How to Build a Lean-To Roof

Want to utilize the place outside your house or the garden area, but can't use it just because of the sunrays, rainfall or snowfall? Well then, why not identify a place adjacent to your exterior walls and get it covered with a lean-to roof. This is a perfect thing to have if you are looking for a storage shed. This leans against an existing structure and is also dependent on this structure for support. The roof consists of two support poles that form a low-end support for a sloped roof which is attached to exterior of an existing structure. It is open to elements from sides and front. Once you have this, you can place beautiful outdoor furniture, garden tools or anything you like under it. Building a lean-to roof ensures protection of all the items placed in it. Moreover, a lean-to or sloped roof help rainwater run off easily, which increases its lifespan as well.

Building a Lean-to Roof

Material Required

• Two 2X8 pieces of lumber (8 feet in length)
• Two 4X4 pieces of pressure treated lumber (8 feet in length)
• Five 2X6 pieces of lumber (10 feet in length)
• Three 1/2 inch ISO board pieces in 4 ft X 8 ft sheets
• 10 joist hangers

Procedure

Step 1: Decide the place where you want to build a lean-to roof. You can choose a wall, area around which is in maximum use or a wall where you are planning to place outdoor furniture.

Step 2: Before you start, clear the things placed in this area and clean it. This will help you while doing the installation.

Step 3: Take all the roofing material and tools required and start the work. Starting from your exterior wall's base (Lets name this starting point 'A'), measure 8 feet in perpendicular direction to the wall and mark this point as 'C'. Now from point A measure 8 feet over the wall itself horizontally and mark this point as 'B'. From B start measuring 8 feet holding the measure tape parallel to line A-C and mark this point as 'D'.

Step 4: Now, dig a hole at point C and point D. Each hole must be 12 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. These two holes will be at a distance of 8 feet from each other and 8 feet from the exterior wall.

Step 5: Take two pieces of pressure-treated 4X4 lumber, 8 feet in length and install each one in a hole using cement. Let the cement dry for a day, your support poles are ready.

Step 6: Measure 8 feet, up the length of the wall from the ground (point A) and mark. Take one 2X8 piece of lumber, 8 feet in length and hold it horizontally from the mark in the direction parallel to line A-B. Mark this position of the 2X8 piece of lumber.

Step 7: Use 4-inch lag bolts to install this 2X8 lumber over the exterior wall. Fix these bolts at every two feet to properly secure the lumber to the wall. The 2X8 lumber will be square with the support poles. The lumber will support the roof as it is on the wall and at 8 feet from the ground. The poles are at a 7 feet height. This will form the slope of the roof.

Step 8: Keep the 2X8 piece of lumber horizontally across the support poles in a way that the crossbeam will face the wall and fix them on the support poles with 4-inch lag bolts. This will form another support for the roof.

Step 9: On the 2X8 lumber which is fixed on exterior wall, fix the joist hangers. Fix one at every 2 feet across the lumber, starting from the corner to have five joist hangers in all.

Step 10: Similarly, install the joist hangers over the crossbeam which is fixed on the support poles. Start at one of the ends and go on installing at every 2 feet.

Step 11: Start installing each of the five 2X6 pieces of lumber (10 feet in length each) by attaching them to corresponding joist hangers. A series of rafters will be formed which will support the roof.

Step 12: Take the 1/2-inch oriented strand board (OSB). This will be installed over the rafters and form your roof. The OSB board comes in 4X8 ft sheets. Start from one end and place one OSB board over the rafters and then nail the board to rafters using a nail gun. Place second sheet next to the first one and nail it to the rafters. Similarly, place and nail the third sheet. You can cover the OSB sheets with rolled roofing shingles. Choose a material that will be suitable for your regional climate.

It is a good idea to build a lean-to roof that will give a good look to the exterior area of your house and also help utilize this space. The cost of roof will only include the cost of material required if you install it yourself. You can add some decorating elements to enhance the look of this roof and the space under it.