The Ultimate Guide To Installing A Flyover Patio

If you're looking to add a stylish and modern extension to your home, a flyover patio is a great option. Flyover patios provide extra height to your outdoor space, giving you that luxurious high-ceiling feeling. They are also perfect for hot summers as they provide excellent airflow and natural light, keeping the area cool and well-ventilated. With a wide range of custom shapes, colours, and roofing materials, you can design and build the perfect flyover patio to suit your needs and enhance your outdoor lifestyle. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a flyover patio, offering step-by-step instructions and design inspiration to help you create a stunning addition to your home.

Choosing the right brackets

When installing a flyover patio, choosing the right brackets is essential to ensure the structure's stability and safety. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the most suitable brackets for your project:

Type of Brackets:

• Extender or Lifter Brackets: These brackets are ideal for gaining extra height. They allow you to slope the roof without compromising vertical space. This is especially useful if you need to accommodate taller vehicles like caravans or motorhomes.
• Flyover Bracketry System: This system includes heavy-duty brackets that attach directly to the house roof and wall plate, providing a stable fixing point. They are designed to withstand harsh climates and meet engineering and structural codes.
• Riser Bracketry System: The riser system connects to the side of the roof truss through the house fascia and under the gutter, providing a more economical option without penetrating the house roof. Ensure that your chosen riser brackets comply with engineering and structural codes.

Bracket Material:

Brackets can be made from various materials, including structural steel and hardwood beams. Choose a material that complements your home's existing structure and withstands the local climate.

Load-Bearing Capacity:

Consider the weight that the brackets will need to support. This includes the weight of the patio roof itself and any additional loads, such as snow or wind loads, depending on your location and climate. Ensure the brackets you select have the necessary load-bearing capacity to handle these weights safely.

Weatherproofing:

If your brackets will be exposed to the elements, choose a weatherproof design or material that can withstand rain, wind, and sun exposure without compromising the integrity of the structure.

Compliance with Regulations:

Ensure that your chosen brackets comply with local building codes and regulations. This is crucial to pass inspections and ensure the safety of your flyover patio structure.

By considering these factors and consulting with a qualified patio design consultant or engineer, you can choose the right brackets for your flyover patio installation, ensuring a stable, safe, and compliant structure.

Increasing ceiling height

Extra Height

The flyover roof design provides extra height, creating a more open and spacious feel in your outdoor area. This extra height can be particularly useful if you need to cover a caravan or motorhome, as it provides sufficient vertical clearance. The additional height also allows for a sloped roof without compromising on space.

Ventilation

The increased ceiling height of a flyover patio significantly improves ventilation. Hot air can rise and escape more easily, and the open ends of the structure allow breezes to flow through from multiple directions, keeping the space cooler during the summer months.

Lighting

The extra height provided by a flyover patio allows for more natural light to enter your space. The extender or lifter brackets can act as skylights, keeping the area bright and well-lit during the day. This abundance of natural light creates an inviting and open atmosphere in your outdoor space.

Accessories

The increased ceiling height also provides the opportunity to install accessories such as downlights and ceiling fans. With sufficient height, you can safely incorporate these features to enhance the comfort and functionality of your outdoor living area, making it enjoyable throughout the year.

Design Flexibility

Flyover roofs offer design flexibility, allowing you to customise the height to suit your specific needs. You can adjust the height to meet your desired level of weatherproofing, ensuring your patio is protected from the elements while still maintaining optimal ceiling height.

Using the right materials

When it comes to installing a flyover patio, selecting the appropriate materials is crucial to ensure durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some detailed guidelines on choosing the right materials for your project:

Roofing Materials:

The roofing material you choose will play a significant role in the overall appearance and performance of your flyover patio. You can opt for cost-effective single-skin roofing or premium insulated roofing. Single-skin roofing, such as V-Line roofing, offers a contemporary finish with a gloss underside and a range of colours to match your home. It can also be fitted with polycarbonate skylights to allow more natural light into the space. On the other hand, insulated roofing provides superior heat deflection, making it an ideal choice for regions with hot summers. Insulated roofing panels help regulate temperature, creating a comfortable outdoor living area.

Structural Components:

The structural components of your flyover patio should be carefully selected to ensure stability and longevity. This includes the use of heavy-duty brackets, such as the flyover bracketry system or the riser bracketry system, to securely attach the patio roof to your existing structure. These brackets can be made from powder-coated steel for added durability and corrosion resistance. Additionally, consider using structural steel or hardwood beams to support the roof and enhance the overall design.

Accessories:

To maximise the functionality and comfort of your flyover patio, consider installing accessories such as downlights and ceiling fans. Downlights can be added to single-skin roofing to provide illumination during evenings and create a bright and usable space after dark. Ceiling fans, on the other hand, will help circulate air and provide a pleasant breeze, especially during hot summer days. These accessories not only enhance the comfort of your outdoor space but also add to its aesthetic appeal.

Weatherproofing:

Weatherproofing is an essential consideration, especially if your flyover patio is attached to your existing roof. Ensure that the materials you choose are designed to withstand the elements and prevent water intrusion. For example, you can use a rubber boot to seal the cutout in the roof, diverting rainwater away from your house and preventing leaks. This will help maintain the integrity of your structure and protect it from potential water damage.

Customisation Options:

Flyover patios offer a high degree of customisation to suit your preferences and existing home design. You can choose from a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes to create a seamless transition from your indoor to outdoor space. Consider the direction of natural light and select roofing materials that optimise illumination while providing adequate shade. Additionally, you can opt for different levels and sizes to create a unique and modern addition to your home.

Installation process

The installation process for a flyover patio involves several steps to ensure a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing final product. Here is a detailed guide on how to install a flyover patio:

Planning and Design

First, it is essential to plan the layout and design of the flyover patio, considering factors such as the size, shape, and style that best suits your space and needs. This step may involve consulting with a professional to ensure the design complies with structural and engineering requirements.

Preparing the Site

Before beginning construction, the area where the flyover patio will be installed should be cleared and prepared. This includes removing any debris or obstacles and ensuring the ground is level and stable.

Building the Support Structure

The next step is to build the support structure for the flyover patio roof. This typically involves using either a heavy-duty bracketry system or riser brackets that attach to the existing structure. The brackets should be fixed securely, following the manufacturer's instructions and complying with local building codes.

Attaching the Roof

With the support structure in place, the patio roof can now be attached. The roof should be carefully positioned and secured to the brackets, ensuring it is level and stable. This step may require additional framing or support beams, depending on the design and size of the roof.

Final Touches and Details

Once the roof is in place, you can add any desired accessories, such as downlights or ceiling fans, to enhance the functionality and comfort of the space. You may also consider adding insulation to the roof for better heat deflection and year-round comfort. Finally, any necessary weatherproofing should be installed, such as sealing cutouts in the existing roof to prevent water runoff.

Customisation

Flyover patios can be customised with a range of colours, roofing materials, and shapes to suit your preferences and existing structure. This allows you to create a seamless transition from your indoor to outdoor space, adding elegance and a modern touch to your home.

Design and customisation

Flyover patios are a great way to add elegance to your outdoor space, providing more height and a sense of freedom compared to regular patio covers. They are highly customisable, allowing you to create a seamless transition from your indoor to outdoor space. Here are some key considerations for the design and customisation of your flyover patio:

Design

The design of a flyover patio revolves around extending the roof over the existing house roof to create an open and spacious feel. This extension adds extra height, typically around 700mm of additional headroom, giving you the luxury of high ceilings in your outdoor area. The unique design of flyover roofs also enhances airflow and natural light. The extra height allows hot air to escape, and the open ends ensure that breezes can flow through, keeping the space cool during hot summers.

Customisation

Flyover patios offer a high degree of customisation to suit your preferences and the existing structure of your home. Here are some aspects you can customise:

• Roofline: The roofline of a flyover patio can be tailored to match the roofline of your house, creating a seamless and elegant transition from your indoor to outdoor space.
• Brackets: The type of brackets used to attach the flyover roof to your existing roof depends on your specific needs and the configuration of your home's structure. Commonly used brackets include heavy-duty flyover bracketry systems and riser bracketry systems.
• Height: You can adjust the height of the flyover patio to suit your requirements. This flexibility allows you to customise the amount of headroom and airflow you desire.
• Shape and size: Flyover roofs can be set at different levels and sizes to create a stunning addition to your home. You can customise the shape and size to match your preferences and the existing architecture of your house.
• Materials: Flyover patios offer a wide range of roofing materials to choose from. You can select from options such as insulated or single-skin roofing, each with their own advantages and cost considerations.
• Accessories: The extra height of a flyover patio allows you to install accessories such as downlights and ceiling fans, enhancing the comfort and functionality of your outdoor space.

Frequently asked questions