Photo: Tomé Louro

Should I put a roof over my deck?

There are many advantages to a roof over your deck, such as: It provides shade and keeps your family dry during wet weather. It adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space. Combined with screened sides, it keeps the bugs away while you relax outside.

mrhandyman.com - Building a Roof Over a Deck | Mr. Handyman

What kills mold instantly on wood?

vinegar Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spritz this solution on the mold. Let the solution dry for one hour, then...

Last updated Jun 29, 2022

What is the heaviest wood in the world?

77.1 lbs/ft3 (1,235 kg/m3) From the Spanish “quebrar hacha,” which literally means “axe breaker.” Aptly named, wood in the Schinopsis genus is...

Last updated Jan 28, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Building a roof over a deck turns this area into the best possible outdoor living space. There are many advantages to a roof over your deck, such as:

It provides shade and keeps your family dry during wet weather.

It adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Combined with screened sides, it keeps the bugs away while you relax outside.

It boosts curb appeal and property value.

It increases the square footage of your home with a three-season living room. The best time to build a roof over your deck is during the construction of the deck itself. If you have an existing deck, it’s possible to add a roof to it by installing additional supports. Our experts can take care of all this and more. Discuss the following issues with your professional handyman during the deck roof design process.

Roof Over Deck Cost

You should also discuss the different costs associated with each type of roof with your handyman, as it may affect your preference for one over the other. Costs vary by type of roofing material, and the more complicated the roof, the higher the labor cost. Costs typically begin at $2,000 and go up from there. Choose your two favorite roofing types, and then ask your handyman to provide estimates for each, whether as part of the overall deck building estimate or as a separate job later. You also can use one of several roofing cost calculators available online, but at the end of the day your professional handyman is the best source for that information.

The Three Types of Deck Roofs

The type of roof you install will depend on the type of deck you have, how large it is, personal preference and more. There are three types of roofs that you’ll find over a deck: shed, gable and hip:

1. Shed Roof

A single, sloping surface that starts at the exterior house wall and ends at support posts. It works well for long and narrow decks, but not for deep decks because of the slope required.

2. Gable Roof

How much is it to build a room with a bathroom in backyard?

The average bathroom addition cost is $15,000, but this price can vary greatly depending on the square footage and the features you want to add. As...

Last updated Sep 20, 2022

Does a wooden carport need planning permission?

Carports and canopies come under the same umbrella as outbuildings, so dependant upon a few rules you may not need to gain planning permission from...

Last updated Oct 26, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The most common type of deck roof, the gable roof forms a triangular shape, projects along a ridge down the center of the deck, and overhangs the enclosed space. This significantly sloped deck roof allows for proper drainage of rain and snow, as opposed to a flat roof. A gable roof also blends in well with many types of architecture.

3. Hip Roof

This type of roof slopes downward more gently and requires a more complicated support system, but it does prove more aesthetically pleasing with its solid, compact appearance. Your handyman can help you choose the best type of roof and slope for your home and for the weather found in your area of the country.

Safety Concerns

Without proper planning, adding a roof to an existing deck can create an unsafe situation. A regular deck can support a certain amount of weight per square foot, but a deck roof adds a lot of weight and requires support. In most cases, larger footings and sometimes more footings are required for a roofed deck. This is why it’s best to add a roof during initial deck construction. If you want a deck with a roof, build the deck with proper support, whether you plan to add the roof initially or later down the road. If you simply add a roof to a deck not designed to support one, without the right retrofitting, you will be putting your family members and guests at risk.

Learn More About Our Deck Repair and Installation Services

When it’s time to add a roof over your deck, Mr. Handyman can retrofit one for you that’s safe, meets local building codes and gives you a professional-looking result. One call to Mr. Handyman really does take care of everything on your to-do list, including that roof-over-deck project! Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service in your area or give us a call at (877) 685-1377.

mrhandyman.com - Building a Roof Over a Deck | Mr. Handyman

Can you get an FHA loan to build a Barndominium?

Types Of Home You Can Build You also cannot use an FHA construction loan, VA One-Time Close, etc. to build a tiny house, a shipping container home,...

Last updated Oct 19, 2018

What is the cheapest type of shed?

Using pallets to build a shed is the most affordable of shed building methods. There are nearly infinite ways to make a pallet shed, but most use...

Last updated May 10, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

How does a woman use a composting toilet?

Easy to Use Open the lid, use a paper bowl liner for solid deposits, pull the lever to dump the liner and its contents into the solids container,...

Last updated May 8, 2022

Promotion

Does a Rubbermaid shed need a foundation?

The only time you wouldn't need some sort of foundation is if you have a very small 6×6 or 8×8 shed that is made out of rubber or plastic. And even...

Last updated Sep 5, 2022