Asked on Feb 18, 2014

Adding a roof over a patio

Mike
by Mike
I am considering adding a roof over my 20 x 12 patio, but my house in a 2 story. Is it easy to run electric for lights and a fan?
  5 answers
  • It can be an easy project, but it must be done correctly not only to be easy but safe. Staring off with good footings. A patio is not a structural member. Its only about four to six inches deep in most cases and being a patio it can move dependent upon the weather and outdoor temps. Although you may not see this movement it happens none the less. You may need to cut out eight inch squares out of the cement and dig footings using a post hole digger. A two man gas unit works well. Once you dig out these holes you will fill them with cement and a threaded bolt in order to support your posts. This is the most important part of the project. Do this well and your roof will last a very long time. Do it wrong and you will end up having all sorts of issues later on. The next thing is to properly support it to the house. You must remove the siding and bolt a board onto the house. No nails, bolts. Then properly flashing this board so water will run from behind the siding once its replaced. Be sure you use proper bolts for the treated lumber you should be using. Standard grade bolts will decay and rust away from chemical reaction to the chemicals used in treated lumber. Once done, You need to place tar paper on the surface of the new board you just bolted to the wall, Then place your metal brackets on that and fasten them using the correct nails or bolts that come with them. Once the brackets are placed properly and level. use small strips of tar paper inside each one to hold the joists if your using treated lumber. The whole reason for the tar paper is to prevent chemical reaction from the materials in the boards from decaying the metal hangers. In any case once done, you can complete your roof. As far as electrical, Although its protected from elements, it is still considered an outside electrical project. Use PVC pipe and fittings to run the wires from inside the house to the outside areas where lights and fan will be installed. All and all not to difficult other then finding a place in which to tap into the electrical system. Ideally from the electrical box with its own breaker. But it is a very doable job and can be completed with the help of a few friends in about five days from start to finish.
  • AJ Wells Roofing AJ Wells Roofing on Feb 20, 2014
    It would be actually a simple process. You would need to contact a licensed electric contractor after you have got the shell or frame of the structure up. The electrical contractor should be able to tie into a near by power source on the first floor of your home. should able to fish a wire or two through the walls to your new patio room! Good luck on your project. Arthur Wells
  • AJ Wells Roofing AJ Wells Roofing on Feb 20, 2014
    If you have a 4" slab for the patio room. You can go with structural aluminium with elite panels for the roof. will be light weight and and structurally sound...
  • The composite roof panels are and easy and affordable way to cover open patios. They offer a fan beam insert to allow for lighting or fan applications.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Sep 12, 2015
    I'll address the lighting part.. Living in an older home I had an electrician come out and do a bunch of small things.... one of the best things was drill thru the brick and put 2 OUTSIDE outlets in for me.. He simply went back to back with an existing outlet inside.. that gave power on 2 sides of the house.. great for..I AM NOT comfortable doing electricial sftuff.. we spent about $125.. When we get a few more things I call him back..He has changed fixtures, installed GFI, put on dimmers, ran 2 new lines.... so much easier than trying to get my hubby to do it.. some things are better left to the pros..