Glossary
Clear Span – The distance from the house to the beam supporting the posts.
Fluted FRP Classic Columns – Fiberglass Reinforced Classic Round Columns with vertical lines/grooves, used to support the patio cover.
Foam – Styrofoam (stuffed inside side-plates to provide additional structural support)
FRP Columns – Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester Columns
Gutter – Water carrying item.
Hanger – Wall or eave attachment item for patio covers.
Header – Load carrying beam with post connected under.
IBC – International Building Code
IRP (Insulated Roof Panels) – 3″, 4″, or 6″ panels used in lieu of flat pans to make a solid cover. IRP’s are a walkable top. Not made to put decks on top of however.
Laguna – Open Alumawood™ lattice cover.
Live Load – Term referring to an engineering requirement of most building municipalities whereby the patio cover can withhold a certain snow load.
Newport – Solid Alumawood™ Cover.
Non-Fluted (smooth) FRP Classic Columns – Fiberglass Reinforced Classic Round Columns without vertical lines/grooves, used to support the patio cover.
Overhang – The distance a cover goes past a header/support beam, typically 1′ to 2′. (Cantilever)
Post – 3″ x 3″ roll-formed aluminum tubes used as the typical support structure for traditional aluminum patio covers.
Projection – The distance out from a house to the end of the pans on a solid cover (Newport) or to the rafters on a lattice cover.
Rafter Tails – 1′ 2×6′s that are used to give a solid cover the look of a lattice cover.
Side-Plate(s) – Post Wraps, Plantons, other names for these 2×6′s that go attach to post on either side to hide post to 3×8 header connection.
Wind Loads – Term referring to an engineering requirement of most building municipalities whereby the patio structure can withhold a certain wind speed.
Wrap-Kit – Used on Newport covers. 2×6′s to go around R/F header to give the look of a lattice cover. Also includes rafter tails.

