Living in Northern Utah, you have access to some of the most beautiful views in the world. With the Wasatch Front to the east and wide-stretching sunsets in the west, you want to be able to enjoy these views all year long. However, with frequent rain and snowfall throughout the year, this can be difficult. That’s where patio covers come in.
A high-quality patio cover can allow you to enjoy more time outdoors throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. But, you don’t want just any patio cover. Low-quality covers may not be capable of standing up to Northern Utah’s heavy snow loads, and may leave you with damage to your home during the coldest months of the year.
If you want to learn more about snow loads and why it’s so important to choose high-quality patio covers and a reliable team for this project, keep reading.
Understanding Snow Loads in Northern Utah
Northern Utah homeowners know that winter weather can bring more than beautiful scenery. Heavy snowfall can place significant weight on roofs, decks, and patio covers, making snow load an important consideration when planning or building an outdoor structure. A snow load is the amount of weight accumulated snow can place on a structure.
This load can vary based on factors such as elevation, local climate, roof design, slope, and how snow accumulates. Because Northern Utah experiences substantial snowfall in many areas, patio covers need to be designed with local conditions in mind. A structure that appears sturdy during summer may not be adequately prepared for the weight of several snowstorms.
Proper engineering helps determine the structural capacity needed for posts, beams, rafters, connections, and foundations. Understanding your area’s snow load requirements is an essential first step toward creating a patio cover that is safe, durable, and built to handle Northern Utah winters.
How Snow Weight Affects Patio Cover Design
Your patio cover is designed to withstand some weight, but it certainly isn’t infallible. Heavy snow loads can put major stress on the cover, especially if it isn’t designed to withstand this kind of weight. Although you might not realize it, even the fluffiest snow can be incredibly heavy and stressful on your patio cover.
Fluffy, dry snow weighs anywhere between 5 and 7 pounds per cubic foot; wet, compacted or rain-soaked snow can quickly go up in weight, weighing up to 50 pounds per cubic foot. Meanwhile, most standard patio covers are only designed to withstand between 10 and 20 pounds per cubic foot.
After just one snow that deposits a foot of wet snow atop your 250-square foot patio cover can result in snow loads of at least 5,000 pounds of snow buildup. That’s why it’s so important for homeowners in Northern Utah to look for patio covers that are designed for heavy winter zones, with much more significant strength.
Why Proper Patio Cover Engineering Matters
When it comes to patio covers, choosing a high-quality, properly-engineered cover isn’t just about ensuring you get the most beautiful result; it’s about preventing structural failure and ensuring legal compliance. In places like Northern Utah, with heavy snow loads, poorly constructed patio covers are prone to sagging, twisting, and collapsing under the weight.
Professionally designed and installed patio covers will have thicker roof panels, sometimes constructed with insulated aluminum, tighter beam spacing, and stronger vertical support posts. The roof will be properly pitched to carry snowmelt away from your home, preventing more significant water damage during the winter months.
Additionally, well-engineered patio covers are designed to withstand drift and uneven load, whether from high winds or snow drifts. If you want to avoid being plagued by constant problems with your patio cover and prevent potential fines from your local government or building department, it’s best to partner with the professionals.
Common Structural Problems with DIY Patio Covers
DIY patio covers are an incredibly appealing option for homeowners in Northern Utah. However, they aren’t nearly as reliable as the covers designed and installed by a team of professionals. Many homeowners who install DIY patio covers end up dealing with a variety of frustrating structural problems, especially as a result of snow loads, including:
- Weak Connections: These weak connections between the cover and your home can lead to water seeping into your home’s exterior wall assembly.
- Inadequate Footings: Poor footings can result in shifting, settling, and fast wood rot, especially during more inclement seasons like winter and spring.
- Improper Fasteners: Small or weak fasteners connecting the cover to your home may fail during strong wind or when facing heavy snow loads.
- Incorrect Roof Pitch: With improper roof pitch your patio cover will struggle to handle local wind and snow loads, leading to failure during inclement weather.
While DIY patio covers are appealing, it is always in your best interest to partner with the professionals for installation. With professional support, you can avoid these structural problems when inclement weather rolls into town.
When to Work With a Professional for Your Patio Cover Installation
Although it can be incredibly tempting to install a DIY patio cover on your Northern Utah property, it is always in your best to partner with a team of experienced professionals. When you live in a place like Ogden, that experiences significant snowfall throughout the winter months, improperly designed or built patio covers can leave you plagued by leaks and water damage.
Additionally, many permanent fixtures, including patio covers, require building permits, as they alter the structure of your home and must be properly anchored to withstand local snow loads and strong winds. Failing to work with them for your patio cover installation can result in substantial fines and the required removal of the cover.
If you want to avoid damage to your home, major fines, and the premature loss of your patio cover, it’s in your best interest to partner with a trusted professional for this installation. With their support, you can ensure your patio cover is ready to take on heavy snow loads, strong winds, and years of entertaining your loved ones.
Turn to KoolBreeze for Quality Patio Covers Today
When it comes to upgrading your patio with a high-quality, professional patio cover, you shouldn’t work with just any team. You should partner with a team local to Northern Utah that understands the unique challenges homeowners face when winter rolls into town. If you’re looking for a reliable team in Northern Utah, turn to our experts at KoolBreeze for support.
For over 50 years, our team has worked tirelessly to help Northern Utah homeowners find their ideal backyard upgrades. Whether you’re looking for a quality patio cover that can withstand snow loads, enclosed spaces like a sunroom, or solar shades and patio accessories, we offer it all to help you create your ideal extended living space.
If you would like to learn more about our patio covers and how they’re designed to withstand Utah’s heavy snow loads, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation.
