DIY: Building a Roof for Your Deck or Patio

It is nice to sit out on the deck in summer and catch some rays, or even in spring; taking deep breaths of flower scented air. Summertime can get too hot, and spring can get rainy, so in the next few paragraphs, an explanation on how to build a deck roof will be given.

First and foremost in understanding how to build a deck roof is knowing that there are different kinds of roofs that can be used for deck roofs. A popular choice would be a pergola type roof, which is not waterproof, but very beautiful. Planting climbing vines around the posts and letting them grown over the pergola, will provide enough shade for the summer. Gable roofs are also very nice, but require professional assistance to install. Gable roofs are more durable, but again the help of a professional is strongly advised. We will advise a homeowner on how to build a deck roof that is fairly simple and easy to hoist in order to provide a rainproof, shady shelter.

The first step is installing the posts; usually able to be installed on the frame of the deck roof with metal braces. If it gets too heavy, install the two posts at the front of the deck, on the ground below. Tie the deck posts to the roof frame, ensuring that the height of the front of the deck roof, matches the height of the house roof. The back of the deck roof frame can be attached to the house roof; and the front of the deck roof can be attached to the two posts.

The two front posts can be made to stand on the ground to improve the sturdiness of the deck roof. There should be a slope at the rate of six inches per two feet. In order to build the roof frame, take the measurements of the outer area of the deck. This is the size the fame should be. Two-by-four or two-by-six logs should be used to build the frame of the roof. Nail and screw them together. Sub-roofing should be done using plywood boards.

On the roof frame sub-flooring, add a sheet of tarpaper and then cover it with tin roofing. Hoist the roof using a small crane. Metal flashing can be used to tie in the tin deck roof to the house roof; metal flashing can be found at any household hardware store. That is how to build a deck roof in a few simple steps.