When attaching a pergola to a brick exterior, you need to make sure it’s correctly attached to the home’s frame and all holes in the walls are sealed. Otherwise, you could end up with damage to your pergola and your home’s exterior wall. Explore this guide to learn about all the structural requirements for attaching pergolas to brick exteriors.
What Sort of Structural Support Does a Pergola Need when Attached to an Exterior?
The typical design for this type of pergola consists of a roof that’s supported by columns on one side and hangs from the wall on the other side. The side that hangs from your wall will need a horizontal ledger board that holds up the pergola roof slats. For maximum structural stability, this ledger board will need to be attached to a load-bearing wall.
Why Is Flashing Necessary for Pergolas Attached to Brick Exteriors?
Flashing is a type of protective metal or plastic sheeting that goes over the anchor points for a pergola. It lets rainwater run off the pergola instead of dripping into the brick, so it keeps moisture from damaging your walls.
Do You Need to Add Drainage to Pergolas Attached to Brick Exteriors?
Regardless of whether a pergola roof is slatted or solid, it also requires drainage. This will keep moisture from collecting along the top of the ledger board and seeping into the brick wall. Some types of pergolas will have built-in channels along the top, while others will benefit from add-on gutters.
Is There a Difference between Attaching a Pergola to Brick or Brick Veneer?
Keep in mind structural requirements are a little different for brick veneers. If the wall has a veneer, the brick itself isn’t load-bearing. Your contractor will need to drill through the brick and anchor the ledger board into the structural framing of the wall itself.
Adding a pergola to your San Diego home is a great way to create an inviting outdoor living space, but proper attachment is critical to protecting your investment. RKC Construction has the structural expertise to handle every detail, from ledger board installation to flashing and drainage, ensuring your pergola is built to last without compromising your brick exterior. Contact RKC Construction today to schedule a consultation and start planning your custom outdoor addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I DIY attaching a pergola to a brick exterior?
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While it might seem easy to build a pergola or even a solid patio cover on an existing structure in San Diego, it can actually complicate things. Unless you have experience working with masonry and framing, you could accidentally damage your home.
What type of flashing should you use for a pergola attached to brick?
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Steel is the most popular flashing material due to its affordability and strength. However, some people prefer aluminum flashing because it’s very durable and lightweight.
How many support columns do you need for a pergola attached to a house?
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Most pergolas attached to a house only have two support columns. However, some people also like to have additional columns for aesthetic reasons
