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

department for the engineering requirements. Coverkits will gladly give you all the engineering

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.

Installing the double headers with the “C” beam inserts.

The steel “C” beam will allow a span up to 25’. Check with Coverkits about length

limitations for shipment in certain areas. The temporary bracket is installed to hold the “C”

beams in place. Once the “C” beams are installed to the post, then the bracket is removed, and

when the side plates are installed. The holes for the bracket will be hidden.

The “C” beams will come in 20’ and 25’ lengths, 12 ga. and 16 ga.

If you wish to use fiberglass columns see the column instructions in the installation files in the

coverkits web site.

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.