Patio Roof Installation

Decide whether to use the house to secure one end of the patio roof or whether to install poles to support it at all four corners of the patio. Check the manufacturer's directions for options; many suggest using a house wall for one end if possible.

Install posts for the outer end of the patio roof. Mount these in brackets on the patio, fastened with concrete nails in a concrete surface, or dig holes to set posts in concrete. Dig the holes, using a post hole digger, at least 2 feet deep. Make sure the posts are plumb; check by putting a level on the side of each post. Set the posts deep enough so that their tops are at a height that allows a slope from the house gable end -- a slope of at least 1 inch per foot.

Fasten the ledger or mounting strip to the house. Install this on the fascia or facing board of the roof edge if it is sturdy enough to support it -- or, better, to the house wall, through the siding and into wall studs. Use a screw gun and the screws that came with the roof kit to mount the strip.

Put beams on the outside edges of the roof from the house mounting point to the posts; many kits come with holes predrilled to fasten these to the house and the outside supports with screws or bolts. Make sure the beams slope at the proper angle. Install other beams or rafters between the two outside edges, depending on the roof's length. Follow the manufacturer's directions; some internal beams have bracket ends which slide over the outer rails, while others fasten with screws.

Cover the roof with the roofing panels, typically sized to fit between rafters or beams. Install some with clips, others with screws or bolts; some have seams that fasten with one strip sliding into another. Add any side trim or gutter included with the kit.