How to Build a Lean-To Roof

You want to utilize the place outside your house or in the garden, but can't, just because of the sun rays, rainfall or snowfall. Then just identify a place adjacent to your exterior walls and get it covered to have a useful space, build a lean to roof. This is a perfect thing to have if you are looking for a storage shed. This is a shed that leans against an existing structure and is dependent on this existing structure for support. It consists of two support poles that form the low end support of the roof, a sloped roof which is attached to exterior of the stable 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 roof or sloped roof is a great way to help rain water run offs increasing the lifespan of the roof.

Building a Lean to Roof

You will require the following material to build a lean to roof

• 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 4ft X 8 ft sheets
• 10 joist hangers

Step by step procedure to build a lean to roof

Step 1: Fix the place where you want to build a lean to roof. You can choose the wall, area around which is mostly used or any wall besides which you need to place some furniture to create a relaxation area.

Step 2: Clear all the things placed in this area and clean it. This will help you while you are doing the installation.

Step 3: Take all the roofing materials 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 the 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 a distance of 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 to the support poles with 4-inch lag bolts. This will form another support for the roof.

Step 9: On the 2X8 lumber which is on the 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 the 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 4ftX8ft 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 the second sheet adjacent to the first and nail it to the rafters. Similarly place and nail the third sheet. You can cover the OSB sheets with rolled roofing shingles or tar. Choose a material that will be suitable for your regional climate.

It is really a great idea to build a lean to roof that will give a good look to the exterior area of your house and also help in the utilization of the space. You can implement some of the home decor ideas to enhance the look of this roof and the space under it.