Carports & Canopies

snow buildup on trellis example

Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice)

Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roofs An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on open roof systems such as pergolas, trellises, and mechanically louvered roofs is the snow ‘buildover’ effect.  This occurs when the snow accumulates on open patio roof components to the point where it builds ‘up and over’, touching the …

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Sunroom Terminology

The following is a summary of sunroom-related terms provided courtesy of the National Sunroom Association.   Click Here for the official publication provided by the NSA, reprinted here for informational purposes.   The terminology information encompasses many common terms used in the sunroom industry. You will note that some terms are cross-referenced to a “primary” …

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How To Use Master Plans – TER’s – Calculator Reports Purchased From Engineering Express

READ BELOW BEFORE USING NON SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONSFROM ENGINEERING EXPRESS FOR YOUR PROJECT General Information About Non Site-Specific Plans: Certified Performance Evaluations (also referred to as Master Plans, Generic, or Non Site-Specific Plans) you receive contain a physical or digitally certified engineer seal. They are intended to be used to assist in obtaining a building …

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About AAMA 2100 and Sunroom Categories

Sunrooms across the US are categorized into 5 categories.  AAMA published these in their AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12 publication which made its way into the Florida & International Building Codes.  FBC (17, 20) lists this in Chapter 20 section 2002.6 directly siting the AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100 spec. IBC 2015/2018 References AAMA 2100 in  IRC Chapter 44 Please refer …

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Types of At-Grade Footings Explained

Here’s a description and illustrations we’ve created for footing types we frequently reference in our work for sunrooms, pergolas, carports, screen rooms, signs, and similar at-grade building component structures.  Photos of each appear below.   An isolated footing is used to support a single post. Isolated footings are independent footings which are provided for each …

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CHECKLIST FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS – SUNROOMS

CHECKLIST OF DESIGN ITEMS NEEDED FOR SCREENED ENCLOSURES, OPEN, & ENCLOSED PATIOS, PERGOLAS & SUNROOMS Engineering Express provides signed & sealed design plans for various types of screened enclosures, sunrooms, & open / enclosed patios attached to the main residence or freestanding. Please review the starter list – checklist below & make sure you complete …

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Wind Speed to Wind Pressure For Sunrooms – Canopies – Pergolas Using ASCE 7-16

ASCE 7-16 is introduced into the 2018 International Building Code and 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020) as the new referenced standard for wind design. This standard introduced an enhanced section for the conversion of wind velocities to roof wind pressures for roof components attached to buildings and freestanding structures such as sunrooms, overhead canopies, …

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Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread

Overview Metal fastening is designed per the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Specification for Structural Steel Buildings in conjunction with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA): TIR-A9-14 Design Guide for Metal Cladding Fasteners. Types The two most common types of fastener threads used in construction are Unified Coarse Thread (UNC) more …

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