Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Removing knee braces from patio cover. Please see picture...

Can I remove these patio cover knee braces? Please see picture link below.

I would like to remove these corner knee braces and add 2x6s or 2x8s to make the posts thicker. I had planned on nailing the 2x6s or 2x8s to the fronts of the existing 4x4s and having them go to the top of the beam. Can these knee braces be removed? Also, there are metal T braces on the fronts and backs of the 4x4s connected to the beams




http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/bripat911/patio.jpg

Hi 911 and welcome to the forum. I'm not a real pro on this, but I see a couple of concerns. Patio covers like this are a bit of a challenge in that the wind can get in under them where they then become part of someone else's property. Codes usually require that they be well anchored to both the house and those posts. The posts in turn have to be stable and anchored to the ground.

The other concern is side to side stability. Removing the posts and relying on wider posts to do what those braces are doing is probably not going to be enough. Those metal T's tell you they were concerned about that when it was built.

If it is cosmetics you are looking to improve along with the head clearance, there are other ways to brace those corners. Large black iron T's might do it. Curved metal arches that stay closer to the beams. Lots of books on options.

Others will post.

Bud

Don't remove them. They are what keep the cover from swaying side to side. They have to be there or the cover will be on the ground during the next windstorm.

Do you live in a high wind area? I see the builder used 12x12" T-straps on the top post to header joint, with bolts. If you don't **** the scroll look, you could replace them with 4x4 angle braces.

You probably shoul use these, also: Product Category: Earthquake/High Wind for Home Projects (DIY) (http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/earthquake_diy.html) Be safe, G

Thanks for all the replys. I had the same concern- swaying. We are in southern CA by the way. I guess I could make smaller ones out of 4x4s to prevent the swaying...Thanks again.

Hey GBR, quick question- are you referring to steel "L" brackets to go in the corners? Would this make up for the support lost by removing the knee braces?

I meant replace the scrolled braces with square edged 4x4 braces. You already have matching pairs of T straps through bolted, on each post. To remove the braces, ask your local Building Department, he may substitute a HL or A corner brace.

You have this now, correct? Product Category: T and L Strap Ties (http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/tl_strap.html)

It looks like your's is an earlier model, with less bolts. Show the Inspector the picture. There is also an ECCU that may work. Be safe, G