How To Build a Shed Roof Over A Deck
Always try to match the house roof pitch angle and overhang for your shed roof. Some shed roofs are designed to be nearly flat. Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaking than pitched roofs. Shed roofs project as a single plane roof pitched away from the house. If you are tying the roof directly to a house wall, you can install a ledger board with flashing and install rafter ties to attach the rafters at the appropriate angles or use engineered trusses. The opposite side of the porch roof will be supported by a header beam that is installed parallel to the house on top of 6x6 support posts. Support posts should be spaced less than 8' apart and be located on top of properly sized frost footings. Rafters should be attached to the header beam using hurricane ties.
If you are tying the shed roof into an existing roof on the house, you will need to remove the shingles and sheathing to expose the roof framing. You will need to attach the porch rafters to the house roof rafters and replace the roofing and flashing.
Many building departments require a local architect or engineer to design plans for porch roofs because of the increased snow, roof and wind loads created by adding a roof.
Building a Shed Roof Over A Deck: Step By Step
SaveInstall post base connectors to attach the support posts to the deck frame. Make sure the frame has the appropriate blocking to ensure a solid connection. Do not attach the post base to only decking.
SaveInstall temporary bracing to keep the support posts level and in place. Notice that the tops of the 6x6 support posts are notched to hold the header beam.
SaveInstall the 2-2x10 header beams to the notched 6x6 support posts. Use thru bolts for a solid and strong connection.
SaveAttach the header to the support post next to the house. Do not attach the header directly to a house cantilever.
SaveFlash and bolt the ledger board in place to the house wall. This board will support the rafters.
SaveUse a speed square to mark and cut your rafter angle to the roof pitch.
SaveLay out your rafters. Most hand-framed porch rafters are installed at 16" on center along the ledger board.
SaveInstall the birdsmouth of the rafter to the header with framing nails.
SaveInstall the plywood roof sheathing over the rafters to create the subroof.
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Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights