One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“Can I walk on top of my aluminum patio cover?”
The answer is yes, provided the structure is properly engineered, professionally installed, and in good condition. Every patio cover is different, so before climbing onto any type of roof, make sure the structure is safe and stable.
Prepare Before You Climb
Before getting on the roof, open your windows from inside the house and remove the window screens. Bring the screens down so they can be cleaned separately.
While the windows are open, clean the window tracks and sills before reinstalling the screens. Doing this first saves time and eliminates unnecessary trips up and down the ladder.
Check the Structure First
Not all patio covers are built the same.
Before walking on any structure, inspect the posts and beams. If the structure feels loose or moves excessively, don’t get on it until it has been inspected.
Many of the patio covers we build at Factory Direct Patio Covers include structural steel reinforcement inside the aluminum headers and posts. Proper reinforcement adds significant strength and rigidity to the structure.
Protect the Flashing
Where the patio cover attaches to your home, you’ll usually see roof flashing.
Avoid stepping directly on the flashing. Its job is to keep water from entering between the patio cover and your home. Damaging the flashing can eventually create leaks.
Solid Roof Patio Covers
If your patio cover has a solid roof, avoid damaging the roof seams.
Many quality installations use premium roofing sealant beneath seam tape to create a double-sealed joint. Damaging those seals can eventually allow water to enter and may require resealing.
Walk carefully and avoid placing unnecessary stress on the roof.
Use Plywood to Distribute Your Weight
One of the safest ways to move around on a properly constructed patio cover is to use two pieces of approximately ¼-inch plywood.
The plywood is not there to support your weight. Its purpose is to spread your weight across several rafters, louvers, or structural members instead of concentrating it in one location. Because the plywood is thin, it also adds very little additional weight to the structure.
A helpful tip is to purchase one 4-foot × 8-foot sheet of plywood and have your local home improvement store cut it int into two 4-foot × 4-foot pieces before leaving the store. The smaller sections are much easier to transport, carry up a ladder, and move around while you work.
Clean the Gutters While You’re There
Since you’re already on the roof, it’s a good time to remove leaves and debris from the gutters.
If your system allows it, remove the downspouts and flush the gutters from the top. Cleaning both at the same time helps keep water flowing properly and reduces future maintenance.
Equinox® Louvered Roof Systems
If you own an Equinox® dual-cell louvered roof system, always rotate the louvers to the fully open (vertical) position before placing plywood across them.
This allows the plywood to rest across the strongest portions of the louvers while helping distribute your weight evenly.
Never place plywood across fully closed louvers, as this can damage or scratch the finish.
Routine Maintenance
While you’re on the roof, inspect the structure for loose fasteners, damaged sealants, tree debris, and anything else that may need attention.
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your patio cover and prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs.
Troy’s Professional Tips
- Remove your window screens before climbing onto the roof.
- Clean your window tracks while the screens are already removed.
- Have the home improvement store cut one 4′ × 8′ sheet of approximately ¼-inch plywood into two 4′ × 4′ sections for easier handling.
- Use the plywood to distribute your weight across multiple structural members.
- Never step directly on roof flashing.
- Clean your gutters while you’re already on the roof to save an extra trip later.
- If you own an Equinox® system, always open the louvers completely before placing plywood on top.
- If the structure doesn’t feel solid, don’t take the chance. Have it inspected first.
Final Thoughts
A professionally built aluminum patio cover can provide decades of dependable service when it’s properly maintained.
Every patio cover is different, and the recommendations above assume the structure is professionally installed, structurally sound, and in good condition.
If you’re ever unsure about the condition of your patio cover, don’t take unnecessary risks. Have it inspected before walking on it.