While porches and decks have many advantages, they have the potential to be much more enjoyable if they have a roof. Not only will a roof protect you from the sun and rain, it also gives you the ability to screen in the porch to keep out bugs, or enclose it with glass so that you can appreciate its benefits year-round. If you’re thinking about building a new roof for your deck or porch but aren’t quite certain of the appropriate design, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Match the slopes… Many factors are considered when determining the best roof slope for a home, but when it comes to a deck or porch roof, it’s much more simple: just match it to the slope of your home’s roof. Otherwise, the contrasting slopes might give your home an odd look and detract from its visual appeal.
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Or go flat. In some instances, a sloped porch roof isn’t feasible, such as when it would obstruct the view from an upper floor window. In this case, your best options are to either build a low, sloped porch roof, or allow for more height by keeping the porch roofing flat. Taking note of the current architectural features of your home will be a big help when determining the best pitch for your porch roof. If your home has classic architecture or a lot of custom detailing, for example, a flat roof would probably be a better option than a sloped roof that could block all that lovely architecture.
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Use complementing colors and materials. You really only have two choices when it comes to selecting the roofing material that will be used for your porch or deck roof: match the color and material type of the existing roof, or choose a material or color that makes a nice contrast to your current roofing. If you have dark shingles, for example, you could add some contrast by going with a lighter shade of the same color. Alternatively, you could invest in higher-end roofing materials, such as those made of slate or copper, which will provide some textural interest against your asphalt shingles.
If you’re still confused about the best design options for your porch or deck roof, or have questions about roof or gutter repairs, the roofers at Muth & Company would be happy to assist you. Contact us today at (614) 682-3060 to schedule a consultation for your next roofing project or roof replacement.