Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/17/2009

Question
I have a 15x30 raised brick patio with a two ft. high brick basketweave wall around it. I want to put columns on the four brick stanchions along the 30 ft. outer wallto support a roof, making this area into a porch. Would the existing foundaton be sufficient to hold up a roof?  And aproximately what would this cost?  I live in South Carolina.

Answer
Hi Mary Ann, Without actually seeing how your existing patio is built it is hard for me to comment on your question.  When you use the word "Stanchions" are you referring to pilasters or brick columns that are interspersed along the wall at 8 foot intervals?  If these are masonry columns filled with concrete and then veneered with brick they possibly might have the structural fortitude to hold up a roof system but this would have to be evaluated by an engineer. You don't necessarily need to use the patio for support, however, you can build your supports outside of the patio and make it freestanding and self supporting.  To make a free standing roof system over a patio of this size I would guesstimate a cost at somewhere around ten thousand dollars.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com