STANDARD ALUMINUM PATIO COVERS

Frequently  Asked  Questions

Q: Will I have technical support?

A: Yes. Please read the installation instructions for our Aluminum Patio Covers.  If you have any questions please feel free to call. All it takes is a few simple tools and be able to follow the installation instructions. Our Aluminum Awnings are generally installed by the average Homeowner. You don't have to be a qualified contractor. The kits are designed for the average Do It Yourself homeowner. Save money install it yourself.
There's no better feeling than completing a great looking weekend project !

Q: How will I know what to purchase?

A: Please read through our Web Site and if possible make a few notes as to questions you might have. We are very knowledgeable on our products, which will in turn assist you in purchasing a the correct system. We've been in the construction trade since 1970.  Please use this experience to your benefit! (Sorry we don't do artist drawings or blueprints).

Q: I need a different size than shown of your price schedule. How does that work?

A: All awnings are custom manufactured to fit your needs. The sizes listed on our web-site are there to give you a representation of our discount pricing. If you need an awning say…..9'-10"x26' wide you will receive a 9-10" x 26'

Q: Can I get a patio cover that is 15' from my home?

A: Generally that is not a problem. You will need to call to see what options are available for your area, such as : snow loads, wind factor. Height and attachment will have a bearing on your arbor design.

Q: How many posts will I need?

A: The live load, length, and projection of the awning, establish the quantity of posts.  Typically a 10' projection x 20' wide awning requires 3 to 4 posts. Your awning engineering will specify the post spacing needed for your particular unit.

Q: What is the distance between posts?

A: The normal post spacing is 10' to 12' apart (depending on live load, length, and projection).  An inch or two either way should not create a problem. The posts the are installed on the 2 outside corners of the awning do not have to be located exactly on the corner. The corner posts may be inset up to 25% of your post span (Example: span of 8'-0"between posts x 25% = 2'-0" maximum).

Q: How do I get an awning delivered?

A: Common carriers are used to ship our awning products. We have contracts with some very good discounted rates with many local and nationwide carriers.

Q: How heavy are the units?

A: On an average, our Arbors weigh 1.52 - 1.98 lbs. Per square foot (depends on actual components). Example: A 13' x 18' Arbor is 234 square feet. (234 sq. ft. x 1.52 lbs. per sq. ft. = 355 lbs.)

Q: How many days will it take to ship?

A: These Awnings are made to order, production time is generally about nine (9) days from date of order plus shipping time. Carrier and distance determine shipping time. Shipping to Louisiana takes about 4 business days from California. To East Coast the trip is about 5-6 business days.

Q: How are the posts attached to concrete?

A: All of our Arbors come complete with concrete "anchors". 2 - 3/8" inch holes are drilled into the concrete for each post (with a masonry bit). The anchors provided are used to mount the post brackets directly to the concrete slab. The 3" square posts are then slid over the top of the secured post brackets and a 3/8 inch bolt, washer, & nut (provided) is used to attach the post to the bracket.

Q: Will it come in one package?

A: An average size Awning will be shipped in 4 or 5 boxes. Larger Units of course will require more packages in order to be easily moved by a single individual.

Q: Can  a package be handled easily?

A: The longer projection of the awning, the longer the boxes. The largest length we can ship is 24' long due to common carrier limitations. Smaller awnings will use shorter boxes.

Q: What will happen if I get a bad storm?

A: Our Patio Covers can be designed to withstand, up to 90 M.P.H. winds. We generally have our customers advise us as to the types of winds in their local area. Many areas we are very familiar or we have a general sense of what is required.

Q: How are Patio Covers designed for the snow?

A: This is a very important question. We have the engineering designs to properly adjust your arbor to accept your local conditions. A modification in the thickness of the awning post spacing, thickness of rafters and mid-span support( which is very rarely used) might be all it would take. Might include such items as adding an extra post. We have aluminum "I" beams and steel C-beams to allow for greater spans. Using a steel or an aluminum beam your post spacing becomes significantly farther apart but will require concrete footings.

Q: Can you attach to a wooden deck?

A: Most building departments will not allow direct mounting of the posts to a wooden deck.  However, there are some building departments will allow attaching your deck. Each municipality will have there own requirements. Are going to obtain a building permit to install your awning? In all instances, it is not permissible to mount the posts to a handrail of any deck. You can install the posts through the deck and add new footings for the posts or install the posts out past your deck on new footings. If you're not sure which way to proceed, please ask.

Q: Can I secure posts to something other than concrete?

A: No. However there are options for post installation: Directly on a concrete slab, concrete slab with concrete footing or just a concrete footing. Read and follow the directions for properly installing posts.  There isn't an engineering design to allow posts to be secured to a wooden deck.

Q: How do you attach to a masonry exterior ( Plaster or Brick )?

A: There are several options available. Installation and sealing can vary depending on your needs. We will be glad to inform you of how to proceed.

Q: Where should I attach to my house, the eave or wall?

A: We will need to know the following information: How far out from your house is the eave?  Are your overhangs supported with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6's rafters? How far apart are the 2 x? rafters?  Your awning includes the required "flashing" to enable you to provide a seal at either mounting location. If at all possible, it is better to mount to the wall for larger or heavier Live Loads. Please consult with us as to your best type of installation (eave/wall?).

Q: Do you have freestanding Awnings?

A: Yes, we have freestanding Units. Freestanding Awnings require steel posts poured into fair size concrete footings for stability. Normally a free-standing patio cover is approximately 50% more than an attached awning. For more information on costs: Freestanding Awnings.