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.

Porches

Our Favorite Porch Ideas & Designs for 2023

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.

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

Picture Frame Decking

Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Porch Building

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.Siding 2.Kickout Flashing 3.Step Flashing
4.House Sheathing 5.Gutter 6.Roof Sheathing
7.Drip Edge Cap 8.Asphalt Shingles 9.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.
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.

Porch Building

Different Types of Porch Roof Designs

There are a few roof types and designs when building your porch. Learn the difference between gable, hip, shed style and more porch roofs types at Decks.com!

Porches

Our Favorite Porch Ideas & Designs for 2023

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.

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

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 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