patio roof to the wall
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I’m Grayson Whitaker, and I believe everyone should make the most of their outdoor space. Every day, I work to offer robust and flexible pergolas that fit perfectly into the American lifestyle and are affordable for everyone.
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    Buy your pergola now!

    Are you planning to purchase a pergola? Then you are spoiled for choice: Should the pergola be set up freely or attached to the wall of the house?

    Our blog explains what you need to know about fastening to the house wall.

    Pergola - fastening house wall vs. stud frame

    Is your terrace not directly attached to the house or does your house lack solid masonry around it? Our pergolas to be able to fasten it properly? Or is your facade even equipped with modern insulation (thermal insulation composite system, ETICS for short)?

    Then a free-standing pergola would be more suitable, because if you mount it on a wall you risk instability, unwanted heat or cold bridges or damage to the insulating shell, so that in the worst case the insulation itself and the resulting insulating effect are lost. 

    You can purchase appropriate stud structures (frame constructions consisting of load-bearing posts and cross beams for stiffening) from specialist retailers. They are available in either wood or aluminum. 

    Furthermore, there are even special mounting systems that can be mounted at a distance in front of an insulated facade without damaging it (e.g. Fischer Thermax). 

    IMPORTANT: In order to compensate for the static disadvantage of the "missing house wall", you should definitely anchor the pergola supports firmly in the ground. Best with so-called point foundations.

    Have you decided on a wall-mounted pergola? This choice is usually made if the terrace is directly adjacent to the house, the masonry provides a solid support and there is no expensive insulation. 

    The advantages: A pergola attached to the wall of the house always offers you a roof over your head while you move between your living room and the terrace. Neither an approaching rain shower nor a strong wind can harm you or your guests who come over for coffee or a barbecue. They are always left dry. In addition, the construction on the wall offers better statics because the house wall stabilizes the pergola. 

    Attaching the pergola to the house wall - explained step by step

    Now we will show you how to correctly attach the pergola to the house wall. It is important to follow the assembly instructions carefully!

    Step 1: Preparation of the wall connection profile

    The beam to be connected to the wall must be one thing above all: it must be installed absolutely watertight! If it is not sealed correctly, moisture can permanently get between the wall beams and the wall and penetrate into the masonry via the wall fastenings. Damp walls are a perfect breeding ground for mold. And nobody wants mold in their masonry. To seal the wall beams, we recommend using a sealing tape (Kompriband) which you apply between the roof beam and the wall. It is also advisable to seal the top and bottom edges between the roof beam and the wall with suitable silicone. The silicone must have the properties that it can be used outside. You can get advice about this from a specialist retailer. 

    Step 2: Mark the installation height

    In the next step, mark the installation height on the house wall according to the instructions. Be thorough so that the height at all points where the wall brackets are attached are the same. 

    On the other hand, you should now think about how you want to illuminate your pergola in the future. Will the lighting be integrated into the pergola or mounted on it? As a rule, a power supply is necessary for both variants. You should therefore definitely take the route of the power cables into account. If necessary, you can store the cables themselves inconspicuously using cable channels. 

    Step 3: Attach wall beams

    Now attach the wall beam according to the enclosed instructions. You can also find the instructions here. Pay attention to the correct distances between the wall brackets, only then can uniform statics be guaranteed. 

    Step 4: Place silicone joint

    If the wall beam is firmly attached, you can now place the silicone joint mentioned in the first step. Be absolutely precise here. The more precisely you carry out the sealing, the less damage there will be later, which can sometimes be very expensive.

    Attaching the pergola to the house wall - a job only for professionals or also for hobby craftsmen?

    Now that you know the necessary steps to attach it to the house wall, you will probably ask yourself whether you can do it. 

    Anyone who is confident enough to do the job can do it. But if you have the slightest doubt, then it is better to invest in a professional. This may save you a lot of money and, above all, nerves. If your masonry is damaged due to moisture, it can be very expensive. Especially since if the pergola is not fastened correctly, the insurance company can blame them for their own fault, meaning they are left with the damage and have to bear the costs themselves. Drying or, in the worst case scenario, even replacing masonry is much more expensive than hiring a professional to do the installation. Especially since you can then rely on the fitter’s warranty in the event of damage. 

    Is a permit or separate insurance necessary?

    You should find out more about these two points before implementation. Depending on the building law of your federal state and the development plan of your municipality, different conditions apply as to whether your project requires approval or not. A call to the authority responsible for you will provide clarity.

    FAQ

    Can you attach a patio cover to a concrete slab?

    Attaching a patio roof to a concrete slab is generally not recommended, as concrete slabs are often not sufficiently stable to safely support the weight and loads of a roof.

    How can you attach the posts of a pergola to the house wall?

    The posts of a pergola can be securely attached to the house wall using angle supports or metal brackets. To do this, robust, galvanized brackets are screwed to the wall to ensure a stable connection. Alternatively, you can use ground anchors or post holders that are concreted or screwed into the ground and place the posts as close to the wall as possible.

    How much does it cost to install a pergola on the house wall?

    On average, the installation costs for a pergola are between 500 and 2,500 euros. If additional foundation work or special fastening materials are required, costs may increase further.

    Which screws are suitable for outdoor use?

    Stainless steel screws are particularly suitable for outdoor use as they are corrosion-resistant and resistant to moisture and weather influences.

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