How To Put A Roof On A Flat Pergola

How To Put A Roof On A Flat Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is 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 increase the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, think about these factors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses will be materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The 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 design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city or county zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live the process could take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's how: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with 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. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.