind the structure you have there was probably not built to hold the weight of OSB or plywood sheets, plus shingles or rolled roofing. As you pointed out, since it's flat anyways you would probably be best to tear it down and start over if you want a long term structure that's built like your house. Easier option will be lighter corrugated materials as others have mentioned. Good luck and post pics once you decide on a plan!

 

*caveat ..I’m not a builder.
I had lattice on mine. I went to Home Depot and purchased the PVC sheets. They come with channels you can screw on and the vinyl sheets lay in those tracks that you can screw down on to your Purlins. You could probably remove the 2x2’s on top and place the vinyl sheets from house to header.
Maybe add some cross blocking for support. To creat slope you can ad 1/4” or 1/2” furring strips towards the house, on top of your Purlins, and taper down in size at midspan and header to create some fall for runoff.
The clear PVC blocked a tremendous amount of heat and still let’s plenty of light into our living room. Maybe $600.00 and 8 hours of labor was what it took me. But that was almost 7 years ago.

 

The pvc sounds good since it will save weight vs osb

 

Here's a link to the material, or similar. Link has size and price. I think they've upgraded since my install and have snap together pieces to tie it all together. The whole kits isn't listed, but they'll have all the parts at HD if you wanna take a look at it. I believe mine has some UV blocking or the Solar Control series.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Suntuf-...ver-Polycarbonate-Roof-Panel-159854/206395291

 

Thanks @NoRcptn ill look into that.

one idea i had was to trim one side the 2x6’s that currently hold the lattice to create a pitch

 

Yeah I mean you could hand plane it down but that’s a ton of works. Tons of ways to skin a cat.
You could leave a 2x2 laterally from left to right by the house ledger, then midspan put in 1.5”, then 1/2” at the far header . I’m sure there’s some contractors that will chime in with better options and skills than I.

 

You could put angle cuts on the 2x6 and raise the side against the house. Maybe easier to rip 2x6s down to nothing and lay them ontop. Drill them and screw and glue them to top of 2x6s. Then put sheathing or clear panels. Not sure what the length is going away from the house. May need 2x8 or 2x10

 

I've built plenty of awnings for family, friends & customers over the years.
Spend your money wisely, build it right & it will last your lifetime, plus.
I would dismantel your existing structure clean it up to see if you can re-use any of the material. If you decide to go new... my recommendation... the lumber for that size is not that expensive.
Polycarbonate is a budget friendly option & it won't darken the space or your home. It does require a modest slope of 3/12 pitch. Anything less & the water wants to curl back under the panel and cause drainage issues & rot the wood.

Good Luck with your project.
Slayer