The canopy in the garden offers protection from the sun, wind, rain and snow. With a little manual skill, it is possible to cover the terrace with a self-made construction.
Table of Contents
Building permit required?
Before you start with the building instructions, the question arises as to whether a building permit is required. The construction of a roof for the terrace is considered a conversion measure. An official building permit may be required. The specific conditions differ depending on the federal state and municipality.
tool
If you have no idea about the craft, it is better to hire a professional. For experienced and passionate do-it-yourselfers, building a patio cover is a great opportunity to put your skills to the test. The following tools are required for you to start building:
- spirit level and straightedge
- drilling machine
- folding rule and square
- roof covering
- screws
- saws
materials
When it comes to materials, you are spoiled for choice. If you want to build a patio roof, there are many options. A basic subdivision of the roof covering is in these design solutions:
- crystal clear
- translucent
- opaque
Possible materials are roof tiles, sheet metal, corrugated iron, glass or plastic. With the robust solutions made of plastic, there are some materials with PVC, acrylic and Co. that combine high stability with a long service life and low weight.
Wood is a popular material for the construction of the support structure. Aluminum scaffolding is easier to care for. The material offers protection against corrosion and is a lightweight building material. However, aluminum scaffolding is more expensive than wood. The material steel is reserved for professionals and is only conditionally suitable for self-construction.
Kit or DIY?
If you are a skilled craftsman, you can build a roof for the terrace yourself. This is preferably achieved with a supporting structure made of wood. Aluminum requires special skills and tools. The simplest variant is to use a kit. The ready-made kits meet all requirements and can be assembled in no time at all.
components
Anyone who decides to build a patio roof should have basic knowledge of the structure of the same. The following components are important:
- foundation
- Structure made of support beams, purlins, struts and rafters
- roof covering
Foundation for roofing
The posts are responsible for holding the patio roof in place. If the house wall is included, there are two posts, otherwise there are four posts. To ensure a permanent hold, the foundation is part of every construction manual. When making a foundation from concrete, you have two options:
- Concreting the posts
- Screwing onto a concrete foundation
The foundation provides support and protects against the moisture that continuously rises from the ground. The foundation is therefore of fundamental importance, especially for roofs made of wood. Compared to aluminium, a timber structure is susceptible to moisture damage.
Building instructions for terrace roofing
If you want to build a canopy for your terrace, various work steps are important.
- Build a concrete foundation
The first step is to build the concrete foundation. Every canopy needs a stable framework, which in turn should stand on a concrete foundation. First, the excavation of the soil is required. After deciding on a spot or slab foundation , the concrete is poured. Full curing is essential as concrete does not develop its full load-bearing capacity immediately.
- build structure
The next step is to produce the respective supporting structure. Start by setting up the posts and gradually work your way up. Pay attention to a gradient when constructing the terrace. This should be between 5-10% and drains the rainwater. When building the supporting structure, various DIN standards play a decisive role. The distance from wooden beams to the floor is particularly important. Otherwise there is a risk of rotting, which negatively affects stability.
- Lay the roofing
The last step is to lay the roof covering. Screw each plate together with stainless steel screws that resist corrosion. It may be necessary to install seals so that it does not drip through the roofing of the terrace when it rains.
- Consider manufacturer instructions
Many do-it-yourselfers opt for a kit. Note the specific information provided by the manufacturer, as the procedures may differ.
frequently asked Questions
The minimum passage height of the patio roof should be two meters in order to be able to use it comfortably. A height of 2.50 meters is recommended.
The cost of building a patio roof varies. There are some ready-made kits for a few hundred euros in the hardware store. With high-quality materials and extravagant solutions, terrace roofs worth over 1000 euros are conceivable.
The time required depends on the specific procedure. With a kit, you can set up the canopy in a day. An independent creation, including the preparation and planning, can take several weeks.
Different types of wood are predestined for the construction of a roof. Depending on personal preferences, the following types of wood are suitable: spruce, fir, glued wood, Douglas fir
It doesn’t always have to be a complete roofing of the terrace. For many house and apartment owners, an awning is sufficient if only protection from the sun and shade are desired. In addition, a slatted roof or a conservatory can be alternatives.
