How To Build A Roof Cricket or Saddle

In some situations while building a porch roof, you may need to tie the house roof and porch roof together. This will require cutting the house roof back to the bearing wall. You will need to install a gable wall on top of the house wall to support the weight of the ridge beam. Line the gable studs on top of the house studs and leave room for a sheathing layer. Once the ridge beam is solidly supported, it can continue to where it intersects on the house roof surface. This beam will provide the backbone for the cricket or saddle. 2x8 sleepers should be nailed to the roof surface to pick up the ends of the rafters. You will need to use compound miter cuts for the cricket rafters. The cricket or saddle basically rests on top of the house roof to visually extend the porch roof gracefully into the house roof. Be sure to waterproof the intersection of the roofs using valleys and flashing.
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.
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.
Options for Adding Electric Fixtures To Your Porch
Adding electric fixtures to a porch can allow you to enjoy your outdoor space in new ways. Learn more about adding electric fixtures to your porch at Decks.com
How to Install Decking Over Existing Concrete Slab, Patio, or Porch
Discover the best techniques to build a deck over concrete, ensuring proper drainage and stability, while creating a beautiful outdoor space.
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.
Best Hidden Deck Fasteners
Hidden fasteners create a clean deck surface and can be used with composite, wood and other materials. Learn about hidden deck fasteners at Decks.com.
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Learn structural framing methods

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Learn about wood and composite decking materials

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An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
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Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
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Care
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Materials
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It's important to know the propper matierials neded to build a porch roof to prevent water damage. Read more about building a porch roof at Decks.com.
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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