Glossary of Terms

• Clear Span
  The distance from the house to the beam supporting the posts.
• Fluted FRP Classic Columns
  Fiberglass Reinforced Classic Round Columns with vertical lines/grooves, used to support the patio cover.
• Foam Insert
  Styrofoam (stuffed inside sideplates to provide additional structural support)
• Gutter
  Attaches to the end of the awning pans, water runs in and is diverted down the downspout.
• Hanger
  Wall or eave attachment applications, hanger holds the pans at the house.
• Header
  Load carrying beam with post connected under.
• IBC
  International Building Code
• ICBO
  International Conference of Building Officials
• CBC
  California Building Code
• IRP
  Insulated Roof Panels, 3" foam filled panels used in lieu of flat pans to make a solid cover. IRP's aren't a deck however can be walked on.
• Laguna
  Trademark name of the Alumawood™ Arbor Lattice Pergola Patio Cover.
• Newport
  Trademark name of the Alumawood™ Patio Cover.
• Live Load
  Term referring to an engineering requirement of most building municipalities whereby the patio cover can withhold a certain per square foot live load, usually measured in pounds.
• FRP Columns
  Fiberglass Round Columns.
• Non-Fluted FRP Columns
  Fiberglass Round Columns without vertical lines/grooves, used to support the patio cover. 
• Beam Overhang / Cantilever
  The distance a cover goes past a header/support beam, typically 1' to 2'.
• Post
  Typical support structure for traditional aluminum patio covers.
• Projection
  The distance out from a house to the end of the cover.
• Rafter Tails
  Ends of the Rafters of the Laguna Arbor Lattice Cover.
• False Rafter Tails
  Decorative Rafters Ends on the Newport Alumawood™ Patio Cover.
• Side-Plates
  Side-Plates or Sideplates 'sandwich' the 3" x 3" Alumawood™ Post, the sideplates are 2" x 6 1/2" and run from the bottom of post to the top of the 3x8 header.
• Wind Load
  Term referring to an engineering requirement of most building municipalities whereby the patio structure can withhold a certain wind speed.
• Ledger Wrap Kit
  Optional wrap to cover 2" Douglas Fir Ledger Board for Alumawood™ covers.
• Attached
  Awning attaches to house/structure either at the wall, eaves/fascia or roof top. Note: To attach to eaves/fascia your eaves must meet the engineering for your awning.
• Freestanding
  Freestanding Awnings use no structure to help support it and relies solely on the posts. For this reason the posts must be poured into a concrete footings, footing size will be determined by the engineering but is generally 24" x 24" x 24".