The patio cover kits are designed to meet the International Building Code and the California Building Code; Engineering Report number ESR 1398. Always verifying that your building department accepts our engineering.
The inspector at the building department will want to see the product engineering. When placing your order, let us know you need a set of engineering. The pertinent details will be highlighted in the engineering for your building inspector to review. A plot plan may be required, a simple overhead line drawing with dimensions of your property lines, home, and proposed location of your patio cover.
The engineering plans are a set of span tables for roof panels, rafters, beams, posts, and connection details that allow us to design your patio cover within the material capabilities so the cover is built properly, and you can count on the cover to withstand your local climate. The details that pertain to your cover are highlighted and then we email that set of highlighted plans so that you can pass them along to your local building authority. We provide engineering for Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Note: No engineering is available for the city of Los Angeles.
Plan Drawings Post Connections to Concrete Slab, Concrete Footings, or Wood Deck Post Connection to Gutter-Beam or Various Beam Designs Roof Pan or Rafter Connections Hanger Connection to Wall, Fascia, and Roof Top Span Tables Included in Engineering Report: Post Spacing on Slab Post Spacing on Footings (with or without slab) Aluminum Beam Clear Spans Steel Beam Clear Spans Wall or Freestanding Attachment for Roof Pan or Rafter Clear Spans Fascia Attachment for Roof Pan or Rafter Clear Spans Roof Top Attachment for Roof Pan or Rafter Clear Spans
Roof Design Load (RDL) is rated in pounds per square foot, and your region and elevation determine Live Load (LL) and Ground Snow Load (GSL).Ground Snow Load is typically higher than the Roof Design Load, so verify what information the building dept. is giving you LL, GSL, or RDL.
Some terms your building department may use include live load, ground snow load, roof design load, wind speed, wind exposure, seismic load, patio height, frost line, and property line setback. Note: Ground Snow Load and Roof Design Load differ; verify your snow rating when consulting your building department.
Wind speed is measured in Miles Per Hour and exposure.
Exposure B: Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions.
Exposure C: Open terrain with scattered obstructions.
Seismic Size Requirements (Ss) is the Maximum Considered Earthquake Ground Motion (0.2 sec).
A Plot Map is a basic overhead line sketch illustrating your property including the location of your house, garage, shed, pool, driveway, etc., and your proposed awning, patio cover, or carport.
Also required on the Plot Map are details of your neighboring properties, streets, allies, and so forth; the Building Department typically uses this information to verify that you’re not imposing on any property line setbacks.
The Alumawood and Elitewood DIY Aluminum Patio Cover kits are engineered to meet the specifications of the International Building Code. If you require a building permit, we provide comprehensive plans that can be submitted to your local building department. Before placing your order, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the code requirements specific to your area, ensuring that your patio cover is designed accurately. For further information, please contact your local Building Department to inquire about your local code requirements.
When obtaining a building permit, some projects such as an Advanced Custom or Solar Ready patio cover kits may require "Site specific engineering“. This term refers to the practice of designing and engineering a project based on the unique conditions of a particular location, considering factors like topography, soil conditions, climate, and existing structures, rather than using a generic design that might not adequately address the specific site challenges; essentially, it means tailoring engineering plans to the exact details of a given site to ensure safety and functionality.
Key points about site specific engineering:
The primary goal is to thoroughly assess the unique characteristics of a site, including things like soil type, groundwater levels, wind exposure, seismic activity, and nearby utilities, to design a project that optimally adapts to those conditions.
Unlike a standard design, site specific engineering involves creating a customized plan that addresses the specific challenges and constraints presented by the site.
By considering all site-specific factors, engineers can design structures that are better equipped to withstand potential hazards and ensure the safety of workers and occupants.
Proper site-specific design can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for more efficient use of materials and construction methods, potentially leading to cost savings.
Examples of where site specific engineering is crucial:
Building on steep slopes, rocky areas, or areas with unstable soil requires careful consideration of site conditions to design appropriate foundations and support systems.
When excavating trenches, engineers must assess the soil stability and design customized shoring systems to prevent cave-ins based on the specific site conditions.
Structures located in areas prone to strong winds or earthquakes need to be designed with specific considerations to withstand the anticipated forces.
