Hey all you Weekend Warriors!
Last week’s show was about projects you can do around your home that will give you a high return on your investment. One of the things we mentioned was building a covered patio. I have designed and shipped many patio covers in my day so I can offer quite a bit of advice to you.
I don’t have the exact number for how much return you would get out of building one but I think it would be high. My wife and I have been looking for homes recently and we always give extra points to a home with an outdoor living space. It not only gives you shade in the hot summer but offers protection from the rain during our Pacific Northwest winters.
This cover is a little more dificult since you would have to overframe into your existing roof. I think you could easily build this one for a few thousand dollars.
If tying into your roof seems a little scary you can use this product from Sky Lift.
These brackets tie easily into your top plate in the wall and seal up with a roof jack.
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The size of the beams and joists used are dependent on the spans and snow loading in your area.
There are a bunch of roofing options to consider as well. Composite ashpalt shingles that match your home are probably the most common but you can also use metal or even a product called Suntuf. It is made from polycarbonate and comes in a variety of colors, or even clear. This is a great option if you are trying to preserve the little bit of sunlight you get in your backyard.
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The other nice part about using Suntuf is that it is very light and easy to cut. It is very DIY friendly.
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