Resources
Codes, standards, industry groups and financing links for restaurant, hotel and venue operators planning a patio enclosure, plus where to find us around the web.
Fire Safety Standards
Every enclosure we install uses vinyl certified to NFPA 701. These are the standards behind that, and the documentation we send to your local authority when they ask for it.
What fire rating does a commercial patio enclosure need?
Most fire marshals look for NFPA 701, the flame propagation standard for textiles and films. All of our vinyl is certified to NFPA 701 Test 1 and Test 2, and our solid vinyl border is registered with the California State Fire Marshal under F-41501. We send the certificates to your local authority when they ask.
Do patio enclosures need a permit?
Usually not. Our systems hang from an existing roof or structure and are not structural. When a city does ask, most often for a historic building, the owner or general contractor pulls the permit and we supply the product documents and drawings.
- NFPA 701The National Fire Protection Association’s flame propagation standard for textiles and films. Our vinyl is certified to Test 1 (small scale) and Test 2 (large scale).
- California State Fire MarshalFlame-retardant fabric registrations. Our solid vinyl border is registered under F-41501, covering NFPA 701 Test 1 and Test 2, CPAI-84 and NYC MEA.
- Advanced Textiles AssociationThe specialty fabrics industry association. CPAI-84, the flammability standard for fabric structures, came from its predecessor, the Canvas Products Association International.
- International Code CouncilPublisher of the building and fire codes most cities adopt. Permits are rarely needed for our systems; when they are, the owner or GC pulls them and we supply the documents.
- ADA.govFederal accessibility rules for public spaces. We plan doors and clear routes through every enclosure around them.
Wind and Site Planning
A few tools for sizing up your patio before the design consultation.
How much wind can a patio enclosure handle?
Our motorized units are warrantied to 65 mph, and Nano 97/99 shade units within size limits are tested to 110 mph. Every system is sized to its openings and exposure at the design consultation; the ASCE Hazard Tool below shows the design wind speed for your address.
- ASCE Hazard ToolLook up the design wind speed for any U.S. address. Our motorized units are warrantied to 65 mph, and Nano 97/99 shade units within size limits are tested to 110 mph.
- How to MeasureOur guide to measuring each opening yourself, so your quote starts from real numbers.
Industry Organizations
Groups serving the restaurant and hospitality operators we build for.
Who do you build patio enclosures for?
Restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups and event venues across the country. We are commercial only, with a $10,000 installed minimum.
- National Restaurant AssociationResearch, operations guidance and advocacy for restaurant operators nationwide.
- Texas Restaurant AssociationAdvocacy, education and events for restaurants in our home state.
- American Hotel & Lodging AssociationThe national association for hotels and lodging, from independents to the major brands.
Financing
Most of our customers finance their enclosure. These are good places to start.
Can I finance a patio enclosure?
Yes, and most of our customers do. We work with LEAF Commercial Capital, which offers equipment leasing with fixed monthly payments and electronic signatures.
- LEAF Commercial CapitalOur financing partner: equipment leasing with fixed monthly payments and electronic signatures. See our financing page.
- SBA LoansU.S. Small Business Administration loan programs for equipment and improvements.
- IRS Publication 946The IRS guide to depreciating business property. Ask your tax advisor how it applies to your project.
Find Us Around the Web
Reviews, photos and videos of our work.
Ready to turn your patio into year-round revenue?
Tell us about your space and we'll come back with a design and a number. Commercial projects only — $10,000 minimum, installed.