Comments on: Patio Covers Online Guide: An Overview

By: Installing and Repairing Patio Covers and Gutters | RafterTales | Home Improvement Made Easy

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:59:39 +0000

[...] homeowners prefer to have patio covers to protect them from rain or from the heat of the sun every time they hang out on the patio. There [...]

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:19:15 +0000

Kristal, Don’t know that I can post pics here. Send email address to Lenasla@msn.com and I can send them to you direct.

By: Guy

Guy — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:02:13 +0000

You can see my dog carl in the second photo down.

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:00:11 +0000

If your pergola is flat topped, it should be quite easy to put a tarp over it, but need to think of an acceptable way to attach with bungees. The type I use are short, about 8-9 inch loop with a plastic bulb, stretch pretty well, allowing for some flexibility in sizing. I should think you could attach rails to the pergola rafters, possibly only on two sides at the rafter ends. The bungee cord goes thru the tarp grommets and then around the rail. The more bungees, the better for wind resistance. If rail is mounted on the rafter ends, then you have spaces to loop the bungees. If mounted on the sides of the rafters or any other flat face, such as against the house, you will need to provide an inch or so stand-off such as with a small block of wood, so the bungee can be looped around. All depends on your circumstances. Send Email to Lenasla@msn.com for pics.

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:55:49 +0000

Rafter Tales. Seems to be some interest in pics of my canopy system. Not sure I can post directly. If you would like to post, let me know where I can send them or if I can directly.. Jpg format…. such as with a reply.

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:34:05 +0000

Sorry, can’t see your email address and I’m not sure if I can post pics directly here. Anyone interested Email Lenasla@msn.com

By: Denise Newman

Denise Newman — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:53:31 +0000

This sounds like just the size and affordability that i need, can you send me a picture to my email address above. Thanks a lot.

By: Kristal H

Kristal H — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:03:54 +0000

Len- I’d love to see pics also please.

By: Scott H

Scott H — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:46:46 +0000

Len…could I see some pics? This sounds like a simple solution for a temporary cover over my pergola. Thanks

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:28:32 +0000

Thanks, I get compliments from guests all the time. The inspiration for this design was the Mediterranean method of summer cover using white muslin sheeting. White tarp still allows a lot of ambient light while blocking direct sun. This solution also allows a larger size than the usual retractable awning with large open free space below. The rafters were added to take the weight of heavy rainfall which would cause some “cupping”. In this application, I was able to take advantage of the height of the house to slope the tarp away to drain. Attachment directly to the house also makes it quite strong and stable without the need for wind cross bracing, but there are ways this could be done as a free-standing cover as well, at far lower cost than a heavy wood structure, but looking more elegant than a car cover. One observation for anyone considering this. Tarps come in some standard sizes which can be purchased at lower cost than custom sizing so plan accordingly. TarpaFlex is good source. Happy to send pics if anyone interested. Also, as a Landscape Architect, I would available for consults in my area (northern Va.), Ha, ha!

By: Rafter Tales

Rafter Tales — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:40:31 +0000

Thanks for sharing your affordable solution, Len!

By: Len Blakley

Len Blakley — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:30:58 +0000

Hi, anyone interested in a low cost summer rain and shade system for a deck or patio. I designed a lean-to cover system for part of my above ground deck using heavy duty white tarp, in this case, 15 x 20 ft..I attached vertical support posts to the railing posts (3) and painted fence top rail with brackets at the top of the posts. On the house side I attached the rails (at a higher elevation bracketed directly to studs leaving a slight gap with a small wood block. The Tarp then is attached with short inexpensive bungee cords with plastic bulbs (available Ebay and other sources). I later added light weight rafters constructed from doubled 1x 4 redwood on hand which simply hook over the fence rails on the house side and are screwed to the posts on the other side. Tarps are also available on Ebay and others but be sure to use good quality. The tarps usually run $30-$40, far less than Sunbrella or other materials but may only last 2-3 years due to UV deterioration in full sun as on my deck. The cover goes up in Spring and comes down in the late fall, before any snow. This system has worked great to reduce temperatures on the deck and provide significant rain protection and withstands high winds quite well.

By: Teressa McLaughlin

Teressa McLaughlin — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:37:51 +0000

I am interested in getting my patio covered.

By: Homeo Medicine

Homeo Medicine — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:26:24 +0000

there are many different things you can do to curb the effects of global warming, walk to work or ride a bike, car pool, recycle, support the right organizations, donations to organizations, tell a friend what they can do to help. Spread the word!

By: Roosevelt Griffin

Roosevelt Griffin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:44:55 +0000

I'm looking for plans to build a patio cover. I would like to build a patio with approx 20'x20' concrete and , 20' x 20' raised(wood). this would mean the cover should be approx 40'long and 20' wide or whatever the most economic lumber cost would be.

Thanks,

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:02:17 +0000

where are the plans

By: Chelle

Chelle — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:23:04 +0000

Patio covers are nice – the retractable ones are easy to use and care for plus you can get both sun & shade.

By: Patio » Patio Covers Online Guide: An Overview

Patio » Patio Covers Online Guide: An Overview — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:24:09 +0000

[...] Rafter Tales Staff wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe factors that need to be considered when planning patio covers include where you live and predominant weather conditions, how much time you like to spend outside on your patio and what types of activities you generally enjoy in your … [...]