Different Types of Porch Roof Designs
The most common porch roof is a gable roof. The gable roof is a triangle-shaped roof that projects along a ridge down the center of the enclosure. The sides are sloped at a particular pitch rise over run to shed snow and water. For instance, a 6/12 roof pitch means the roof elevates 6’ over a 12’ span. Gable roofs usually overhang the walls of the enclosure on the sides thus creating the need for soffits and fascia. Gable roofs are familiar forms and blend in well with many house designs. The peak of a porch gable roof can sometimes create problems if it interferes with house windows.
A hip roof is a more complicated roof style where all the roof sides slope downwards to the walls. There are no gables and the slope is generally relatively gentle. A square hip roof is shaped like a pyramid. Hip roofs are more difficult to build than gable style roofs because they require a more complicated set of roof trusses. They have the aesthetic advantage of providing a solid, compact appearance for the structure.
A shed style porch roof involves a single sloping roof surface that attaches to the house wall on the high end and support posts on the low end. The shed style roof is common for long and narrow front porches. It doesn’t usually make sense to include a shed style roof over a deep porch because the roof line at the house will be too high and it will look out of place.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
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Parts of a Porch
Porches, just like decks, have a lot of different & important parts. Learn more about the anatomy of a standard porch with this article from Decks.com.
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Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
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Building a deck can be a complicated process. Learn how to avoid falling into common deck building pitfalls with tips and advice from the experts at Decks.com.
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Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble.
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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