Should You Connect Your Patio Gable Roof to Your Existing Roof? Four Signs You Should

An open gable patio is a beautiful addition to your yard, and it creates a shady spot to dine al fresco or relax on a nice day. As you are developing your plans, one big question you will need to answer is whether your patio gable roof should be connected to your existing roof structure or just next to it. Here are four signs you may want to connect your patio gable roof:

1. You only want two columns or pillars.

If you don't connect your open gable patio roof to your house's existing roof, the patio gable roof will need to support itself. To that end, it will need at least four supporting pillars. In some cases, if the patio roof is long or wide, it may need additional supports as well.

If you prefer a streamlined look, you may only want two pillars or columns, and in that case, you may want to explore a design that ties the supporting beams of your patio gable roof to the trusses of your home's roof.

2. You don't mind if the task is slightly more complicated.

While tying the roof of your patio gable to your home's roof looks neat, it also involves a lot of extra work. You have to remove shingles to get to the frame of your existing roof, and you have to complete the project relatively quickly so your home isn't exposed to the elements for long.

If you don't tie the roofs together, the projects is slightly easier, and you can take your time while building the open gable patio roof, as you are not worrying about rain getting into your home.

3. The roof ridges are perpendicular to each other.

If the roof of your patio gable has the same slope and pitch of the part of your home's roof which it is next to, you don't have to connect the roofs. However, if the ridge of the patio roof and the ridge of your existing roof are perpendicular to each other, you may want to tie the roofs together. Otherwise, you will have a large gap between your house's roof and the patio roof, and that can let in unwanted sunshine.

4. The existing roof is strong enough to bear more weight.

When your roof is designed, it has a certain load bearing capacity. This varies based on the demands where you live -- for example, roofs in snowy or windy areas are built to withstand the pressures of wind or snow, while roofs in other areas may not share that same strength.

Once you have determined whether or not you want to tie your roofs together based on stylish and practical elements, you need to determine if your existing roof can handle the burden. Ideally, you should consult with a contractor to find out.

For more about this topic, contact a patio gable construction company in your area.

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