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Question
What is the best way to attach a Pergola to a house?
James:
Thanks for your question!
With a little more information about what you're building and what you're attaching it to, I'd be able to help more. But in the meantime, you may not have to attach it to the house at all!
By definition, a pergola is free-standing. We've done several that were very close to a home at one end, but never actually touching. A pergola is a landscaping feature and usually doesn't connect directly to the house.
On the other hand, you may be thinking of a loggia, which is a covered porch with open columns or arches at one end. In that case, you'll want to attach a ledger board to the house to hang the rafters from (toenailed or joist hangers). How exactly you do that depends upon the structure of the house, type of exterior finish, height of the wall below any upper-floor windows, etc.
With wood framing and siding (or stucco), use a ledge board and lag bolts to secure it to the existing house. With a masonry exterior, you'll have to drill sleeve anchors into the brick or stone and secure the rafters from there. Your situation will determine the best method.
But if it's a true pergola, the answer is -- don't attach it all!
Hope this helps!
Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
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| Comment | My son came home from school and was very surprised by your responsiveness. He said he will do as you suggest and contact SF. We'll be in touch. Thanks again! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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