Planning a roof renovation or a roof replacement? This is an ideal time to get other major roofing work done, such as extending the roof over a deck to build a porch.
A deck roofing extension is a significant project that will require some of the existing roof to be temporarily lifted up and removed for work. If you get this done during a roofing replacement, the contractors can plan to do this in the middle of the project and won’t disturb an already-built roof.
Certain housing structures require more work to add a deck roof. For example, single-story bungalows need more structural construction than most two-story houses.
Plus, there are planning and permits to get. You can apply for roof replacement and porch permits at the same time – rather than having to get them separately and go through the same bureaucratic process more than once.
Why Extend the Roof Over a Deck or Porch?
A porch is a roofed outdoor section that has supports – but no walls. It can be a simple deck with pillars and a roof. Or it can be a full outdoor space equipped with a cooking space, fireplace, fans, televisions, etc.
Everyone in Charlotte and the Carolinas knows how charming a covered porch can be and how relaxing a roofed deck on a hot summer day is.
Porches instantly elevate a house’s curb appeal when placed at the front. Homeowners can add lights, hanging flowers, and other ornaments. A porch can take a house that looks plain, underwhelming, and almost like a trailer and give it some old-world charm.
Even a simple porch that only covers the front door will add an attractive visual highlight.
This also makes a lovely sitting area or place to receive friends and neighbors. And it provides shelter from rain, sleet, snow, and beating sun.
A porch at the back or side of a house is usually bigger and can be much more elaborate. These covered decks are full living spaces that can be made appropriate for three-season or four-season use.
Extending your Roof: planning and pulling permits
Roofing replacements and deck roof additions are both major renovations. The house’s structural integrity has to be inspected, plans must be drawn up, and permits must be applied for.
As a homeowner, your biggest planning concern should be consulting with professional local roofers on the best products and design for you. A full-service roofing company should handle everything else. But the roofers will need time to inspect your house, develop construction plans, and apply for permits.
After that, it’s time to wait for the local building department. It takes at least a few weeks for permits to go through. And it’s back to the drawing board if there are any issues.
This process has to be repeated in full if you’re getting a deck extension without other major work. An experienced roofing building manager will still need to inspect the house’s integrity. Plans must be made and permits submitted.
Plus, the roofers might have to repair, rehabilitate, or add onto the existing roof.
The fastest and safest path is to roll these projects into one supersized renovation. It won’t take that much longer to add a deck extension onto a roofing replacement, but a standalone project can always result in unforeseen delays.
Building A Roof Over a Deck
Building a roof over a deck is a straightforward project for roofers who know what they’re doing. But there is an involved process to follow. One that includes getting permits and passing inspections.
Here’s a general deck roof extension project overview:
- Roofing Inspection
- Plan
- Permit application
- Ledger board setting
- Support beam building
- Rafter setting
- Sub-fascia attachment
- Roof decking installation
- Roof felt application
- Shingle (or other roofing material) installation
- Gable side framing
- Framing and veneer building council inspections
- Finishings
- Site clean-up
There are a few points where things can get delayed, complicated, or a little more involved. The roofer who checks your house out may find issues that need repairing or shoring up. If it’s a bungalow or ranch-style house, the roofer might need to build an additional A-frame structure that the deck roof will be tied to.
Once the roof extension is planned and permitted, the next step is to build the deck roof structure. The ledger board attaches to the house and will support the rafters. The roofers will remove some of the siding and then secure the ledger board into the roof studs. Support beams go in next. The beams can be built in place or lifted into position.
After that rafters are set in place and the sub-fascia, decking, felt, shingles, and framing wrap are installed. This is what many people think of when it comes to roofing work. It should proceed fairly quickly.
After the porch roof is built, the local inspectors will need to approve the framing and veneer. If you hired a qualified and experienced company, everything should go well.
After the roof inspections are passed, the roofer will finish things up by siding the gable ends, installing fascia board and soffit, wrapping the beam with trim coil, and building a gorgeous-looking ceiling.
That’s about it.
As you can see, this is an extensive project that involves serious structural work. Porch roofs must be properly constructed, otherwise the flooring or roof may buckle and sag.
Always hire a reputable, experienced roofing professional for replacements or additions. Find someone with structural experience and a long track record of doing more than applying shingles.
Ask Canopy about roofing the deck
A roofed deck or porch is a gorgeous way to enhance your outdoor living space, extend the home’s seasonal usability, elevate curb appeal, and improve the housing value.
If you’re planning to replace the roof, think about getting a project like this done at the same time. It will cut down your overall renovation time, reduce unnecessary work, and get everything done in one go leaving you with a beautiful renovation to enjoy.
Reach out to us, at Canopy Roof & Restoration to schedule a roofing inspection and to get started on the roof project estimate and planning. As trusted roofers throughout the Carolinas, we have over 20 years of experience in getting projects like this done in the Charlotte area.
