How to Build a Porch Roof

Roof porch can be an addition which along with giving protection, can also enhance the look of your house. While building a porch roof, make sure that the material of the porch roof and its color gels well with the look of the house. Before you build a porch roof, you should know how to build a porch. Porch adds a lot to our comfort zone.

How to Build a Porch Roof

The materials you will require for building a porch roof are blueprint, lumber, roofing materials, concrete and nails.

Before you build a porch, check if this addition will suit your house and think if it can make a useful addition to your house. If there are some weak spots in your house, then it is not a good idea to build a porch roof. Also, these points will make the procedure of building difficult. Hence, make sure that your house is strong enough to carry the weight of the porch. Before you begin the actual process of building a porch roof, if there are any obstacles like a hanging tree limb, telephone poles or power lines, then they should be removed.

Now, the next step is to draw a blueprint. It is must to make a blueprint before you start with the actual process of building the porch as it might simplify the work. A sea of problems might arise if the blueprint is not made. Hence, it is a must to have its concise drawing. You can either refer an architect or a drawing professional for drawing the blueprint. There are free softwares available on the Internet which can help you with the same. If you are planning to run power to your porch, then make sure that in the blueprint, the electrical outlets are drawn. The porch should match the roof in pitch and shape.

Check if the level of porch is even. If it is not in level and you want to raise it, then you have to raise it and fill the gaps with concrete. If the porch which you are going to build is going to be on a concrete slab which is not leveled, then you will have to compensate for it by manipulating the length of support poles.

The next step is to lay out the support posts which can be round or square shaped. These posts will hold up the roof. If the porch is the raised deck, then the posts should be placed above support posts which will make the roof supports extensions to the lower deck supports. The number of roof posts should be same as that of the deck supports. Secure the posts to the deck with the help of bracing materials. Purchase an appropriate size of of post connector which is available at any lumber shop. The support posts should be vertically plumb.

Now, you can install the top plate. Attach the top plate to the posts which in turn will form a box like shape. Then, attach the rafters to this box shape. If you want, you can also opt for double plated top plate. Make sure that all plates are thoroughly cleaned and are sanded well. The board should be placed correctly on the posts. Splices and joints should be over the support posts and should be secured with lag bolts.

The next step is to install the rafters. As drawn in the blueprint, mark the locations of the rafters. After you have marked the points, cut the rafter. While doing this, make sure that you leave enough space for the overhang. For securing the rafters, use metal connectors.

Now, cover the roof with a plywood. The entire roof along with the over hang area should be covered by the plywood. The last and the final step is to shingle the roof. After you install shingles, take care that you clean it as well. Read this to know more on how to clean roof shingles .

This was all about how to build a porch roof. To add more to the porch, you can also plan for building a porch swing. This roofing can add an extra protection factor to your house and also to the members of your family.