Building A Pergola Roof

Building A Pergola Roof - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or taking a break. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into an pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a long time, so be aware of it if you want the project done within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure to impress you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.