Here is a 16′ x 22′ free-standing Alumawood insulated roof panels with double rafter tail patio cover. Snowden Designs installed this recently in Pahrump. We used three fan beans approximately nine feet tall. The roof is sloped. We used 4 steel posts in concrete footings, as per the architectural plans. We used two single 3″ x 8″ support beams 20′ in length with corbel ends on both ends and a double rafter tail. The roof is white in color and the rest of the structure is beechwood.
Check out the double rafter-tails with corbeled ends on this one.
FREE-STANDING
A free-standing patio cover is a structure that provides shade and shelter over your patio without being attached to your house or any other permanent structure. Moreover, they come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to fit your needs and budget.
Installing a free-standing patio cover can vary in complexity depending on the type and size you choose. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
PLANNING AND PREPARATION:
- Permits and regulations: Check with your local building department for any permits or regulations required for installing a patio cover. Some areas may have restrictions on size, height, or materials.Snowden Designs can handle this entire process for you. We adhere to all Pahrump and Nye County codes.
- Choosing the location: Select the perfect spot on your patio, considering sun exposure, prevailing winds, and proximity to existing structures. Ensure sufficient clearance for furniture and activities. We can help you assess the area and best location.
INSTALLATION:
- Base foundation: Depending on the cover type and local regulations, you might need to create a stable base. Some options include concrete footings or plating the structure to existing flatwork. Ensure the base is level and sturdy enough to support the cover’s weight.
- Beam and rafter installation: Attach the beams horizontally across the tops of the posts, ensuring proper alignment and level. Then, install the rafters or trusses on top of the beams, forming the roof structure.
INSULATED ROOF PANEL
In a patio cover, an insulated roof panel is a specific type of roofing material that goes beyond just providing shelter. It offers several advantages over traditional roofing by incorporating an insulating layer between the top and bottom surfaces. This layer can be made from various materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyisocyanurate (polyiso), or polyurethane, each with its own insulating properties and benefits.
HERE’S WHAT AN INSULATED ROOF PANEL TYPICALLY COMPRISES:
- Top layer: This can be made from different materials like metal, vinyl, or polycarbonate. It provides the primary weatherproofing and aesthetic appeal.
- Insulating layer: This core layer is the key feature, offering thermal insulation that keeps the patio cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Bottom layer: Often another sheet of metal or vinyl, adding to the overall strength and stability of the panel.
BENEFITS OF USING INSULATED ROOF PANELS IN A PATIO COVER:
- Temperature control: The insulating layer reduces heat transfer, making the patio significantly cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. This allows you to comfortably enjoy your outdoor space for a longer period throughout the year.
- Reduced energy costs: By maintaining a more stable temperature under the patio, you can potentially lower your energy consumption for air conditioning or heating in adjacent areas of your home.
- Noise reduction: The insulation also acts as a sound barrier, dampening noise from rain, hail, or even nearby traffic. This creates a more peaceful and relaxing environment on your patio.
- Improved structural integrity: Some insulated panels offer enhanced strength and rigidity compared to traditional roofing materials, potentially increasing the overall durability of your patio cover.
- Reduced condensation: The insulation can help prevent moisture build-up on the underside of the roof, minimizing the risk of condensation dripping down and creating an unpleasant or even damaging environment.
HOWEVER, IT’S IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER SOME POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS:
- Higher initial cost: Insulated panels typically cost more than traditional roofing materials.
- Increased weight: The added insulation makes the panels heavier, requiring a robust support structure for your patio cover.
- Installation complexity: Depending on the panel type, installation may be more intricate than simpler roofing options.
Overall, insulated roof panels offer significant benefits for improving the comfort, usability, and energy efficiency of your patio cover. Carefully weighing the pros and cons against your specific needs and budget will help you decide if they’re the right choice for your outdoor space.
RAFTER TAIL
A rafter tail is the visible, external portion of a rafter that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building. It’s essentially the tail end of the rafter that projects out past the edge of the roof. Furthermore, rafter tails typically support the soffit overhang and can be seen on gable ends and eaves.
These “tails” can often be decorative and add architectural interest to a building. Moreover, they can be cut in different shapes or adorned with carvings or other stylistic elements.
DOUBLE RAFTER TAIL
On this double rafter tail patio cover, the term “double rafter tail” means that we have two individual rafter tails extending from each rafter. Essentially, instead of a single extension, the end of the rafter splits into two separate “tails” running parallel to each other.
The double rafter tail patio cover design is purely decorative, adding a unique visual element to the patio cover. Moreover, it can also provide additional support for the soffit or gutter system, especially if the overhang is particularly deep.
The double tails could be of equal length or have different lengths for a layered effect. Furthermore, they can also be cut in different shapes or angles for further customization.
CORBELED RAFTER TAIL
On this patio cover, we used a corbeled rafter tail. This is a specific type of corbeled end where the rafter continues past the wall it rests on. This extension can have various shapes and profiles, offering visual detail and potentially supporting overhangs or eaves. It’s important to note that not all corbeled ends on rafters are decorative; some simply serve a structural purpose to distribute weight and support overhangs.
Snowden Designs has extensive experience installing Alumawood covers in Pahrump. This knowledge of local conditions and specific Alumawood features sets us apart from our many low-budget and out-of-town competitors. Give us a call today at 775-537–8070 and let’s talk rafter tails!
