Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page, your go-to resource for answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services. Here, you'll find comprehensive information on everything from product specifications and installation processes to warranty details and maintenance tips, ensuring you have all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
⤓ What aluminum patio cover products do you use?
We are a proud platinum dealer of the real [Alumawood by Amerimax][1]. We can confidently say they produce aluminum patio cover materials that are a cut above the rest!
⤓ I’m ready to move forward with my patio cover project, what’s the next step?
If you are ready to move forward with the patio cover contract but did not sign with the estimator, please visit our office in Temecula to complete the process.
28910 Rancho California Rd, Ste 203, Temecula, CA 92590
If you would like to inquire about financing the project, please give the office a call at 951-234-0356 with any questions.
Office staff can take your information to submit an application or you may submit one online.
At the time of contract signing a deposit and permit fee will be collected.
⤓ What kind of guarantee or warranty do you offer?
Green Bee offers an Exclusice Lifetime Warranty on every Alumawood Patio Cover we build!
⤓ Do I need to pull permits for a patio cover?
Yes! Please view our list fixed permit prices. Simply find your city or area. PERMIT COST PER CITY
⤓ Is your company licensed & insured?
Yes! Green Bee is fully licensed, bonded & insured. CSLB #1060837 Green Bee carries worker’s comp insurance for all employees meaning you have nothing to worry about while the crew is working at your home, we also carry liability insurance for your protection and ours! You may view our insurance policies and declarations on the CSLB website cslb.ca.gov
⤓ Does Green Bee use any sub-contractors to perform work?
No we do not use any sub-contractors. This ensures quality, The Green Bee Way for every client.
⤓ Can you help me with my HOA?
Green Bee offers assistance with HOA plots plans to assist you in getting a speedy approval. All Green Bee aluminum patio covers are HOA friendly.
⤓ How many colors may I choose for my patio?
We offer 7 different colors for our Alumawood products. You may choose your whole patio to be one color or you may choose two different colors, one for the ceiling and one for the trim. Please see our gallery for examples.
⤓ Can you provide the fan fixture or post light fixtures for me?
No. Homeowners will provide the fan and post light fixtures for our crews to install, this allows you to choose the fixtures that you like, giving you complete customization for your patio cover.
⤓ What is an AlumaBase™?
The AlumaBase is a high strength plastic bases that surround the bottom of the aluminum post. AlumaBases cover the exposed brackets and screws adding a beautiful, finished look to any patio cover. AlumaBases are completely weather resistant and impact resistant. AlumaBases are available in several different colors designed to match your patio cover and come with a 5 year manufacturer warranty. AlumaBases may be added to new and existing patio covers.
⤓ How can I hang shades on my Alumawood patio cover?
Green Bee does not install shades on any of our patio covers. We recommend using Alumahangers, see their videos on YOUTUBE.
We recommend hanging shades from the header beam only.
⤓ How can I hang items on my Alumawood patio cover?
The product Alumahangers are designed to allow homeowners to hang items such as plants, wind chimes, shades, and other items off of their Alumawood patio cover without adding holes to the materials.
⤓ My installation date is approaching, what steps do I need to take to be ready for the crew?
Please ensure that you leave all fan fixtures or light fixtures outside for the crew to install. Please clear all items from the concrete before the crew arrives. Homeowners do not need to be present for the whole day of installation; the crew will need access to the inside of the house once in the morning in order to pull power.
⤓ Can I walk on top of my patio cover?
No. The manufacturer does not recommend that anyone stand on top of the patio cover. But if you absolutely need to, you will need to distribute your weight across the material using a thin plywood board and never make contact with the metal roofing. Always ensure that there is something between you and the metal materials.
⤓ How can I clean my patio cover?
Care Instructions from the Amerimax website
Particular attention should be given to areas under eaves, porches, awnings, and other overhangs that have limited exposure to the natural cleansing effect of rainfall.
Moderate Dirt: An occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush is recommended (a long-handled, car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose).
Heavier Dirt Accumulation Wash in the manner indicated above, but use the following solution:
1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide®)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate powder (also known as T.S.P.)
1 gallon water
Mildew Accumulation: Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products and is often evident on surfaces that have not been properly maintained. Normally, mildew will appear as black spots. Mildew is easy to remove by using the following cleaning solution:
1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide®)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate powder (also known as T.S.P.)
1 quart sodium hypochloride 5% solution (e.g. Clorox®)
3 quarts water
Environmental Black Streaking Black streaking can also collect on the surface of a structure as a result of numerous environmental factors. Please consult with the installer on the best way to remove the streaking from your unit.
Caulking Compounds
Use mineral spirits in reasonable amounts, apply directly to foreign substance. Rinse the area thoroughly with water immediately after cleaning.
⤓ What is the process for having a patio cover installed at my home?
First, check out our website and build an idea of what you would like to see for your home. Next, give the office a call at 951-234-0356, have possible dimensions and photos ready to receive a ballpark estimate over the phone. Then schedule your free in-home estimate with one of our expert team members. Let us know you’d like to move forward, place a deposit, and wait for materials to arrive. Our office will coordinate a date for installation of the patio cover.
⤓ Why should I choose Green Bee over competitors?
It begins with your first call to our office, we are available via phone Monday-Friday from 9 am-4 pm and will return any voicemails the following business day. We are constantly adding new information to our website so you can stay the most up to date on what we have to offer. For the estimate, our office will provide you with a ballpark estimate based on dimensions and photos provided by you. Next, you’ll meet at your home with one of our expert estimators who can help you design a patio cover that fits your needs without any pressure to buy. Estimators will leave you with; product guides, a copy of the estimate, standard size pricing guides, information about protecting your home, and information on what steps to take next if you decide to move forward with the project. If you do not sign the contract with the estimator during your home visit, you must come into our office in Temecula to complete the process. We educate customers on the need for rain gutters and how best to protect your home and patio cover. From the beginning, we are transparent with pricing and our estimator will leave you with a quote that day. You can see exactly how much is being charged for a city permit based on the city you live in and the permit fee schedule.
Our team will give you a realistic idea as to when the patio cover can be installed based on current lead times from the factory. We provide payment plan options with our partner Synchrony Bank, accept most major credit cards, check, or cash payments. Our team can provide plot plans for HOA approval as well as pull city permits, you don’t have to lift a finger!
With Green Bee, the best comes standard, we use .024 thickness pans minimum, rain gutters on the patio cover are included, AlumaBases are included, the Mega Beam is included, and we use junction boxes for every light fixture. Our installation crews arrive on time, prepared with the specific details for your project, and ready to walk you through each step of the installation. Our crews pay close attention to detail so nothing is overlooked, they are respectful of your home, and clean up after themselves! After installation, your patio cover is guaranteed for life with our exclusive lifetime warranty. If you encounter any problems give the office a call immediately and our team will develop a strategy to help.
⤓ Do you offer financing for patio covers?
We proudly offer many flexible payment plans for aluminum patio covers with the help of our partners over at Synchrony Bank.
Applications for financing may be submitted over the phone with the office or online HERE, we typically have an answer in minutes.
Plan 924: No monthly interest if Paid in Full within 18 months. Monthly payment factor 2.5% and 26.99% deferred interest if not paid within 18 months.
Plan 980: Reduced 5.99% APR and fixed monthly payments equal to 3.00% of promo purchase amount- until paid in full.
Plan 971: Reduced 7.99% APR and fixed monthly payments equal to 2.00% of promo purchase amount- until paid in full.
There is no penalty for paying off a project early. Once approved, Synchrony Bank will send you a credit card in the mail, please call the Customer Service line on the back of the card to activate your account. After completion of your installation, we will charge your Synchrony account for the amount financed and Synchrony will send your billing statement in the mail. Please call the office if you need assistance determining monthly payments. Some Synchrony accounts are compatible with our program, if you already have a Synchrony account please call the office and give your account number so we can determine if the same account may be used to finance your project.
⤓ When is payment due?
The deposit and permit fee will be collected as soon as you have decided you would like to move forward with the project. The remaining balance will be due on the day of installation.
⤓ What is required to schedule a patio cover estimate?
To schedule a free in-home estimate give the office a call at 951-234-0356. Please be prepared with possible dimensions and photos of your home. Photos may be texted to Carmen at 951-595-0182, emailed to services@greenbeepatios.com, or submitted via the form on our website.
The office will be able to give you a ballpark estimate before an estimator visits your home. We do require that you have a concrete slab in the area you would like covered. The office will not schedule an estimator to come out to your house until the concrete is completed.
⤓ Can I get a price quote over the phone?
Yes, give the office a call with your possible dimensions and photos of the area. Photos may be texted to Carmen at 951-595-0182, emailed to services@greenbeepatios.com, or submitted via the forms on our website.
⤓ How can I submit my deposit?
Deposits can be paid via credit card transaction, cash, or check. Please make checks payable to Green Bee.
⤓ What is the minimum job requirement?
Our minimum job requirement is 200 square feet.
⤓ Does the AlumaBase come included?
The AlumaBase™ is included on each H-Post of every installed patio cover, for FREE!
⤓ What is the current wait time for new patio cover orders?
Our team will keep you updated with the current lead times from the manufacturer.
The current lead time is 6-12 weeks (or more).
Please keep in mind we are at the mercy of the manufacturer and we have no control over the speed in which materials are produced.
⤓ What cities do you install patio cover in?
We are currently servicing the following cities: Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Jurupa Valley, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto, Temecula, Winchester, Wildomar.
⤓ How long does a project typically take start to finish?
Most patio cover projects are typically installed in just one day. Factors that can lead to delays in project completion include waiting for HOA approval, adjustments that need to be made on the house prior to installation such as painting, demolition of existing patio covers, or stucco/ fascia repairs, and delays in manufacturing materials from the factory.
⤓ Do you pour concrete for patio cover foundations?
No. Please give the office a call at 951-234-0356 for concrete referrals.
⤓ Do you install concrete footings for patio covers?
No. We require your home to have a concrete slab in the backyard where you would like the patio cover to go. Concrete should be at least 4 inches in thickness and extend as far from the house as you would like to cover, the post will be set back at least 1 foot in from the edge of the concrete.
⤓ Can you add onto my existing patio cover?
No. We are not able to extend or add on to an existing patio cover, we are only able to build another structure directly next to the existing one.
⤓ Is there a better time/ season to buy a patio cover?
No, we provide patio cover installations year round with the same pricing.
⤓ Do I have to have rain gutters installed on my house prior to installation of my patio cover?
It is possible to add rain gutters to the home after the patio cover has been installed however; it is much easier to install gutters before the patio cover. We highly recommend having rain gutters on the house prior to installation of the patio cover. Please see our PRECAUTIONS page for more information about needing rain gutters on the home.
⤓ What type of fan should I buy?
We recommend visiting Lowes or Home Depot to purchase fans for your patio cover. Fans need to be labeled for outdoor use, the maximum size we can use are 52-54 inches, and 30 pounds in weight.
⤓ What type of post light should I buy?
We recommend visiting Lowes or Home Depot to purchase post light fixtures for your patio cover. Post lights need to be no more than 5 inches at the base.
⤓ How do I know my home is ready for a patio cover?
Please feel free to give us a call for a more in-depth dsicussion of your project. You can also use our PRECAUTIONS resources to answer most of your preperation questions.
⤓ How much do permits cost for an aluminum patio cover?
Permit prices variey following the regulations for shade structures in your specific city. View our permit price guide by city HERE
⤓ Can you install a patio cover on my pavers?
No. Pavers are usually set on top of gravel and sand and are not cemented down. We only install patio covers on top of existing concrete.
⤓ Can you just sell me the materials to build my own?
No. We are a full service company meaning we supply and install only.
⤓ Do you build insulated aluminum patio covers?
No, we only use standard non-insulated solid tops or lattice style patio covers. This way we can offer you a lifetime warranty, we would not be able to offer our lifetime warranty on an insulated patio.
⤓ Can you convert my lattice roof to a solid roof?
No. You will need to have the lattice structure completely removed and hauled away then, you can start over from the ground up for your new structure. It would be more expensive to convert your lattice to solid versus starting from scratch.
⤓ What is the difference between HOA waiting and not waiting?
If you would like to wait to receive approval from your association before we place the material order please select “HOA WAITING”, we will send you a set of plot plans immediately and wait to hear back from you regarding approval before moving forward with the project.
If you select “HOA NOT WAITING” we will place the material order immediately and we will send you a set of plot plans to submit to your association.
⤓ Do you build freestanding patios?
No. A freestanding patio is a shade structure that is not attached to a home. Please call the office for a referral for freestanding patios.
⤓ Do you have a showroom I can visit?
Yes, our showroom is located in Temecula at 28910 Rancho California Rd, Ste 203, Temecula, CA 92590. Behind the Chevron gas station on the corner of Jefferson Ave and Rancho California Rd. We are open by appointment only, please call the office at 951-234-0356 to schedule a time to visit.
⤓ Can I put a heater under my aluminum patio cover?
Yes, you may use a propane heater as long as the heater has a protective dome and is at least 24 inches away from the ceiling of the patio cover.
⤓ Can I use a BBQ grill under my patio cover?
Yes, you may use a BBQ grill as long as it is natural gas or propane and the flame is at least 5 feet from the ceiling of the patio cover.
⤓ Can I build a patio cover next to my pool?
Yes, however per the California Building Code and for your safety the post will need to be set back 5 feet away from the pool or spa in any direction, absolutely no exceptions.
⤓ Can I cover my AC unit?
Yes, you may cover your AC unit with a patio cover, just keep in mind that the AC unit will blow hot air from the top.
⤓ Do you install rain gutters?
No. Our Alumawood patio covers come with rain gutters included for the patio cover only, we do install rain gutters on any homes. Please see our PRECAUTIONS page for more information about needing rain gutters on the home. We recommend the company Gutter Done for rain gutters, you may visit them online at http://gutterdone.net/ or call 888-248-8652.
⤓ What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept most major credit cards, cash, checks, and financing through Synchrony. Be sure to let the office know if you plan to change your payment method at any time.
⤓ What happens if I begin to see leaks in my patio cover?
The main reason you may see leaks in your patio cover is due to your rain gutters or downspouts being clogged with debris. The water will back up and start leaking in various places in the patio cover. In order to avoid leaks, be sure to clean out your rain gutters on the patio cover at least once a year before the rainy season begins.
⤓ How do I clean out debris from my rain gutters?
You will not be able to reach into your rain gutter from the top of the patio cover, the only way to clear out your rain gutter is to remove the top elbow of the downspout that is connected to the bottom of your rain gutter on both ends of the patio cover and run a hose through one end and any debris will flush out of the other end. We recommend you perform this maintenance at least once a year before the rainy season begins.
Alumawood Patio Cover FAQ
Explore our Alumawood patio cover FAQ section for comprehensive answers to common inquiries about our renowned aluminum covers. From installation guidelines to maintenance tips, we've curated essential information to ensure your experience with our Alumawood covers is seamless and satisfying.
⤓ Why should I choose Green Bee over competitors?
It begins with your first call to our office, we are available via phone Monday-Friday from 9 am-4 pm and will return any voicemails the following business day. We are constantly adding new information to our website so you can stay the most up to date on what we have to offer. For the estimate, our office will provide you with a ballpark estimate based on dimensions and photos provided by you. Next, you’ll meet at your home with one of our expert estimators who can help you design a patio cover that fits your needs without any pressure to buy. Estimators will leave you with; product guides, a copy of the estimate, standard size pricing guides, information about protecting your home, and information on what steps to take next if you decide to move forward with the project. If you do not sign the contract with the estimator during your home visit, you must come into our office in Temecula to complete the process. We educate customers on the need for rain gutters and how best to protect your home and patio cover. From the beginning, we are transparent with pricing and our estimator will leave you with a quote that day. You can see exactly how much is being charged for a city permit based on the city you live in and the permit fee schedule.