A patio cover attached to house is one of the smartest upgrades a Florida homeowner can make. It extends your living space, shields you from the sun and rain, and adds real value to your property.
Here's a quick overview of what you need to know:
TopicQuick AnswerBest attachment styleFascia/eave for single-story; wall mount for two-storyMost popular materialsAluminum, vinyl, wood, polycarbonateTypical cost range$8,000 - $25,000 depending on size and materialsDo you need a permit?Yes, in most areasAverage height9 feet is standardAdded home value8-12% increase on average
Living in coastal Florida means heat, humidity, afternoon downpours, and plenty of bugs. An uncovered patio quickly becomes an afterthought. A properly attached patio cover turns that same space into a spot your family actually uses — for morning coffee, weekend cookouts, or just relaxing in the shade.
But getting the attachment right matters. A poorly installed cover can cause roof leaks, drainage problems, and structural issues that cost far more to fix than the original build.
I'm Cody Lafferty, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience in aluminum structures and installation right here in Florida, I've helped hundreds of homeowners get a patio cover attached to house done correctly the first time. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything — from attachment styles and materials to permits, costs, and maintenance.
When we talk about a patio cover attached to house, we aren't just talking about a single product. There are several ways to provide shade and shelter, ranging from solid, permanent structures to decorative architectural pieces. Each has its own set of benefits depending on how you plan to use your outdoor space in the Space Coast or Treasure Coast.
If you want your patio to feel like a true extension of your indoor living room, a solid roof is the way to go. These systems provide 100% shade and total protection from Florida’s unpredictable rain.
One of our specialties is the Aluminum Patio Cover. Unlike wood, which can rot or attract termites in our humid climate, aluminum is incredibly durable and virtually maintenance-free. For those looking for the ultimate in comfort, we often recommend Insulated Aluminum Roof Panels. These panels feature a high-density foam core that snaps together to create a thermal barrier. This means the area under your patio cover stays significantly cooler even when the Florida sun is beating down on it.
Another excellent option is a Composite Roof. You might find yourself asking, How Long Does a Composite Roof Last? Generally, these high-quality systems are designed to last as long as the house itself when properly maintained. They offer a finished look that can be shingled to match your existing roofline perfectly, creating a seamless architectural transition.
For homeowners who want a mix of sun and shade, an attached pergola is a fantastic choice. You might ask, What is a Patio Pergola? Simply put, it is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters. While a solid roof blocks the sky, a pergola leaves it partially open.
When Exploring Pergola Designs and Options, you’ll find that they offer a unique "Mediterranean" feel. They are perfect for:
While pergolas don't stop the rain, they excel at The Charm of Pergolas and Patio Covers by defining the space and providing a stylish area for evening entertaining.
The most critical part of the project is how the patio cover attached to house actually connects to your home. This isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about structural integrity, wind load requirements (especially important in Florida), and preventing water damage.
For many single-story homes in Melbourne and Palm Bay, the most common method is attaching to the fascia. The fascia is the board that runs along the edge of your roof where the gutters are usually mounted.
In this setup, we use a "back channel" or a specialized mounting bracket that secures directly through the fascia and into the rafter tails of your home. This provides a very stable connection. One thing to keep in mind is height. Since the fascia is at the edge of your roof, the patio cover will sit slightly lower than your interior ceilings. We typically aim for a height of 9 feet to ensure the space feels open and airy.
If you have a two-story home, we generally have more flexibility. We can perform a "wall mount" by attaching a ledger board directly to the structural studs or the rim joist of the second floor.
This process involves:
Sometimes, attaching to the fascia makes the patio cover too low, especially if your home has low eaves. In these cases, we use "riser brackets" (sometimes called SkyLift brackets). These brackets penetrate the roof surface and attach directly to the interior load-bearing walls.
This allows the patio cover attached to house to sit above your existing roofline. This "rooftop" style attachment provides several benefits:
A successful project starts with a solid plan. You don't want to realize halfway through that your patio cover is too small for your furniture or that you've violated a local zoning law.
When we visit a home for a consultation, we measure based on three main dimensions:
We also check for obstructions like dryer vents, outdoor lights, or window heights that might interfere with the ledger board. It’s vital to ensure the ground is level or that the support posts will be set in concrete footings that meet local Florida building codes.
The question everyone asks is: how much does it cost? While every project is custom, there are some general ranges to keep in mind. On average, a patio cover attached to house in the U.S. can range from $8,000 to $25,000.
For a standard 20x20 area, you might see costs between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on the complexity and materials. Several factors influence the Patio Roofing Cost:
This is an investment. A well-built patio cover typically increases your home’s value by 8% to 12%.
Once the structure is up, the fun begins! You can customize your space to make it truly yours.
Because we use high-quality Outdoor Patio Roof Types, you have plenty of options for upgrades. If you choose an Insulated Roof, the internal channels allow us to hide electrical wiring for:
One of the reasons we love aluminum is that it doesn't require much work. However, no structure is "set it and forget it." To keep your patio cover attached to house in top shape, follow these tips:
Yes. In almost every jurisdiction in Florida — including Brevard County and Indian River County — a permit is required for any structure attached to your home. This ensures the project meets safety standards, zoning laws, and hurricane wind load requirements. Skipping this step can lead to heavy fines or trouble when you try to sell your home later.
A properly designed patio cover attached to house should actually improve your drainage. We install the cover with a slight slope (at least 1/4 inch per foot) so water runs away from the house. We also integrate a gutter system and downspouts to ensure rain is diverted away from your home's foundation. The use of professional flashing at the attachment point is what prevents leaks into your house walls.
In Florida, we almost always recommend aluminum. While wood is beautiful, it requires constant staining, painting, and sealing to prevent rot and termite damage. Aluminum offers:
Adding a patio cover attached to house is a transformative project. It turns an underutilized backyard into a sanctuary where you can enjoy the best of the Florida lifestyle without the worst of the Florida weather.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we bring over 30 years of family-owned expertise to every project. Whether you are in Melbourne, Viera, or Vero Beach, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We understand the local building codes and the unique challenges of our coastal climate, ensuring your new patio cover is as strong as it is beautiful.
Are you ready to reclaim your outdoor space? Transform your backyard with a custom aluminum patio cover by contacting us today for a consultation. Let's build something great together!
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