Do-It-Yourself Resources
Snow and Wind Design Capabilities
Design Capabilities apply to: Alumawood Patio Covers, Insulated Patio Covers, Alumawood Arbor Lattice, Standard Aluminum Patio Covers, Alumawood Carports and Standard Aluminum Carports.
The Aluminum Awnings are designed based on your local requirements; most Building Departments will require a given Live Load or Snow Load, Wind Rating and Exposure as detailed below.
Design Loadings: Live Load and Snow Loads
Design Load is based on PSF / Pounds per Square Foot.
Design Load is also referred to as Live Load or Snow Load depending on the application.
Design Load PSF Requirements available:
- 10 Pounds PSF Live or Ground Snow Load – Generally refers to rain fall.
- 20 Pounds PSF Live or Ground Snow Load - Moderate Snow Fall or Minimum for Carports.
- 25 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load - Moderate Snow Fall.
- 30 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load - Moderate to Heavy Snow Fall.
- 40 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load - Heavy Mountain Snow Fall.
- 50 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load - High Mountain Snow Fall.
- 60 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load - Extreme High Mountain Snow Fall.
Note: Rain and Snow amounts are general and approximate for Design Loads above.
Consult your local building department for your areas requirements.
Design Load/Ground Snow Load to Roof Design Load Conversion
Information pertains to ICC 2006 Engineering from General Note #3.
- 10 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 10 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load (Live or Ground Snow Load)
- 20 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 20 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load (Live or Ground Snow Load)
- 25 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 21 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load
- 30 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 25.2 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load
- 40 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 33.6 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load
- 60 Pounds PSF Ground Snow Load / 50.4 Pounds PSF Roof Design Load
Ask your Building Department what Pounds PSF Load they are referring to:
- Ground Snow Load
- Roof Design Load
Wind Ratings
Wind Rating is based on the Miles Per Hour the cover can withstand.
Wind Speeds in the ICC 2006 are "3 second gust wind speed."
Wind Rating Requirements available:
- 90mph - Average Wind Requirement in U.S.
Most Kits we offer are designed based on 90mph wind rating. - 105mph or 110mph - "High Wind" Areas
High Wind Engineering is available through the IBC 2006 Engineering Report.
Note: We do not offer any kits or engineering for over 110 mph+ areas.
Typical areas that require over 110 mph are Hurricane areas such as Gulf of Mexico and part of the Atlantic coast line.
Exposure
- Exposure B: Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger. Exposure B shall be assumed unless the site meet the definition of another type exposure.
- Exposure C: Open terrain with scattered obstructions, including surface undulations or other irregularities, having heights generally less than 30 feet (9144 mm) extending more than 1,500 feet (457.2 m) from the building site in any quadrant this exposure shall also apply to any building located within exposure b type terrain where the building is directly adjacent to open areas of Exposure C type terrain in any quadrant for a distance of more than 600 feet (182.9 m) this category includes flat open country, grasslands and shoreline in hurricane-prone regions.
Permits: Obtaining a permit is generally a simple process of taking the engineering we provide you to your local building department along with a Plot Map. A Plot Map is a basic overhead line sketch illustrating your property including the location of your house, garage, shed, pool, driveway, etc.. and your proposed awning, patio cover or carport. Also required on the Plot Map are details of your neighboring properties, streets, ally's and so forth; the Building Department typically uses this information to verify that you're not imposing on any property line set backs.
Please read our article on Obtaining a Permit
