Free standing Patio covers

Free standing Patio covers
Down load the standard instruction manuals applicable to the cover, Laguna, Newport, Traditional,
or the Maxx panels. These instructions will address the post and beam installation only.
Laguna Lattice cover in a triangle configuration
Laguna Lattice cover in a rectangle configuration.
Newport Solid covers with steel post for a carport
Newport Solid covers with the Alumawood post and beam
(The Maxx panel will look the same)
Free standing covers will always require footings. Unlike wood covers, the metal covers
must have a constrained footing that is embedded in the concrete. Refer to the engineering
drawings provided for the footing sizes that range from 23’’ cube to 48’’. The size of the
footing is determined by the wind loads, live loads, spans and heights of the cover. Coverkits
will supply you with the proper materials that are required, but it is your responsibility to give
us the proper wind and live load requirements for your area. Check with your local building
We will gladly give you all the engineering
department for the engineering requirements. Coverkits
information you need for a successful installation.
Determine the dimension of the patio cover top or “lid” in the area you want to install
your cover. Be mindful of the set back requirements of your local area. Make sure that the
centerline of the post is 1’6’’ to 2’ from the edge of the cover. This will establish the overhang
of the cover. Do not worry about the post height at this time, cut the post after they are set in
the concrete. Note when ordering the cover, it is always figured as the lid dimension, not post
location! Use a string for the lay-out making sure that it is square.
You can use a drywall square, or use the 6-8-10 rule, A square plus B square equals C
square. Remove the string, dig the holes, and then replace the string (use the same stakes) to set
the post. Drill the bottom area of the post and insert the ½’’ rebar per the engineering. Note
before setting the post, the building inspector will need to see the hole prior to installing the
post. Check with your county or city for the in process inspection schedule. However you
install the post in the cement, it is critical that the posts are plumb! Verify with a level. The
bigger the level, the better for accuracy. An easy way that we use is to set in a sauna tube, and
hand mix the concrete. Then when set, have a ready mix truck with a pump and pour the rest.
Remember that four footings is about four yards of concrete.
Make the footings a little larger than the minimum requirement to insure that the inspector does not hold you up
because you are off an inch or so!
This cover is a triangle shape lattice cover, see pictures at the end of the instructions
If the header beams are double, then make sure that the post height will be to the top of the
headers.
Or if single, then the header sits on the top of the post. When figuring the post height follows
the rules of thumb:
1. If lattice, the cover is level, 8’ to 12’ for a lattice cover is appropriate.
2. With double headers, add 8’’ for the header beam and make sure that you have a
minimum of 6’9’’ clearance under the header beam. Also remember that you will
probably pour a slab after the posts are set, which is another 3 ½’’ to 4’’ making the post
at 93” minimum.
3. It would be 8’’ less if the header sits on the top.
4. On the top of the header then you have the 2” x 6 ½ “ joist and the 2’’ by 2’’ lattice
making a total height of 97.5’’ with the concrete slab.
5. If the cover is solid, Newport or the Maxx panel make sure the cover is sloped a min. of
¼’’ to ½’’ per foot of projection.
The back side (high side, opposite of the gutter) and sides will have the hanger channels and the
2’’ by 6 ½’’ fascias.
Verify the post height, then level, mark and cut the post.
Brackets will be supplied to install the header beam. Once the header is installed, remove brackets and the
faceplates will cover the holes.
Headers installed to the post. The vinyl caps are not installed yet. Notice the rafter brackets on the top of header
beams.
The post face plates were installed last because of the stone on the concrete. The vinyl plugs are not installed
yet.