How to build a pergola with polycarbonate roof?

[jeffrey84]

Im looking at adding a pergola with polycarbonate roofing in the void on the side of the house to make it more useable.

The pergola would be 2x3 meters. I'm unsure if i can just fix face beams under the guttering to the fascia of the house and have the front beam attached to them or have the wider front beam the attached to the brick of the house under the soffit and have rafters sit on top of the front beam

[JacobZ]

Hi @jeffrey84,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question about constructing a connected pergola area.

The first place to start, with any project involving a roof structure, is with your local council. As roofed structures are subject to uplift, which is the force exerted on the roof when wind gets under it and lifts, there is often a requirement for construction plans to be submitted for council approval. A quick phone call to your local council can often guide your planning.

Unfortunately, it is likely you will have to contact a draftsperson or engineer for their assistance with this project as tying into an existing home has implications on the original structure that would need to be considered in the design process.

I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance, but when structural additions are being added to homes, there are implications on the original structure that I am not qualified to make determinations on and should be left to the professionals.

You will likely be able to attach a beam to the rafters using a Fascia Bracket to create a structural connection, however, you would need to confirm this with a suitably qualified person.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @TedBear and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @jeffrey84 

My advice on any structure like this project is exactly the same as @JacobZ

It looks like it’s going to be a straight forward build, you just need to go through the hoops of local council approvals. This of course comes at a cost, though not usually a big one for this sized structure and for the drawings to be made up. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @jeffrey84 

Welcome to the community, you have a nice idea for the space and if you troll through the pages you will see a lot of similar type questions.

I agree with @JacobZ and @Nailbag about making sure that you have council approval to attach roofing to your house. It can be a complicated

thing or easy. That part comes down to your local council. Check out their rules on their website

A free standing structure as a pergolla may be considered different in the eyes of the council, have a look at the rules for pergollas. Also the distance to the fence line and roof is something to factor in. Once you have looked up these rules then you can start on your ideas. I would sugegst nothing under a 2.4m height from ground/deck for the first cross beam as an easy way to judge if your area is workable. You have to remember that your roof will need a fall so water runs off and generally away from your house, where it will go gutter and stormwater rise. 

My local council has a pretty good set of what can be and what isnt. There is no point in building a "what isnt allowed" as it will come back and bite you somewhere along the way. 

Dave