How to Attach Patio Cover to House

Learning how to build your own patio is an excellent way to beautify the entire look of your home. However, there are some kinks to work out, like how to attach a patio cover to your house depending on the build and other components.

Below, we’ll show you different ways to attach the patio cover to your house, regardless if it’s multi-story. We’ll also give you ideas on materials and highlight the benefits of having a patio in your backyard.

How to Attach Patio Cover to House

Depending on your needs, you’ll choose between a patio cover and a pergola with open rafters.

If you’d like a more open look, the best pergola builders Phoenix can install a sturdy aluminum pergola for a sleek look. However, a patio cover is a better choice if you’d like more protection and privacy.

Before starting your construction project, you’ll have to take care of a couple of things:

• Local building codes – Arizona building codes are regulated at the local jurisdiction level, so make sure your project outline ticks all the boxes before you start building.
• Choose an attachment method – Depending on your house and the look you want, you can attach the patio cover directly to the house wall, the fascia, or a riser bracket. We’ll explain the different attachment methods in depth below.
• Add a roof ledger board – When attaching the patio cover directly to the house wall, add a ledger board as a replacement for a fascia.
• Finish up with flashing and roofing – This step is necessary to prevent leaks and water damage. Add flashing to conceal any openings, and then add roofing that matches your preferred aesthetic. The roofing material you choose doesn’t dictate the method you can use for attachment. So, the aluminum patio cover installation instructions are the same as those for wood or vinyl.

Now, we’ll show you how to attach a patio cover to a house in four different ways to achieve the exact look you desire:

Attaching the back channel to the fascia

The first method involves attaching the patio roof to the fascia underneath the house gutter and then reinforcing it to the rafters inside the roof. This will ensure the patio sheets are fixed and stable within the fascia. 

Regarding the height of the cover, you can match it to the height of your indoor walls, which are at least eight feet tall. Aim for a height between eight to twelve feet, depending on how you’ll use the patio and the level of protection you want.

A lower cover means a better shield against the natural elements.

Eliminating the house gutter

Here’s how to attach an aluminum patio cover to the house (or whichever material you prefer) without the gutter. 

You’ll attach the back channel a bit higher on the fascia for this method. Because you’ve removed the house gutter, you’ll have to extend the roof flashing to the patio to connect them seamlessly.

Using a riser bracket

The third method involves attaching the back of the patio beam on top of a riser bracket. 

Using a custom barge cap, seal the opening for a finished edge. Afterward, add any type of wall sheeting you like and install a separate cover to conceal the riser brackets.

Attaching the patio cover to the wall of the house

If you want to learn how to attach a patio roof to an existing 2-story house, this method is the way to go. This is also the preferred method if there’s enough space to attach the back channel directly to the wall underneath the eaves. Since you won’t be able to see the fascia and gutters from under the patio, the whole look will be more aesthetically pleasing.

Alternatively, you can remove the eaves, fascia, and gutters and cut the rafters to fit the wall line to lift the back channel. This way, you connect the back channel to the roof framing for an extra 500-600 millimeters of height.

You can do everything exactly the same for even more height, except you’ll add SHS steel posts and the patio beam on top. To complete the look, install a custom box gutter on the house side up against the unit and a custom barge on top.

Factors to Consider Before the Patio Installation

Before you begin the installation, you want to go over the details like how a patio would fit with your house and backyard, what materials to use, and adjustments you’ll need to make:

• Design and layout – The shape, size, and location of your patio will help you choose a design and work out a layout
• Material – Choosing the material is tied to a whole other set of factors like aesthetic, maintenance, and budgetary requirements
• Site preparation – If you’ve just moved into a new build, you’ll likely have to clean up shrubbery, mow the lawn, and level the terrain to be able to add flooring
• Lighting and sound – You probably plan on adding outdoor lighting and maybe even a sound system to your patio. You can add recessed lighting for a subtle look, pendant light for a one-of-a-kind element, or streamline wall lights if you don’t want overhead lighting. Regarding the sound system, you’ll need to consult with a professional about waterproofing and outdoor capabilities
• Maintenance – The patio roof material you choose will require regular maintenance to keep it looking like new. So, go for a material that fits the amount of time and money you’re willing to spend on upkeep
• Budget – Your budgetary restrictions play a key role in your decision regarding the overall look of the patio. Lay out your budget to determine the minimum costs you can spend on the patio cover and determine its look from there.

What Is the Cost of Building a Patio Cover? 

When calculating the total cost of a patio cover or pergola, there are various factors you should take into account. Ask yourself questions like: 

• What size patio do I want?

• What materials do I need to attach a patio cover to my house?

• Can I get the project done myself, or will I have to hire professional constructors?

This will help you get a general sense of the needed budget to realize your project. However, you can also rely on pricing estimates.

HomeAdvisor states the U.S. national average cost to install a new patio from scratch is between $5 and $50 per square foot, with an average patio cover cost from $5,000–$25,000.

The average cost of a patio in Phoenix, Arizona, is $2,620, with a typical range between $1,449 and $3,849. The low-end to high-end range is $600–$9,700. However, using more affordable materials, less paid labor, and DIY methods, a 10×10 ft patio can cost as little as $500.

The Phoenix, Arizona, average for a patio cover alone is $14,001, ranging between $6,375 and $21,627. The low-to-high-end ratio is $2,050–$35,000.

Patio Cover Ideas for Different Materials

Don’t worry – you can quickly conceal the dull metal flashing by adding a nice siding made of one of the following materials:

• Wood – A wood patio cover works in every climate and acts as a shield against inclement weather. It’s also durable and requires minimum maintenance on your side; it looks gorgeous by itself. You can make it flat-topped or follow the shape of your roof type.
• Vinyl – A vinyl patio cover will never rust or rot and is highly customizable to fit your specific aesthetic needs. In addition, it’s super low maintenance and can be quickly hosed down.
• Aluminum – Alumawood is your best choice for an aluminum patio cover. It’s most cost-effective, plus a blend of aluminum and wood, which means you get a more expensive look for significantly less than you would if you installed a 100% wood cover.
• Metal – If you’re looking for a durable patio cover, a metal cover is your best bet. Metal covers can withstand harsh weather conditions, hold more weight, and stay intact for longer.
• Polycarbonate – Glass patio covers are harder to install and maintain and are less durable. On the other hand, polycarbonate is UV-resistant, much stronger, and cheaper. It’s the perfect replacement for glass and will help you achieve a very similar look as you would with glass.
• Asphalt shingle – If you’d like your patio cover to match your house roof, you can use the same asphalt shingle roofing. This will make your house look more cohesive and color-coordinated.

Benefits of Patio Covers

Besides curb appeal, patio covers are an excellent addition for the following reasons:

• Increased home value – By installing a patio in your backyard, you can significantly boost ROI, especially if you plan on selling the house in the future. 
• More space for outdoor decor – If you’re a holiday spirit, a nice patio allows for full customization during holidays or to add a touch of personality outside the house.
• A spot to hang out outside during bad weather – Just because the weather’s bad doesn’t mean you have to take the fun inside. By adding a patio cover, you’ll shield the lounge area from leaks and be able to enjoy your cozy corner even in the rain.
• Patio covers keep your home cool – By installing an insulated patio cover, you’ll have more control over the temperature in the patio by reducing sunlight exposure on your home exterior. This means less heat will enter your home, keeping it cooler during the summer months.

Conclusion 

Now that you know how to attach a patio cover to the house, let’s recap the best ways to do this. You can attach the back channel to the fascia, remove the house gutter for an elevated look, use a riser bracket, or attach the cover directly to the wall.

Before you start the installation, choose a patio cover size and materials that fit your budget. This will help you stay within your budget range and still install a cover that’s a good balance between affordability and aesthetics.

At Royal Covers, we’ll prepare a custom quote for your dream patio free of charge. Contact us here for all your patio cover needs, and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.