When the summer was in full swing last year, you spent a lot of time outside. Your deck was a great place to be, but there was just one big issue. The sun was constantly getting in your eyes.
This happens a lot. So much so that one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Johnston, IA is “can I put a roof over my existing deck?”
The answer is more frequently “No,” than “Yes.” But you’re likely wondering what that means in this context.
Adding a roof means new construction, so a few structural questions need to be answered first. A qualified Johnston, IA porch contractor can walk you through them before anyone picks up a hammer.
Here's what goes into it and where a simple roof can lead if you're thinking bigger.
How a Johnston Porch Company Can Tell Your Deck is Roof-Ready
The truth is, not every deck can support a roof without a little help first. The most important question is whether your existing structure can handle the additional load. This is critical to explore because roofs are heavy structures. Additionally, snow and ice accumulation on a roof puts more stress on deck footings, posts, and beams, as well as the ledger board and framing, which can compromise the structural integrity of the deck. The added wind load of a roof can also compromise structural integrity.
"Built to code" and "built to support a roof" aren't always the same thing. Most decks were framed with a structure that works fine for a railing but can't carry a roof span—because they were never intended to. In those cases, the deck will likely need upgraded footings or added support columns.
You Don’t Have to Build All at Once: Johnston Porch Builders Can Phase Your Project
Some homeowners don't know that decks with roofs – covered decks or open porches, as they are often referred to - can be built in phases. You don't have to do everything at once. Building a roof over your deck is one of those projects that can be done at a later phase, and therefore lets you spread the investment across seasons (and paychecks). However, that does take foresight and planning to achieve. The initial deck build needs to be structured with the footing, post and beam loads as if it was going to be built with a roof, regardless of when it will actually be added. This is why its rarer to find a deck ready for a roof – that future planning didn’t occur with the initial build of the deck.
A Johnston porch company that does this work regularly will know what to look for and what to ask about. That’s why at Archadeck of Central Iowa, we check out the existing structure before we provide a quote. We’ll also ask if a covered deck or open porch is part of your vision…now or in the future. We know recommending a roof on a deck that cannot handle it isn't doing anyone a favor.
If you’re thinking even bigger, like a screened in porch, you can start with just the roof itself. Once it's properly flashed and tied into your home, the space changes immediately. Rain won’t chase you inside, and you can enjoy so much-needed shade on hot afternoons. And the deck becomes usable on days it wasn't before.
Then a few months to years down the line, you could screen it in. With the roof in place, adding screen panels is straightforward. And that is enough to give you a screened porch that keeps mosquitoes away and at bay. Johnston porch builders who plan for screening from the start will frame the roof to accept panels later, even if you're not ready yet.
Another year or two later, you could then convert the space into a three-season room, complete with track window systems that open for airflow in summer and close when temperatures drop. Or you could step it up even further and make it a sunroom with insulated walls and HVAC, perfect for year-round comfort.
Again, though, its important to know your ultimate vision and needs for the covered space. Typically, it will be more efficient – cost-wise and building-wise – to do it “right” the first time…whatever “right” means for you.
Let’s Build Something Beautiful, Together
Summer is coming, and it’s the perfect time to add a roof to your deck. But if you have even the inkling that you might want to upgrade to a screened porch, three-season room, or sunroom down the road—go ahead and mention it to your builder. They’ll size the footings and frame the roof with the future in mind, so you aren't boxed in if you decide to upgrade later.
Archadeck of Central Iowa has been building porches across the Des Moines metro for nearly thirty years. We’re no strangers to doing it “right” the first time.
If you’re interested in learning more, it would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation. Call Harold Cross and his team at 515-203-8734, or contact us using our online form.
