Porch Roof Construction
Use Framing Techniques to Match the Home's Pitch and Shingle Color
Porch roof construction is not only a fun project; it adds to home equity. Use basic tools like a circular saw and a nail gun to build within local building codes.
Many homes have a porch but no roof to protect it from the elements and add to its usefulness. Too sad, because porches should be enjoyed despite the weather. Roof framing techniques are not the easiest project abilities to pick up, but with a basic knowledge of carpentry and the right tools, porch roof construction is a fine project.
Tools Needed:
- Hammer or roofing nail gun
- Set of sawhorses
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Framing square
- Ladder or scaffold
- Tape measure
Porch Roof Anatomy
A new porch roof add-on should look right; the best ones mimic the style and feel of the house itself. What does this entail? First, it should maintain the same pitch as the home’s roof. Also, the shingles should match the home's roof as closely as possible. The end-game is both functionality and protecting home equity.
What are the characteristics of the home's roof? Does it feature hip roof construction? A hip roof is extremely strong and assists in locking the walls together.
How extreme is the roofing overhang on the home? Fourteen inches? Sixteen inches? Measure it and plan to make the porch roof overhang match it.
The Porch Roof Layout
The home’s configuration will determine the starting point, but in general these are the steps to follow. First, set the end or gable porch truss flush against the porch’s end wall's top plate. Now, start working the way back towards the house. Set the roof trusses as they're encountered and brace them together.
When the truss closest to the house is secured in place, pull a string line level from its peak right to the roof line peak. This is where to nail the ridge board to the roof.
Set a valley rafter on both sides. Start at the ridge board at the home's roof’s point down to the porch truss. Secure jack rafters now. Make them perpendicular to the ridge board down to the valley rafter. The local building code will determine the spacing. Generally speaking, they will be on sixteen inch centers.
Almost all roof designs call for an overhang on the gable end. This shields the end wall from the elements. Again, duplicate the home's overhang. As mentioned above, fourteen to sixteen inches is common.
Wrapping It Up
Finally, complete the roof with normal roof finishing techniques. Install the sheathing. Now roll out felt from left to right. Make the first run at the bottom and overlap each run by about six inches.
Add metal flashing in the roof’s valleys and right along the roof’s lowest edges. This is to safeguard against rain runoff. Now, nail on the shingles. Like the felt, start at the bottom and work up.
Paint any exposed wood to match the house. Finally, set out a chair under the porch roof and relax!
