Things You Need to Know When Adding a Roof Over a Deck

Building a roof over a deck turns this area into the best possible outdoor living space by providing the following advantages:

Providing shade and shelter during hot or wet weather.
Adding to the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Keeping bugs at bay, especially when combined with screened sides.
Boosting your home’s curb appeal and property value.
Increasing the square footage of your home by adding a three-season living room.

The best time to build a roof over your deck is during the construction of the deck itself. However, adding a roof to an existing or raised deck is not impossible. Contact Mr. Handyman today to learn more about how our handyman services will help you achieve the outdoor space of your dreams.

Consider the Different Types of Roofs

The type of roof you install will depend on the deck type, how large it is, personal preference, and more. There are three types that you can choose from when adding a roof over a deck. They include the following:

Shed Roof

A single, sloping surface that starts at the exterior house wall and ends at support posts. It works well for long and narrow decks but not deep decks because of the required slope.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is the most common type of deck roof. It forms a triangular shape, projects along a ridge down the center of the deck, and overhangs the enclosed space. This significantly sloped deck roof allows for proper rain and snow drainage, which a flat roof does not provide. A gable roof also blends in well with many types of architecture.

Hip Roof

This type of roof slopes downward more gently and requires a more complicated support system, but it does prove more aesthetically pleasing with its solid, compact appearance.

Determining which type of roof would work best for your project requires an analysis of your current deck, including detailed measurements. Mr. Handyman can help! Our service professionals will sit down with you and help you choose which roof is the best type for the slope of your home and the weather conditions in your area. Even if you have significant experience with home improvement projects, you may not get a complicated task such as this right the first time, leading to lost time and money. Finding your local handyman will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Determine the Size & Style of the Roof

When adding a roof over a deck, determining the size and style of what you need will require an expert opinion. Consider your wants and needs and along with professional assistance, determine the answers to the following questions:

How big is the deck? Ensure that measurements are done correctly.
Do you want the roof to cover the entirety of the deck or leave some fully exposed areas?
If you are adding a roof to an existing deck, what materials were used when your deck was built?
Do you want to add walls and screens in addition to the roof?
What types of local building permits are required for each addition?
Do you have inspirational pictures of decks and roofs that you like to show your handyman?

Don’t leave it to chance. Your Mr. Handyman service professionals will help you determine the size and style that is right for you.

Choose the Materials

Once you know the size and style you like, it’s time to choose the materials you’ll use to build a roof over a deck. Be sure to consider things such as the aesthetic you’re going for, the weather conditions in your area, and the availability of the materials.

If you are adding a roof to an existing deck, you’ll want to consider what materials were used when the deck was built so that you can match them as accurately as possible. This will keep the roof from looking like an afterthought.

Obtain the Required Permits

As with any other construction project, adding a roof over a deck will probably require a permit or two. Before you begin, check with your town, county, or state to see which permits are necessary in your area. A professional handyman will also assist with these details.

Prepare the Deck

If you are adding a roof to an existing deck, make sure your deck is ready. Remove any items, plants, or furniture that may get in the way of your contractors. Then clean the deck to remove any dust, dirt, oil, or other contaminants that could cause problems with your roof in the future.

You’ll also want to make sure that the deck is structurally sound and able to withstand the weight of the roof before you get started. Without the right retrofitting, you will be putting your family members and guests at risk.

Most notably, a regular deck can support a certain amount of weight per square foot, but a deck roof adds a lot of weight and requires support. In most cases, larger footings and sometimes more footings are required for a roofed deck. This is a key reason to hire a professional

If there are any broken, worn, or damaged boards, now is the time to replace them. Inform your Mr. Handyman of any damage you find and plan to switch them out before the work on your roof starts.

Build the Roof Frame

Even if you have roofing experience, you may not have built a roof over a deck before or built a roof in this style. This is when you’ll want to hand full control to your handyman. At this step, your service professional will build out the frame of the roof and attach it to your deck.

Install the Roofing Material

Once the frame is built out, it’s time to add the roofing material. Depending on your geographical location, the types of materials may vary. Nevertheless, you can generally choose three types of materials: plywood, plank sheathing, or tongue and groove. Your Mr. Handyman experts will help you determine which material will work the best for your needs, weather conditions, and aesthetic requirements.

Install Gutters & Downspouts

Just as with your house roof, your deck roof will need gutters and downspouts to handle water and moisture. You’ll discuss which types look best with your chosen roof style, and then your Mr. Handyman service professional will install them after the roofing material is applied.

Paint or Stain the Roof

The final step when adding a roof over a deck is to paint or stain it. Choose colors and materials that complement or match your deck materials for the best look.

Enjoy Your New Roofed Deck

Once the construction is completed, you only have to sit back and relax! Enjoy that new deck roof. With this new roof, you’ll be protected from the elements and enjoy your outdoor space much more.

Learn More About Our Deck Repair and Installation Services

Now that you’re ready to build a roof over a deck, contact Mr. Handyman. We will retrofit one that’s safe, meets local building codes, and gives you a professional-looking result. All our projects come with our Done Right Promise™. Reach out today to find a Mr. Handyman near you!