Fire Resistant Patio Covers: What Meets California Code?
With the rise in devastating wildfires across California, policymakers have introduced strict requirements for what kind of materials you can use to build patio covers attached to your home. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most popular solutions.
Flat Pan Aluminum Patio Covers ✓
A flat pan system is the most popular fire code compliant option. Made from Duralum, Alumawood, or similar brands, solid roof aluminum patio covers use roll-formed aluminum for the roof, which meets California fire code requirements.
Why it works:
Fully aluminum roof
Low price point
Excellent warranty
Lattice Aluminum Patio Covers ✓
Aluminum pergolas made from lattice tubes are the second most popular California fire code compliant patio cover. This style includes budget-friendly options from Duralum and Alumawood, as well as high-end extruded aluminum options from 4K Aluminum.
Why it works:
Aluminum lattice tubes are not combustible
Low starting price point
Includes high end modern options
Excellent warranty
Wood-Sublimated Aluminum Patio Covers ✓
For homeowners who wants to meet California fire code requirements while maintaining a natural wood look, wood sublimated panels are the perfect solution. Products from Duralum and 4K Aluminum can give you a stunning patio cover at a higher price point than flat pan or lattice.
Why it works:
Aluminum material is not combustible
Beautiful wood look without the fire drawbacks
Excellent warranty
Insulated (Foam-Core) Aluminum Patio Covers X
An insulated roof panel system is the most popular solution for homeowners that do NOT need strict fire code compliance. The foam core is not currently fire-rated, so cities which require Zone Zero compliance, like San Diego, do not allow construction of attached patio covers made with insulated roof panels.
Wood Patio Covers X
While some wood materials (redwood or western red cedar) are naturally fire resistant, California has strict fire safety requirements for wood materials. They must be Class A fire resistant, which requires it to be kiln dry and fully treated with fire resistant chemicals. This is cost-prohibitive for most people, and wood treated in this way lacks its original beauty.
Vinyl Patio Covers X
Vinyl patio covers are NOT compliant with California’s fire safety standards. They will melt if embers land on them.
Summary
There are a variety of aluminum patio cover styles that meet California’s fire code requirements. If you’re in Riverside, Orange, or San Diego County, Valley Patios will build you a cover that meets all of your city’s requirements. Contact Valley Patios to design a fire code compliant patio cover for your home.
Suggested Resources
San Diego Zone Zero Compliance: How to Get Your Patio Cover Up To Code