want to build a gable roof patio cover

[Texas_Blaze]

I've been planning a nice little project, a covered patio. Dad & i will build it, but he likes to shoot from the hip (pardon the pun on a firearm website) when it comes to construction. I like details and a clear plan, funny so does the city. I've read my towns building ordinance and the 2006 IRC, the adopted code for my town. Anyways, need any advice you got, particularly on attaching to existing home (a two story). I want a gable roof w/ a vaulted/cathedral ceiling, 15ft x 15ft. I was thinking of resting the headers on the existing exterior wall top plate, and attaching to the second level floor joists.

[sjfcontrol]

If you have a homeowners assn, you'll most likely need to get the architecture committee's approval, check your CC&Rs

[Keith B]

Attaching to an existing structure can be troublesome if you build a cover that is fairly heavy, such as you have described. Support for that type of cover will be critical, as well as the attachment method to the house. The problem becomes wind loading and the possibility of it being pulled up or down by a high wind gust and in turn damaging the house where attached.

If you can do it without attaching it may be easier to pass code. You might try befriending one of the people in the inspection department and they can help you with guidelines on what you need to do for an attached or detached patio roof.

[puma guy]

Go to the library and get a book on construction framing and remodeling. The type of framing your existing roof has will determine how to tie in. BTW What do you mean by headers?

[Texas_Blaze]

Go to the library and get a book on construction framing and remodeling. The type of framing your existing roof has will determine how to tie in. BTW What do you mean by headers?

AKA, beam, this runs from the house outward and supports the common rafters. i would cut a bird mouth (seat / heal per IRC) on the rafters and rest the rafter on the beam. the other end of beam is supported by a column. i am thinking the beam to be 4X8 or 4X12 (still studying the IRC).