Loading

How to Install & Build a Porch Roof

A porch roof is essentially composed of layers of specialized materials that are designed to last for many years of natural exposure.  Above the structural trusses or rafters, your roof will be covered in 3/8” or 1/2” tongue and groove plywood. The plywood for the roof comes in 4’x8’ sheets and will hold the roof members together much like decking secures the deck frame. The next layer will be a minimum #15 roofing felt, which can be stapled in place over the plywood to create a water tight barrier for the shingles to cover. Install drip edge flashing to the lower edge of the roof and step flashing at the house wall. 

 

1.Siding2.Kickout Flashing3.Step Flashing
4.House Sheathing5.Gutter6.Roof Sheathing
7.Drip Edge Cap8.Asphalt Shingles9.Roof Felt

 

Most builders use 3-tab asphalt shingles that match the house shingles for porches. Snap a vertical chalk line down the center of the roof and start at the bottom. You want to trim the tabs off the shingles to create a starter course. Fasten the shingles so they overhang the drip edge by 1/2". Snap horizontal lines every 5" and vertical lines every 6" with a chalk line all the way across the roof as a guide. Use the lines to continue installing the shingles to the top edge of the horizontal lines in order to achieve the 6" desired offset. Use 4 nails per shingle for installation. A roofing nail gun can speed up this job dramatically. Trim the shingles at the edge of the roof. Cut 12"x12" ridge cap shingles from standard shingles and center them over the ridge and attach with 2 nails. If you want to try something different, you may look into installing a metal roof.
Roof Step Flashing Profile
PinterestSave

Popular Porches & Patios Articles
Porch Building

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.

Porches

Front Porch Decor Ideas on a Budget

Want to decorate your porch to be welcoming but need to stay within a budget? Explore our budget-friendly ideas for decorating your porch at Decks.com.

Porch Building

How to Build a Porch: Steps for Building a Front Porch Deck

Building a porch can be challenging, but allows you to enjoy your outdoor space year round.Learn the basics about building a porch roof over a deck at Decks.com.

Next Step: Decking Articles
Decking Installation

Decking Patterns

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.

Decking Installation

Dos & Don'ts for Homeowners to Consider When Building a Deck

Your dream deck can take whatever shape you like. The trick is making it fit your budget and site conditions. While the deck doesn’t have to be built as a rectangle, there could be good reasons for doing just that.

Decking Installation

6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking

While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Porches & Patios Articles
Porches

9 Conservatory Design Ideas for Indoor/Outdoor Living

Conservatories are a great way to ensure that you (and your plants) can soak up the sun all year round. Get inspired with conservatory design ideas.

Porches

Our Favorite Porch Ideas & Designs for 2024

Looking for inspiration for your porch? Whether it’s a front, back or enclosed porch, we have ideas, designs and photos for you. Get inspired at Decks.com.

Porch Building

Deck Roof

We discuss some of the challenges of building a porch roof over an existing deck.

Next Step: Decking Articles
Decking Installation

Building an Outdoor Space with James DeSantis

Composite decking can not be placed directly on concrete. But a substructure can solve for this. Explore this deck project with James DeSantis

Decking Installation

How to Install Composite Decking

Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.

Decking Removal

How to Demolish & Remove a Deck

At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic