How to add ceiling fan and heat strips to pergola steel roof?

[kidnplay01]

Hi, I’m about to install outdoor pergola 6m x 4m and it has just 3 beams going across from back brick wall to front support beam to support the roof as attached to a brick wall.
I’m trying to plan how to create the space / support for ceiling fan/led light being the must and future proof for heat strips install either side later.

I understand power cable thread through centre beam to help hide the work but I’m trying to figure out ceiling fan mount.

I previously had this at previous house with the 2 pics below but having wooden patio framing a lot simpler and looking for similar idea more modern etc cement sheeting / vj lining Hampton feel etc.

Anyone done the steel roof/structure and incorporated fan? how did you support it?

Outdoor table size 2.2mtr - 1mtr so ceiling fan centre and I can install seperate led down lights either end of table like I did in pics below also.

was thinking maybe buy another steel beam and build between centre beams/frame them. 

Roof height 2.9m flat attached setup so plenty of height 

DemoDemo but just 3 beams go across left, right and 1 centre

[EricL]

Hello @kidnplay01 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your steel pergola.

Your steel framed pergola has been designed to carry the static weight of your roofing sheets and the steel frame itself. It's been created to withstand wind and rain along with certain strong weather conditions. Adding extra elements to the build now becomes a safety and engineering question. Can it hold the weight of the heating bar elements? Can the frame withstand the dynamic forces the ceiling fan will generate? 

I'm fairly confident that there are ways and means to do this, but it may involve the creation of a separate metal frame that can hold and handle all that extra weight and the forces it will generate. If you are determined to install these extra items to your existing frame, I suggest calling your pergola supplier and asking them for their recommendation in regards to the addition of the heating bars and ceiling fan. You can also engage the services of an engineer or draftsperson to design an independent metal frame to hold the fan and heating elements.

As a possible alternative, I suggest looking at the Dynabreeze 450mm Industrial Wall Fan and HEATSTRIP 3200W Classic With Remote And Wi-Fi. Both these appliances are wall mounted, and you'll not need to anchor it to your pergola.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @kidnplay01 

I am also thinking of the added weight and forces that come with a ceiling fan and at the same time you want to reduce the supporting structure. Maybe draw up a picture of what you want and how you would place the posts as I am unsure where your supports are for the deck. The added complexity of the air con units look like they will be right inline with the new roof you want? Having the air con fans, a ceiling fan and heater may have conflicting issues.

Last question, A roof that size and conected to your house may require local council ruling. Have you checked to see what they allow?

Dave

[kidnplay01]

No issues with added weight as I added on the extra beam in the centre as the “kit” is Stratco built and originally just 2  beams going across and the front beam so full engineer for that neverlone the other extras I added 140x140 solid hardwood timber connecting post 

over engineered if anything.. 

[EricL]

Hi @kidnplay01 

It's good to hear that you've provided extra support by adding an extra beam. However, I still suggest engaging the services of a draft's person or an engineer to verify that the added load to the frame and posts are safe. Long term oscillation and vibration from a ceiling fan could compromise the stability of the pergola frame. 

Let me call on our other experienced members @CSParnell, @AlanM52 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @kidnplay01,

At this point I see no issues with hanging about 8kg off your pergola - it's only a fan.

However those heaters add about another 16kg so yeah... need to think about that.

Those heaters are 3200W so each one will need a 15A circuit from the board.

P = E X I

P = 240 x 15

P = 3600W

As @Dave-1 requested could you provide a drawing or sketch of your pergola.

Cheers

[kidnplay01]

Engineer plans come when item is delivered.

Here is the rough out as requested, noting the right of roof/building nothing will be placed as I have AC blocking it and I need light coming in. Less weight for that area/being supported by beams. Will probably place shade cloth later.

Was looking for ideas of what others may of done. Seems to be a bit silent on that front unfortunately as many have fans in Aus over the deck.

Front beam goes along whole length, 6760 single span no join (max span can be 7647 again I’m under tested strength)

Back wall C channel 4700, then the 3 connecting beams from brick wall and connected to front beam 3680 lengths 

Using 150 outback beams 

hope this helps 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @kidnplay01,

The key point here is that you’re asking about modifying an existing structure in a way it wasn’t originally designed for. If this were a pergola being designed from the ground up, you’d naturally have an engineer verify whether the roof members could take the added weight of things like ceiling fans or heat strips. The same applies here. Once you start talking about attaching additional loads to a structure that was only engineered to hold its own roof and resist wind and weather, you’re stepping into territory that really does require sign-off from either the manufacturer or an engineer.

Even if you have the engineering documents for the pergola itself, they don’t automatically answer the question of whether extra items can be suspended from it. That’s why the safest and most reliable course of action is to take this up directly with the manufacturer of your awning. If the system has been designed to accept extra items, they’ll be able to confirm it, but in most cases, the answer you’ll get is that no additional weight should be added unless it was pre-designed for that purpose.

If the manufacturer can’t give you a clear “yes” to additional load, then the next step is to have an engineer look at it and design a modification or secondary frame that’s capable of carrying those extra forces. That way, you’ll know the structure can safely handle the fan and heat strips over the long term.

I appreciate that you’re really just looking for examples of how others have managed this, but without knowing what your structure is actually rated for, we simply can’t advise with confidence on whether it can or can’t take the added load. That’s why directing the question to the manufacturer first, and then to an engineer if necessary, is the best path forward. It gives you a clear answer and ensures the long-term safety of the pergola. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[kidnplay01]

Bunnings would be broke if every customer had engineered work prior to commencement or this is the advice given in store..

I didn’t ask for any of the above as I simply asked for the ideas. What I chose to do with it was for me..

Total waste of time and not what I was seeking at all.. 

Delete the post as nothing was obtained at all.. 

[MitchellMc]

I’m so sorry you haven’t found the replies you’ve received helpful @kidnplay01.

We always prioritise safety and advise to seek professional assistance if there is risk involved in a project. We also try to ensure our advice is not only helpful and safe for the member asking for assistance, but to all the other community members who might read the discussion in future.

I hope other community members might be able to share their thoughts and experiences with you.

Please don’t hesitate to post whenever you need assistance with your project. We will always endeavour to help. 

Mitchell