Hi Kim I love what you are doing with the cottage. Can you tell me a bit about the roof over the pergola ?

13 years ago

We have just purchased a home with a pergola - almost identical to yours, but without the lengthwise strapping and roof. We love your solution to the roof and think it might be an economical way for us to work with the existing pergola but gain some weather cover. The specific question is about the products and process for securing the clear panels to the beams. Can you help? Many kind regards, Meg and Mark

West Seattle cottage · More Info

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Tucker Homes

12 years ago

konalookforme, you are correct that a 4 inch rise will be enough to drain the water off the roof, but a 2/12 slope will provide better protection from water deflection, wind driven rains, and back up due to ice dams. Slope really depends on what kind of structure and what kind of climate in which you are working.

If we are just talking about metal or polycarbonate sheets on the roof of your open air structure in a climate that doesn't get snow, then you're right about just getting enough slope to make the water run. But it is a good practice to check the warranty on your product as they often indicate ideal installation, you may find that most roofing materials are not warrantied if installed with a lower slope than a 3/12.

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Comments (12)

Kim Lajeunesse
13 years ago
Hello,

Along with the corrugated panels you will need to use galvanized steel hex screws and horizontal wood closure strips.

I suggest searching YouTube for videos on these products since seeing the installation in action will help you more than written instructions.

Every project is different so if you have a specific question on installation, let me know.

Kim
songbirdalicia
13 years ago
Like what you did with the planters as well as the blinds.
rikkif
13 years ago
have any experience with a galvanized roof growing wisteria/ivy? Is it too hot?
PRO
wolfgirl
13 years ago
Hi what is the width of your patio? Thanks..
Kim Lajeunesse
13 years ago
rikkif: no I've never used galvanized roofing materials, this being Seattle I want to allow as much light as possible!
Kim Lajeunesse
13 years ago
wolfgirl: the patio is wide enough to park an SUV (which I do during the winter, actually).
budydh
13 years ago
Any slope to the roof? If so, how many inch per ft. slope? Thanks!
PRO
Tucker Homes
12 years ago
To ensure proper drainage off the roof, you would want a slope 2 inches rise for every 12 inches of run. If you live in an area where there is snow, I'd recommend a minimum 4/12 slope, but that answer varies depending on the rest of the roof system (rafter and strapping spacing).
julsnealey
12 years ago
I have a 20 x 20 patio with a pergola very similar to this. What would the slope be for that as well as where do I find panels long enough for mine? I also live in Seattle and would like to be able to cover from rain as our nice patio cushions are treated, but it isn't holding up to Seattle weather.
konalookforme
12 years ago
The panels are 12 feet long. Your saying you need a 2 foot rise to let rain run off? That is way too much. Mine runs off fine with only a 4 inch slope.
konalookforme
12 years ago
You are correct sir. I guess I don't think of those things here in San Diego. The first panels I used were the cheaper version and were destroyed by the sun within 5-6 years. Next week I'm rebuilding the entire pergola and adding the stronger , clear polycarbonate panels. You were right about the warranty, but I don't think I will add the suggested slope. The weather here is so mild. It would just be overkill. Thank you for your response. It was very helpful.