How To Add A Roof To Your Deck

New Deck Cost By Material

There are many materials to use for a deck. Many people opt for wood or composite, but there is a wide range of materials that fall into those two categories. You can also use other materials, such as metals. Each material has costs and attributes influencing the appearance and long-term performance:

Install Gutters And Downspouts

If you want to install gutters for your under deck ceiling, plan ahead and leave space for them. You may have to get creative to come up with an attachment method, depending on how your deck is built. Since the in-stock 12-ft. panels didn’t quite reach the beams on Rune’s deck, he nailed vertical 2x4s to every other joist to provide an attachment point for the gutters. Then he screwed the gutter hangers to the 2x4s. Slope the gutters toward the downspout for drainage.

Measure The Deck For Roofing Works

The first thing you will need to do is measure the deck, understanding that the measurements will depend on its shape and length. For example, measurements for a rectangular or square deck are always easy as you just need to measure the height and width.

Shapes like trapezoids and pentagons are more complex because they lack an apparent width or height measurement. Take any size and multiply it by 3 .

Alternatively, you could divide the deck into sections, measure the area of one section, and multiply this by however many sections there are. Then, as soon as you have all your measurements, you can draw them on paper and use them as guides for cutting out your roof boards.

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How To Build A Roof Over An Existing Deck: Step By Step

In this guide, well go over how to build a deck roof over your deck. This step-by-step overview will cover the installation of a slanted deck roof. Gable and hip roofs will vary, particularly in how you connect their framing to your existing roof, but the construction of posts and beams will be similar to the slanted roof.

Cost To Install Deck Skirting

The average cost to install deck skirting is between $25 and $30 per square foot. Adding a skirt can finish out the look of the deck from your walking surface down to the ground and protect that space from large rodents.

• Trellis – $25/sqft
• Privacy fence style – $30/sqft

The finished product will look like a privacy fencewith little to no gap between the boardsor it will be more like a trellis with the wood in either a diamond or square configuration. A complete absence of gaps will rule out the space becoming home to rodents or snakes, while the trellis option is more suited to being a visual addition.

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Best Deck Roof Ideas To Enhance The Comfort Of Your Deck

Adding a deck in your backyard and front yard is a great trick to extend the living area of your home. When you are creating a deck plan, you must remember to plan for its roof. Various deck roof ideas can make your deck look more interesting. In addition, they will make you feel more comfortable when lounging on the deck.

However, you will not get this comfort if you choose the wrong deck roof. In consequence, you need to consider many things in choosing this roof.

Some of them are deck roof materials and coverings, the weather in your area, and your budget. If you need some inspirations on this particular roof, you can check these deck roof ideas.

Japanese Style Patio Roof

This patio roof conjures up images of Japanese houses. The wooden posts support the exposed beams that overhang a little bit.

The latticework allows natural light to pass through so that you will be covered partially. The lanterns hanging over the green couches accentuate the Japanese style of this patio.

And to make it look like a Japanese traditional house, some bamboos are grown next to and in front of the patio.

Pros:

• The latticework does not completely block the natural light so that it can still pass through the patio roof.

Cons:

• The roof cannot protect you from the rain.

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Attaching A Deck Roof Changes The Required Permits

The most straightforward deck roof construction beside your house is to attach it to the house. But this is a no, no regarding deck roofs. Attaching a deck roof to the house changes the required permit into an addition. A house addition is a much larger permit application and fee. The construction permit must include a development permit as you have now changed the look of the neighbourhood.

It is attached to a house.

City of Calgary

This additional permit is partly to blame because of the ease of transforming a covered deck into a sunroom. Or I have even seen covered decks be enclosed with walls and becoming an extra room on the house. Which is what the city is trying to prevent, unpermitted decks becoming poorly constructed house additions. Decks with roofs need additional structural construction but still do not meet the requirements for a house addition. In the past to many have been given an inch and taken a foot. Now we all have to pay the price.

Now that you know some of what is required for a deck roof. If it is feeling like too much. Here are some deck shade alternatives.

Type Of Post Framing And Cost Of Materials

The basic framing involves posts installed on the deck and cross beams at the top of the posts. For smaller deck projects, only corner posts may be required.

The weight that the posts and beams must support will determine the number needed and size. Generally, 6x 6 pressure-treated posts support most simple deck roofs.

The height of the beam is also a cost factor. A 6x 6 by 8southern yellow pine post currently costs between $30-$45. If the roof is being attached to the house, a ledger board must be installed. However, generally only half the number of posts are needed for a simple square or rectangular attached roof.

The type of post and beam materials are another cost factor. Many structures are made of redwood or cedar to complement a wooden deck. While more expensive than pine, they are not as expensive as vinyl or fiberglass.

Post mounts, braces, and joist or truss hangers are additional cost factors in this stage of building. For both framing and roofing, nails, screws, nuts, bolts, and tools need to be figured into the cost.

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Roof Is Able To Support Adequate Weight

Determining how much weight your roof can support is a job that should be left to a professional engineer or architect. Miscalculating the strength of your roof can result in grave damage and even death.While local building codes vary from state to state, the minimum requirements typically state that your roof needs to support at least 55 pounds of weight per square foot.

However, the necessary strength of your roof will also vary depending on how you plan to use the rooftop deck. For instance, if you plan to add a hot tub or other heavy furniture, you will need to account for the added weight in the design of your rooftop deck.

Even if your current roof is not strong enough to support the additional weight of a rooftop deck, there may be ways to strengthen the existing structure. You can read more about how to reinforce your roof strength here.

How To Build A Roof Over A Deck

Roofing a deck provides a lot of benefits. One is that you can better enjoy sitting outside any time of the day regardless if theres too much sun or the weather is gloomy.

Building a roof over your outdoor sitting area is not only intended to add to your comfort. Good deck roofing will not only cater to your comfort but also add beauty to your surroundings, which will, in turn, increase the homes market value.

Although its best to get a seasoned craftsman for this project, you can still manage to build one on your own by following these steps:

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Cost To Build Pergola Or Roof Over Deck

The average price to build a roof over your deck, or add pergola framing is between $0.70 and $1.30/sqft. Include $40 to $50 for supporting posts and concrete, and an additional $2.60 per square foot for flat asphalt roof covering. Another option is a manual deck cover which costs $500 to $1,500 or $1,700 and up for a motorized cover.

Structural Requirements For A Rooftop Deck

As you can imagine, building a deck on your roof is no small feat. We have all heard horror stories of rooftop decks collapsing due to poor construction or an excessively heavy load. Because of this, it is crucial that you pay attention to the minimum structural requirements for building a rooftop deck.

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Average Costs Of Popular Roof Deck Coverings

The ranges given below are based on product quality and local costs. The most obvious information is the differences in the costs of the various coverings.

Shingles, shakes, and tiles can be a problem in high wind locations. Metal roofing, while initially more expensive, is resistant to severe weather. It is also energy efficient and has virtually no maintenance.

Metal roofing now also comes in various attractive shingle styles as well as standing seam and corrugated sheets. There are still other options for roof coverings, such as clear polycarbonate plastic sheeting, skylights, and a durable canvas-type material.

Estimating The Cost Of Building Your Deck

If youre tired of walking out your back door and having nothing decent outside to relax on, never mind host a BBQ or enjoy a stint in the hot tub, a deck can meet your outdoor living space needs.

Build one level, or include some raised portions stretch it the full width of the back of the house or contain it to the area by the back door. No matter how large you go, make sure it meets your home improvement needs.

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What About Composite Decking

Synthetic decking options range from wood composites, to plastic capped wood composites, to cellular PVC. Most are available in a variety of colors. Some may perform well in this harsh area. Most do not. Most of the synthetics heat up and expand and contract making them uncomfortable to walk on. If you are considering this option, please do your homework first.

Get The Necessary Permits And Clearance

Before building a rooftop deck, check first if your neighborhood allows it. Some areas or municipalities have different zoning regulations and building codes that might prohibit a roof deck. Sometimes your neighborhood association might oppose it.

Even if its allowed in your area, you often need to secure a permit from your local building department before you start with construction. You might need to submit sloped roof deck plans signed by a licensed structural engineer as part of the requirements, so be ready with that.

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Full Protection From The Sun Snow And Rain

If you are looking for something that can give you the ultimate protection from the heat of the sun, rain, and snow, you need to take metal roofing to your consideration.

This metal roofing suits the style of the house very much. Besides accentuating the house, it gives you the protection that you need as it is attached directly to the wall.

Hoa & Neighborhood Restrictions

Check with your local governing authorities and homeowners association, to see what regulations and building codes you need to adhere to, and to see if you need a building permit. Some restrictions are created to regulate the minimum distance between your deck and a well, a septic tank or its drain field, and even a neighbors house.

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Select Your Rooftop Deck Framing

The basic options are sleepers, wood framing or adjustable pedestal systems.

• Sleepers. Sleepers are less costly up-front, but they have pros and cons. Check out this article on installing sleepers for a better understanding.
• Wood Framing. Traditional wood deck framing is an option, too. The benefits are also a low-cost option, up front. The downside is they may potentially be too heavy for your roof to support the extra weight. Because a low-clearance rooftop deck is a harsh environment, wood joists may warp, twist or rot.
• Aluminum Joists. A high-performance adjustable pedestal system with aluminum joists is more expensive up front. However, they will not rot, warp or twist and they are non-combustible.

Round Up The Materials For An Under Deck Drainage System

Rune bought corrugated fiberglass panels at a home center to use for his under-deck roof. The panels he used are 26 in. wide and 12 ft. long. He attached the panels with special roofing screws that have hex heads and neoprene washers for sealing. Youll find these screws where steel or fiberglass roofing is sold. You could also use galvanized steel or plastic roofing panels and install them the same way. Rune screwed treated 2×4 purlins to spacer blocks to support the panels and provide the necessary slope .

Gutters arent required, especially if the water drains onto your lawn. But if the water falls onto the patio, gutters can prevent splashing. Rune chose PVC gutters because theyre inexpensive and easy to cut and install. If you decide to install gutters, youll need lengths of the gutter, gutter straps, end caps, a downspout outlet, downspouts and special glue to join the sections.

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Budgeting For Your Rooftop Deck Cost

A contractor may bill around $1,000 in labor fees for your new deck. But if your patio has a number of site conditions that add complexity to the project, such as a very elevated floor or a complicated design, they may charge a higher price for their work. Additionally, you may need to hire an architect to consult with your contractor as well. And that means another several thousand dollars tacked onto your totalaround $5,000, on average.

Roof Over Deck Designs

Let us know if you like any of the styles from the images in the section above. As for design, there are three main types of roofing that you can choose for your deck. They include:

• Gable Gable roofs are easier to build since they dont require complex roof framing. They have gables at each end and sloping sides.
• Hip Hip roofs are similar to gable roofs since they have sloping sides, however, theyre reconnected without using gables. On a deck roof, the supports should have a finished look since theyll be exposed rather than hidden.
• Shed This is the most common option for deck roofing because its the only one that works with the architecture for many homes.

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Enjoying Your Rooftop Deck

Once your rooftop deck has been safely installed, it is time to relax and enjoy your new outdoor living space! By adding appropriate landscaping, comfortable furniture, and creating a welcoming atmosphere, you will quickly grow to favor your rooftop deck over other areas of your home.

Dont forget to maintain your rooftop deck! You may find it necessary to contact a pest control company to eliminate any bugs or pests that are also enjoying your new space. It is wise to continue routine roof inspections each year to make sure that your roof is maintaining its structural integrity, allowing you to enjoy your rooftop deck for years to come.

Adding A Gazebo To An Existing Deck

We wanted to build a roof over our entire deck but the cost was too high for our budget. So, we decided to buy a Backyard Discovery 12′ x 10′ Brookdale Gazebo kit from Sam’s Club. This gazebo kit completes our 2021 deck makeover! This hard top gazebo kit was easy to assemble and had easy to follow instructions but there were struggles when installing it on top of our deck. I had to brace the existing deck to prevent it from collapse. We also had a very hard time getting the roof sections on top of the assembled gazebo. The instructions stated it would take two adults. But we had five people to put the deck roof on and still had struggles. Of course, it likely would have been easier if the gazebo had been installed on a slab or on the ground. You can see full resolution images below the video on this post. See how we did it in this video.

Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.

*Videos To Watch Next:* Deck Makeover:

DIY Outdoor Sectional:

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Adding A Roof Over A Deck

Building a roof over a deck turns this area into the best possible outdoor living space. There are many advantages to a roof over your deck, such as:

• It provides shade and keeps your family dry during wet weather.
• It adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space.
• Combined with screened sides, it keeps the bugs away while you relax outside.
• It boosts curb appeal and property value.
• It increases the square footage of your home with a three-season living room.

The best time to build a roof over your deck is during the construction of the deck itself. If you have an existing deck, its possible to add a roof to it by installing additional supports. Our experts can take care of all this and more. Discuss the following issues with your professional handyman during the deck roof design process.