Can You Walk On Patio Roof? (READ THIS FIRST)


Can You Walk On Patio Roof

A patio roof will make your outdoor area more comfortable for dining, relaxing, entertaining, and other uses in any weather condition. In addition, it also increases the resale value of your house.

Can you walk on patio roofs? Many apartment owners have asked this question, and if you are one of them, let’s read on right now!

Can You Walk On Patio Roof?

The answer depends on the material and sturdiness of your patio roof. Typically, aluminum and wooden patio roofs will allow you to step on them.

A patio roof is a backyard shade structure attached to your home. Two columns or posts usually support the outer portion of a patio roof. It may be solid or open, depending on your required level of protection.

Patio roofs can be made from various materials, including aluminum, vinyl, wood, clay tile, and more. Therefore, their load capacity will be different.

Maybe your patio roof lets you walk on it, but you wouldn’t know that. So, it’s best not to take the risk. In addition to the patio roof that can be damaged, you will run the risk of an accident.

Does a Patio Roof Add Value to Your Home?

The answer is yes. Adding a patio roof is worth it. It will allow you to have more outdoor living space, where you can enjoy the shaded area with your family regardless of the weather.

Additionally, by adding a patio roof, you can put an outdoor kitchen fire pit on your patio. What could be more wonderful than gathering with your family by a fire pit or making BBQ dishes on winter days?

The patio roof will also be beneficial when you decide to sell your house because, as we said, it increases the value of your house.

The Average Cost Build a Covered Patio

Building a patio roof will bring you many benefits. You and your family can use the patio for any purpose without worrying about the weather.

The cost of a patio cover ranges from $8,369 to $25,268. The national average cost is approximately $16,667. Meanwhile, the average cost for each square foot is between $22 and $75 for its features, materials, and labor.

A full enclosure can cost you up to $20,000. It is an entirely constructed structure, allowing you to attach to or detach from your home. It might consist of anything, such as a foundation, walls, doors, windows, and roof.

A partial enclosure costs range from $5,000 to $10,000, which is helpful if you leave a portion of the patio open to the elements. You can also simply use doors, windows, a different roof, or screens to enclose the space.

Patio Cover Prices
Typical Range.From $8,369 To $25,268
Average For Each Square Foot.From $22 To $75
Low End – High-End.From $2,500 to $44,000
National Average.About $16,667

Cost Of A Patio By Material

As mentioned above, patio roofs can be made of many materials, including aluminum, vinyl, wood, clay tile, and more. Depending on the material you choose, construction costs can vary widely. 

We will cover the three most common materials: Aluminum, wood, and vinyl.

  • Aluminum

Regarding a basic aluminum roof, which measures 20 x 20 inches, prices might range from $6,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, the cost of adding an aluminum lattice patio roof is typically between $20 and $70 for each square foot.

The thicker the aluminum, the more expensive it is, but also the more durable it is. Insulated aluminum is more expensive than extruded and rolled aluminum, while extruded aluminum is more expensive than rolled aluminum.

  • Wood

Wooden patio roofs come in various designs, and the cost of materials and labor costs about $13,000. The wooden mesh patio roof is typically designed to order.

If you want a custom design for a wooden patio roof, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for an engineer. 

Additionally, it may require re-staining or repainting every few years to maintain a shiny look, costing around $2,000. 

  • Vinyl

This option is better than wood and works well to resist warp, bugs, and rot.

Regarding a vinyl cover enclosure, the cost of materials and labor can be somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500.

Meanwhile, the vinyl lattice roof typically costs between $2,000 and $4,500, with several DIY kits priced from $1,000 to $3,200.

Cost Of A Patio By Location 

In most cases, the patio roof is placed next to the house, allowing you to easily access it while leaving enough room for the rest of your landscape and yard.

In addition, the patio roof can also be placed in different areas of your house, such as the tennis courtyard, fountain, and poolside.

There are movable patio roofs. For example, if your patio is next to your house, the roof can be partially attached to your house or stand apart.

If you move your patio away someday, it’s possible to move the patio roof quickly and easily, too.

Location at HouseAverage Cost
Free StandingFrom $500 and $25,000
AttachedFrom $3,000 to $25,000

Should You Hire a Patio Professional?

Regarding installing a patio roof, you have two options: Do it yourself (DIY) and get help from a professional.

DIY

You can complete a simple project yourself with needed materials and pre-made kits. All you need to do is follow the instructions included.

Get Professional Help

If your design is complex and involves many materials, it is wise to get the help of a trusted professional. 

After an expert walks through your home’s architecture, he’ll provide a suggested price before design and construction begin. The price will include the cost of his labor. Both parties have agreed on the cost; he will start his work.

How Much Does the Labor Cost to Install the Patio Roof?

One of the most significant parts of building a patio roof is labor.

Labor fees often depend on several factors, such as your location and type of roof. But it typically ranges from $25 to $40 for each square foot.

Gain A Patio Roof Construction Permit

The construction of a patio roof usually does not require a permit as long as it is not a custom or complex installation. So before you take the first steps of this project, we recommend checking with your local government.

Consider Investing in Accessories and Add-Ons for Patio Roof

Installing a patio roof allows you to have more usable outdoor space. So you may want to add some accessories and add-ons to complete your outdoor space. 

Here are suggestions for additional accessories you can add to your patio roof.

  • Fireplaces and firepits.
  • Outdoor Heating, Lighting, and Fans.
  • Entertainment Systems and Televisions.
  • Outdoor Living Spaces and Outdoor Kitchens.
Add Ons And AccessoriesAverage Cost
Fireplaces And FirepitsFrom $4,524 to $38,792
Outdoor Heating, Lighting, and Fans.From $100 to $500 for each heater
Entertainment Systems and Televisions.From $12,096 to $75,168
Outdoor Living Spaces and Outdoor Kitchens.From $7,000 to $20,000

FAQs

How Much Does Building a Patio Roof Yourself Cost?

Building a patio roof yourself is feasible to save labor costs. The average cost of doing this project yourself ranges from $1,250 to $1,350.

You can also consider another do-it-yourself option if you’re not interested in building one from scratch: Purchase a premade patio kit.

Will My Patio Roof Make Noise When It Rains?

An aluminum patio roof can make noise when it rains. The heavier the rain, the louder the noise.

How Much Should I Have to Maintain My Patio Roof?

Your chosen material will determine how much maintenance you need to do. 

An aluminum patio roof needs a decent spray with a hose to look good as new. Some wood patio roofs require periodic treatment, painting, and staining.

Will My Patio Roof Impact My House’s Resale Value?

Yes. Adding a patio roof will help increase the resale value of your home. It is generally attractive to potential buyers.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Cover My Patio? 

The most affordable way to cover your patio is using sailcloth. You can stretch it to cover your entire space. They have starting costs of approximately $100.

What Are Alternatives to Patio Roofs?

If you do not prefer a  solid or fixed patio cover, other selections to consider could include:

  • Shade sails.
  • Large umbrellas.
  • Retractable awnings.

Is a Patio Roof Worth It?

A patio roof will make your outdoor area more comfortable for dining, relaxing, entertaining,  and other uses in any weather condition. Also, it can add to the value of your house.

The Bottom Line

Can you walk on the patio roof? Yes. However, you need to limit it for safety reasons. It also depends on your patio roof’s design, material, and structure.

However, we do not recommend that you do so. Heaven only knows if it’s safe for you to do so with your patio roof!

Do not do anything if you are not sure about its safety.

James Lopez

James Lopez is a lifestyle journalist. In addition to working as a journalist, he also takes courses in landscape design. He is pretty focused on the outdoor space, especially the backyard.

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