I am looking to build a pergola that will attach to my house and need a bit of advice. I am planning on placing it next to an extended covered patio similar to the photo below. My problem is that I do not know the best way to attach and support (posts) due to the location being in a corner.



The yellow lines represent the proposed area of the pergola. I do not have to worry about the concrete in the picture as my house does not have concrete in that specific area (dirt, grass).

Any suggestions?

[This message has been edited by Sensei John Kreese (edited 8/16/2010 9:49a).]

Why not make it free standing?

What are the dimensions of the yellow line? I am having almost and identical thing done as we speak. On mine, there are two 6x6 cedar posts that are about 20 feet apart... so looking at your pic, they would be a few feet in from each corner on your front yellow line. The back portion (not the side) is attached to the roof with some metal L-bracket things, with a 2x12 attached to it (the 2'inch side is just about the gutter). I will take a pic tonight after they leave.

What about doing that whole span?

Also, I am having a clear polycarbonite top put on that takes out all the UV rays (and to keep rain off me).

Tabasco - I have been looking into adding a pergola in my backyard, but wasn't sure how to handle attaching it to my existing roof while keeping my gutter intact. It would be great if you would post a picture of the metal L-bracket things they are using on yours. TIA

make sure you get a permit if attached to the house.

Thanks, Tobasco.

That pic is of some random house I found on the internet to illustrate my plan. My particular span is about 15 ft.

I'd rather not do a free standing pergola as to avoid lost space from the additional two posts near the house.

I don't need a permit as I am not inside city limits.

you would lose a little space, but you get other benefits

if the patio foundation shifts more than the house foundation, which seems to be fairly common where I am, it's going to pull apart from your house and could cause water damage if you don't catch it and fix it right away

also, if you remove it in the future, you won't be left trying to repair the damage and have to match paint, etc

will try to take pics tonight or tomorrow

I just did this exact thing for a customer. I will try to take pics and post

Before:













After:
This thing is massive, mammoth and stout. 15 feet x 30 feet. Posts are 8"x8" and were set by cutting pool deck and set in concrete. Cedar was coated with a natural stain. UV polycarb top has a slight tint.











side roof, these beams barely touch... nothing is affixed on side.


back 2x12 is attached to roof via L-bracket. I did not see how they put these in, but I believe are attached to rafters. You can see one metal bracket here.




unattached side, view from inside.

Tabasco,

Your pics make me a little nervous.

If they aren't tying that back to the house with anything more than some metal brackets into the roof deck (plywood) I worry...especially since only 1/3 of the pergola is being supported by columns. Those things honestly don't look that stout. If they ARE tied back to the rafters then I hope they at least flashed all the penetrations through the roof. Also, since you have the polycarbonate on top, it'd be nice if you can get some slight (1%) slope to that structure.

Not saying I know it all, but at first glance some of that looks a little questionable. In either case, I'd be interested in the means & methods of how the connection to the existing house is being made. I've actually been doing custom pool houses, pergolas, outdoor kitches, pools, etc. lately.

[This message has been edited by AggieArchitect04 (edited 8/18/2010 12:34a).]

They are tied to the rafters and they were done with flashing. There is a slope, not sure on the degree. I will try to find out some of the details if you are interested.

Oh, and an architect did come out, took measurements, drew design, and approved the construction method, fwiw.

The polycarbonate that I sell requires a 1:12 pitch. I hadn't ever seen those metal brackets and I build these things. Pretty interesting but I hate putting penetrations in the roof. I also tend to over build so I'm not sure I like the looks of them either. Nice quality detail work btw. Someone took some time to router the edges which is pretty incredible.