Two-Section Flat Pan Patio Cover in Metairie, LA

Custom Flat Pan Patio Cover Designed for the Property

This Metairie installation was not limited to one standard rectangular cover. The property included a larger concrete area beside the home and a narrower section near the side entrance. The completed design uses two measured roof sections to provide coverage where it was needed without extending one oversized structure across the entire exterior.

The approximately 11 ft. × 26 ft. main section creates the primary covered area along the brick wall of the home. The additional 4 ft. × 7 ft. section continues the roof coverage into the narrower side area. Together, the stated dimensions provide approximately 314 sq. ft. of total overhead coverage.

Designing the project in two sections allowed the patio cover to follow the actual shape of the available space while working around the existing fence, gate, roofline and access route.

A Two-Section Layout for an Irregular Outdoor Area

Many patio cover projects can be completed with one rectangular roof section. This property required a more tailored layout because the width and use of the exterior space changed between the main patio area and the narrower side passage.

The larger section provides broad coverage over the main concrete area, creating a protected space that can be used for outdoor seating, dining, storage or other everyday activities. The smaller section adds coverage near the side entrance while preserving access through the existing gate and walkway.

This type of configuration avoids forcing the home and yard into a standard patio cover size. Instead, each section is proportioned around the available slab, the walls of the home and the way the property is accessed.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Construction

The Southern Shademaker flat pan system uses aluminum roof panels and extruded aluminum support components to create a solid permanent cover. The finished roof provides shade and protection from direct rainfall while maintaining a clean, low-profile appearance beside the home.

Flat pan panels are well suited to projects where homeowners want practical overhead protection without the thicker appearance of an insulated roof system. The narrow panel profile also works well in areas where the patio cover must fit beneath or beside an existing residential roofline.

Aluminum components do not require the routine staining and repainting commonly associated with exposed wood patio structures. The factory-finished surfaces also help the roof panels, support posts, gutters and trim maintain a consistent appearance across the installation.

Full Gutter System and Three Large Downspouts

A solid patio roof collects rainwater across its entire surface, making drainage an important part of the installation. This project includes a full gutter system designed to collect runoff from both roof sections.

Three 4 in. × 5 in. downspouts provide separate discharge points for the collected water. Using multiple large downspouts helps avoid directing all runoff toward one corner of the property and allows the drainage layout to account for the different roof sections.

This was especially relevant for the narrow space between the home and the neighboring property. The gutter and downspout arrangement keeps roof runoff controlled instead of allowing water to fall directly from the patio cover edges onto the concrete, fence line or access path.

White Roof Panels with Clay Posts, Gutters and Trim

The selected color combination uses White roof panels with Clay posts, gutters, downspouts, valances and trim. The White panels create a lighter-looking ceiling above the covered area, while the Clay components coordinate with the neutral brick exterior of the home.

Using the same Clay finish across the structural and drainage components helps the completed patio cover look like one coordinated installation. The posts define the outer edge of the roof, while the gutters and trim continue the same color around the perimeter.

The contrast between the White overhead panels and Clay framing also prevents the covered area from appearing too dark or visually heavy, particularly within the narrower section between the home and the fence.

Integrated Fan Beam for the Main Covered Area

One fan beam was incorporated into the patio cover structure. Planning the fan beam during installation provides a defined mounting area for a compatible ceiling fan or outdoor fixture.

Its location within the main section allows airflow to be directed over the largest part of the covered patio. Including the beam as part of the original roof layout also produces a cleaner result than modifying the panels after the patio cover has been completed.

What Makes This Metairie Patio Cover Project Different

The most important feature of this installation is not simply its size. It is the way the two patio cover sections were fitted to an exterior area with different widths, access requirements and drainage conditions.

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