How to design a 12x12' cover for our patio.

Tjnorton99223
by Tjnorton99223
Currently have a fiberglass Pergolo with slated roof that can be turned for sun/shade. However in heavy winter cannot close it to keep snow off concrete patio. Have had contractors say we have to build all new cover. Any ideas that don't cost thousands $$$$ ??

  5 answers
  • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Sep 30, 2017

    Hello Tjnorton99223, Snow can be VERY heavy, so whatever you use to keep it off your patio is going to have to be able to sustain a great deal of weight for quite awhile. That's NOT going to be an inexpensive fix. Would it not be easier to get heavy plastic sheeting to weight down in various areas on the concrete patio, especially around the edges, to keep the snow off of it. You wouldn't be using it anyway if it is all snowy outside (unless that's where you have a hot tub that you plan on using while it's cold and snowy ... I know some people do); either plastic sheeting or sheets of plywood over the concrete if you are going for protection from the elements. That's the only thing I can think of. Prehaps another Hometalk Helper can come up with a better solution than I can. Good Luck. Thnaks for asking HOMETALK for solutions.

    • See 1 previous
    • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Sep 30, 2017

      Good Luck Tj :) I hope you find what you need for the price you want to pay ;)

  • 27524803 27524803 on Sep 30, 2017

    Can you cover it with a heavy duty tarp (tent it in the center to help snow fall off) to keep the snow from falling thru to the patio... tarps are cheap and can be replaced every year... it only needs to last thru winter, then can be removed once snow is done for the season.

    • Tjnorton99223 Tjnorton99223 on Sep 30, 2017

      Thanks but this did not work last year. We had a very heavy snow winter. Will need something more substantial. Appreciate your help though.

  • Bijous Bijous on Sep 30, 2017

    I'd cover it with plywood that's been painted on all sides with a rubber paint. If the sides aren't enclosed, I'd use heavy plastic on all sides to close off and use a heater to make sure the snow does not stay on the roof. You can put the plastic up the same way you would patio curtains with rods and rings both at the top and the floor. Then in spring, remove the plywood and plastic and store for next year.

  • Roxaneg Roxaneg on Sep 30, 2017

    A tarp is a great idea and you can reinforce it by attaching it to pressure-treated wood before placing it over the pergola like a cap.

  • Karen Tokarse Karen Tokarse on Sep 30, 2017

    Bijous_2010 - BRILLIANT!