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Home | How to do it | Covering a Porch: How to Build a Roof on a Porch
No porch is complete without some type of covering. While some homeowners would prefer to buy an umbrella, others would rather build a porch roof to protect themselves from the sun and rain as well as increase their home’s value.
At Legacy Service, we can help you build a roof for your porch, whether you’d rather read our blog and do it yourself or have our team complete it for you. Just remember that if you’re doing it, keep safety as your number one priority. We know that we do for each and every project.
If you’re thinking about adding a porch roof to a house, look no further. We also provide siding installation and window replacement types of jobs. Contact us at 215-798-9790 or by filling out a contact form here.
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If you’re planning to do your own front porch roof construction, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials before you get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
Once you have everything together, you can begin covering your porch. Whether you’re looking for how to connect a porch roof to your house or how to build a simple porch roof, remember to contact your local experts for assistance.
Building a roof over a porch can be a tough job, but if you have enough experience and you’re able to grab a friend or two, you can learn the right way by reading our step-by-step guide. These steps are best used for shed or hip-type roofs. So without further ado, here’s how to build a porch roof:
Step 1: Pull the proper permits. Before you begin any construction, you should know your local building codes and obtain the proper permits. This is important because it ensures that your work is to code, which helps protect you, your family, and your property. Also, insurance companies might not pay claims in situations where the work did not comply with the codes.
Step 2: Determine the rise and run of the roof. Next, it’s time to figure out the rise and run of your roof. In most cases, you’ll want to replicate the same rise and run of the roof on your home. Use a basic rafter length calculator online to get a general idea of how long your rafters should be.
Step 3: Mark the location of the rafter plate and install it. Once you determine the rise and run, you’ll know where to place the rafter plate. Make sure it’s at least three inches below any of the windows to allow for the thickness of your roofing materials. Mark the location of where you want the rafter plate to go and remove any siding that’s in the way. Then, you can fasten the rafter plate to the wall.
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Step 4: Build the columns. First, you’ll need to locate the columns. As a minimum, place one column at least three inches from the corners at each end and at least every 6-10 feet apart. Also, consider openings for stairs. Try to use an odd number of columns since it’s more aesthetically pleasing. To build, place a column where you marked on one end of the decking, then plumb and secure it properly. You might need to brace the column while you continue. Repeat these steps until you’ve placed all the columns. Make sure the columns are square to the house and the floor.
Step 5: Set the header. In most cases, you’ll build a header out of 2×6 or 2×8 planks. Then, put a piece of ½ inch plywood between the boards and nail them together. The header will carry most of the weight of the porch roof, so make sure it’s substantial.
Step 6: Cut and install the rafters. Before installing the rafters, make the proper cuts. These special cuts are called “tails” and “bird mouths.” They’re designed to fit over the header and against the rafter board. Since building a porch roof requires accurate measurements, you’ll need a rafter square to lay out the cuts on the boards.
Step 7: Install supports and fascia board. The next step is to add nailing support for siding and enclose the ends. You can do this by installing jack studs and plywood on each end of the roof. Next, install fascia board on the rafter tails. You can also install “lookouts” that attach to the header and end of the rafter tail. They provide a flat surface on which to nail the soffits.
Step 8: Apply roofing materials. First nail sheathing to the rafters. Once that’s completed, install the roofing paper and attach a drip edge to it. Then, the asphalt shingles (or another roofing material of your choice) can be installed onto the porch’s roof.
Step 9: Enjoy your new porch roofing! The final step is to enjoy the new roof you built. You can sit back and relax in the fresh air without having to worry about getting a nasty sunburn or getting caught in the rain. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family!
Adding a roof over your porch doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Using the steps we’ve outlined above, you can build a roof over your porch that will improve your home’s curb appeal and give you and your family a nice place to hang out and relax.
If you need help with the porch roof framing, we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is get in touch with our team to schedule a free consultation. If you want us to complete the project for you, we’ll communicate with you every step of the way so that you’ll know exactly what’s going on. We won’t stop until you’re completely satisfied with your new roof.
At Legacy Service, we also provide a variety of other types of service, including but not limited to siding installation, window replacement, and more. If you’re looking to improve your home by building a roof on a porch, give us a call at 215-798-9790 or contact us here today!
