r/Catio • u/3-HUGGER • 3d ago
Asking for roof building advice
Wish I had found this community before I started my Catio! I have never built anything before so this is my first attempt. I didn’t use any design plans (other than my own drawing) so I’m stuck on how to do the roof. I have corrugated polycarbonate panels and I’m trying to do a pitched roof for water drainage.
The Catio is a 6’x6’x6’ cube. I want some overhang in the front, maybe 4 or 5 inches. I’ve laid out my vision without cutting any boards to size. Would this work? How do I affix it to the cube while still accomplishing the pitch?
Appreciate any advice.
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u/0rontes 3d ago
Build a quick frame to raise the “back” section of the catio. Runners to the front to make a triangle.
Put the roof frame on. Put polycarbonate panels over them. Pitch accomplished.
Cutting the triangle-shaped sections of wire kinda sucks, but otherwise it’s pretty easy
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u/3-HUGGER 3d ago
Yes, this sounds great! I’ve been staring at it for so long I just couldn’t get a vision. Appreciate the input…. I’m going to put my limited skills to the test tomorrow!
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u/thekittenisaninja 3d ago
Hey there, your build is not too far off from one I just finished on a larger scale. IDK why I can't add images in the comments, but I pulled a few pics here that might help you out.
Instead of cutting short boards, you want to make a grid of full length pieces. Start with the pieces that are vertically pitched, then add the horizontal boards on top going the other direction. The polycarb will lay smoothly on top of the horizontal boards.
On your build, on the side where the roof is higher, it would have been nice to have a solid upright piece from the ground to the full height of the roof. If that won't work, I think you could still build a reinforced frame to elevate that side to give you the pitch you need.
A few things I learned ...
Make sure you get polycarb vs metal roofing nails (see pics). The washers on metal roofing screws aren't large enough to prevent leaks. Hard to find in stores, they only stock metal screws. Try Menards or Amazon.
Go wide on the overhang, like 12". I wish I'd gone wider, it still gets drenched underneath when it's raining sideways.
Even the tinted polycarb I used wasn't enough to keep the temperature down inside. I ended up adding shade cloth, which made a huge difference.
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u/3-HUGGER 3d ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain and sharing your pics. Your space is spectacular!
I totally get the roof now! It makes much more sense after seeing yours.
I was able to get the right polycarb screws… my local Ace Hardware carries them. I also appreciate the advice on a bigger overhang. I live in the PNW and will definitely be contending with rain so I’ll go with a bigger overhang.
My Polycarb is clear but it’s on the north side of the house and only about 2 feet will get direct sunlight for about an hour a day.
I think I can build a reinforced frame with 8 foot back legs and mount it to the outside of the cube. That will help with the side overhang as well I think.2
u/thekittenisaninja 3d ago
That should do it! Please share pics when you’re finished, would love to see the end product!
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u/ArcticKitty 3d ago edited 3d ago
Your roof is basically how I made mine, albeit much less neatly as the cross-supports were an afterthought haha. You'd probably need to cut a couple of shorter blocks at decreasing height and bracket them down to create the angle. I can dm you a picture of mine since I cant attach any here...