Readiness check

Will your pergola stay put or blow away?

A pergola or shade structure behaves like a sail, so the wind load is the make-or-break: it wants to lift and rack the structure, and the more covered it is, the bigger that load. Answer for how the structure is actually anchored. This is general guidance; confirm with the manufacturer, the code, and the engineer. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the pergola readiness checklist sent over.

1. Is the structure designed for the wind uplift and lateral load (not just the dead weight)?Yes, designed for uplift and lateralWe sized it by feelWe did not consider wind

2. Are the footings below the frost line and sized for uplift and overturning?Yes, frost-depth footings sized for upliftShallow or down-load onlySurface-set or guessed

3. Are the posts anchored to the footings against uplift (rated anchor, standoff base)?Yes, rated uplift anchor and standoff baseSet in but anchorage unclearJust resting or toe-nailed

4. If attached to the house, is there a bolted and flashed ledger with lateral connection?Yes, bolted, flashed, with lateral tiesAttached but not flashedLagged to the siding

5. Does the cover match the structure (a louvered or solid roof is a much bigger sail)?Yes, structure sized for the actual coverWe added cover after the factHeavy cover on a light frame

6. In a cold climate, is the snow load handled for a solid or louvered-closed roof?Yes, designed for the ground snow loadNot really consideredNo snow design

7. If mounted on a deck, is the deck designed to carry the post load and the uplift?Yes, blocked and through-bolted into deck framingLagged to the deckingNot applicable / not checked

8. Did you pull a permit (and get engineering for a big, covered, or attached structure)?Yes, permitted and engineered as requiredNo permit, it is small and openNo permit on a covered or attached one