Our Standards
Built to Last — Our Quality Standards
Every JHL Pergolas project is engineered to Pennsylvania building code, built with structural-grade materials, and permitted before we break ground. Here is exactly how we build and why it matters.
Footings: Below Frost Line, Every Time
Pennsylvania’s frost line runs 36–42 inches below grade. Any footing shallower than that is vulnerable to frost heave — the freeze-thaw cycle that shifts, cracks, and eventually destroys a structure from below. We do not take that shortcut, ever.
Every JHL Pergolas post footing uses 10–12" diameter Sonotube forms poured with 3,000 PSI concrete to frost depth. Post bases use Simpson Strong-Tie galvanized anchors, which isolate the wood post from ground moisture and allow field-adjustment during installation.
We call PA One Call (811) before every dig — no exceptions. Utility marking is not optional; it is a legal requirement in Pennsylvania and a basic safety practice we enforce on every job site regardless of scope.
Why it matters: A pergola that moves in year two has failed. Proper footings are the single most important structural decision on any outdoor structure. Once the concrete is in, you cannot fix a shallow footing without demolishing the project.
Materials: Structural Grade Only
We specify materials that will perform in Chester County’s climate: hot, humid summers, freeze cycles in winter, and significant moisture load in spring. “Looks good at install” is not the standard. “Looks good in 15 years” is.
Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine (PT SYP)
#2 or better, rated for ground contact (UC4B) where applicable. Used for framing where cedar or aluminum is not specified. All PT SYP is AWPA-compliant and third-party treated.
Western Red Cedar
Select Structural or #1 grade. Natural oils resist rot and insects without chemical treatment. Used for visible framing, rafters, and decorative elements where clients prioritize aesthetics.
Structural Aluminum
6005-T5 alloy minimum for posts and beams. Post-fabrication powder coat (typically 2–3 mil thickness) applied after all cuts and welds — not before. This is the only way to prevent coating failure at connection points.
Hardware & Fasteners
Hot-dip galvanized (HDG) or stainless steel throughout — no zinc-plated hardware on exterior structural connections. HDG hardware resists the accelerated corrosion caused by treated lumber chemistry.
Permits: We Pull Every One
Every municipality in Chester and Delaware Counties requires a building permit for a pergola, pavilion, or carport. The threshold is generally any structure with footings, any roof (solid or louvered), or any attached structure over a certain square footage. In practice, every project we build needs a permit.
We handle the entire permit process: application, site plan, structural drawings, and inspection scheduling. You do not need to go to the township. We manage it.
What happens without a permit: Unpermitted structures can trigger stop-work orders, force demolition, cause homeowners insurance coverage gaps, and create serious complications at resale. Your real estate attorney will find it. Your buyer’s home inspector will find it. We do not build without permits — and you should not hire anyone who offers to.
Our Build Process
Every project moves through the same seven-stage sequence. No stages are skipped.
- 1. Site Assessment
Measure existing footprint, assess slope and drainage, locate utilities, evaluate home attachment point (if applicable), identify any setback constraints.
- 2. Design & Specifications
Produce dimensioned drawings with post layout, beam spans, rafter spacing, hardware schedule, and material callouts. Structural calculations for beam sizing based on span and load.
- 3. Permit Application
Submit application and drawings to the township/borough building department. Respond to any zoning or engineering review comments. Obtain permit before ordering materials.
- 4. Materials & Fabrication
Order structural lumber, hardware, and specialty components. Aluminum components are cut and welded off-site, then powder-coated. Materials are staged and inspected before delivery.
- 5. Construction
Utility mark (PA One Call), excavate, form and pour footings. Allow cure time. Set posts, install beams and rafters, add decking or roofing as specified. All work follows permit drawings.
- 6. Inspection
Schedule required municipal inspections (footing, framing, final). We are on-site for every inspection and address any correction notices same-week.
- 7. Close-Out
Final walk-through with homeowner, deliver permit close-out documentation, provide warranty paperwork. Site is left clean.
Warranty
5-Year Structural Warranty
Covers the frame, footings, and fastener system against workmanship defects. If anything moves, settles, or fails due to our installation, we fix it. Transferable to subsequent homeowners.
Manufacturer Pass-Through
Material warranties from our suppliers (Fortress® aluminum systems, Simpson Strong-Tie hardware) pass through to you. We document product serial numbers and purchase receipts at close-out.
Permit Documentation
We provide the final permit inspection card, the approved permit drawings, and the township sign-off at project close. These documents belong with your house.
Credentials & Memberships
PA Home Improvement Contractor
PA HIC #PA035784 — required for all home improvement work over $500 in Pennsylvania. Registered and active.
HBA Member
Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties. Requires adherence to professional standards and code-of-ethics.
ICPI Certified
Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute — certified installer for hardscape integration with pergola and patio projects.
Fully Insured
General liability + workers' compensation insurance. Certificates available on request before project start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep are your pergola footings?
All JHL Pergolas footings are poured below the Pennsylvania frost line — typically 36–42 inches — using 10–12" Sonotubes with Simpson Strong-Tie post bases. This prevents frost heave and is required by Chester County code for permanent structures.
Do you pull permits for every project?
Yes, without exception. JHL Pergolas pulls every permit required by the municipality before breaking ground. We handle the application, drawings, and inspections. This protects your investment, your homeowners insurance, and your resale value.
What warranty do you offer?
We provide a 5-year structural warranty on all installations, covering the frame, footings, and fastener system. Manufacturer warranties pass through on materials. The warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners.
Are you licensed and insured in Pennsylvania?
Yes. We hold a Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (PA HIC) license and carry full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We are members of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Chester and Delaware Counties.
Chester County, PA
Design Your Outdoor Structure
Every project begins with a conversation. Tell us how you want to live outside.