Many homeowners go to Google and look for “deck companies near me.” But that doesn’t mean they’re starting from scratch. A lot of them, perhaps you are one of them, already have a deck and want more out of it.
Adding a roof over an existing deck is one of the most popular ways to do exactly that. You can turn an open platform into a covered space you can enjoy in the sun, rain, and shoulder seasons that are so enjoyable in Northeast Ohio.
Of course, not every deck is ready to carry a roof. You need the right design, engineering, and construction. That’s the difference between a covered deck that lasts and a covered deck that sends streams of rainwater down the drywall of your home.
Here’s what Akron and Medina homeowners should understand before they hire a deck company.
Can You Add a Roof Over an Existing Deck?
For the most part, the answer is yes. Existing decks can often be turned into covered decks. But the first step always needs to be an evaluation of the current structure. Before anyone talks about rooflines, a professional deck company should review the existing deck's size, its footings, the framing, the connection points to the house, and the overall layout.
It’s important to know that covered decks aren’t just roofs on top of what you already have. The entire structure needs to be designed safely to carry the extra weight. Posts, beams, and roofing are not light. And when the roof is weighed down with a load of Ohio winter snow, it can be incredibly heavy. The deck needs to be ready for that before a roof goes on.
What Makes a Covered Deck Project More Complex?
Roof posts can’t just go on top of deck boards. In most cases, the supports need to transfer the weight of the roof down the deck framing and into properly sized footings. Those footings need to go below the frost line, and that often means adding or upgrading footings the original deck never needed.
Some covered decks tie into the home’s existing roofline. That connection needs to be planned carefully to shed water correctly. Poor flashing or drainage can lead to leaks, so this is not a good place to cut corners.
Decks with interesting footprints might not need to be fully covered. Many smart designs mix partial roof coverage with open-air sections so you can have sunny spots for grilling and shaded, sheltered seating areas.
Why Engineering Matters When Adding a Roof to a Deck
Engineering is what sets Archadeck of Akron apart. Every covered deck we build is engineered for your home. Load calculations determine where the posts go, how big the footings need to be, and other structural requirements. And it’s all based on your deck in particular.
It helps that our owner, Patrick Sluss, brings a construction engineering background to every project. Add in real knowledge of local Ohio building requirements and our freeze-and-thaw cycles, and you get a covered deck that is both beautiful and built to stand. You do not need to follow all the math yourself. You just need a builder who does it right.
What Should You Look for in Deck Companies Near You?
When you are comparing deck companies, make sure you choose the right one. Reputable companies will:
Provide custom design options drawn for your home
Understand and handle local building codes and permits
Account for drainage and grading
Explain your material choices in plain terms
Have real experience with complex, load-bearing projects
Offer combination solutions like decks, patios, and covered structures together
As a design-build company experienced with decks, porches, patios, and combination builds, Archadeck of Akron checks every one of these boxes. Whether you are hiring a covered deck builder near you or comparing deck companies in Akron and Medina, look for a team that treats the structure as seriously as the finish.
Work With a Local Deck Company That Understands Your Home
You may want to add a roof over an existing deck. You might want to replace an aging structure. Or perhaps you want to design a completely new outdoor space.
No matter the project, Archadeck of Akron is here to help. Archadeck has served many homeowners throughout Akron, Medina, and the surrounding communities build decks, covered porches, and patios.
Have a project in mind? Call Patrick Sluss and his team at (330) 537-6412, or get started here with a no-obligation, complimentary design consultation.
