Should You Add a Roof Over Your Deck? | Alamo (2024)

Should You Add a Roof Over Your Deck? | Alamo (1)

If you have a deck attached to your San Antonio home, you may wonder if a roof would add to the enjoyment and comfort of your backyard. More and more homeowners are choosing to add a roof or pergola over their decks, and for good reason. For one thing, it provides shade and for another, it protects you from the rain and other elements.

Decks give homeowners some of the highest ROIs when it comes to home improvements. Wood decks give you a 65% ROI, while composite decks give you a 63% ROI, according to Remodeling magazine. Decks are desirable because they add usable square footage of living space to your property.

It makes sense, then, that you would want to add to that benefit by placing a roof over your deck for increased enjoyment. You don’t have to construct a traditional roof, although that’s certainly an option. You could add a pergola with retractable awning and side curtains, for example.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to add a roof over your deck.

Benefits of Deck Roofs

Check out the many benefits to putting a roof over your deck.

Roofs:

  • Provide shade, keeping your family cool in hot weather
  • Provide protection from the elements, keeping your family dry during wet weather
  • Add to the aesthetic appeal of your property
  • Keep bugs away when combined with screened sides
  • Boost property value and curb appeal
  • Increase the square footage of your home, especially when adding a three-season living room.

So when’s the best time to build a roof over your deck? Well, ideally you will want to build the roof at the same time you’re adding the deck. Sometimes this isn’t possible, like when you move into a new home that already has a deck, or when you don’t have the money to construct both at one time.

But it’s possible to install a roof after the fact by adding the proper supports.

Deck Roof Types

The type of roof you want will depend on what kind of deck you have, the space you have, how large the deck is and your personal style. The three types of deck roofs include:

  1. Shed Roof: This is a single, sloping surface beginning at the exterior house wall and ending at the support posts. It’s better for long, narrow decks rather than deep decks due to the slope involved.
  2. Gable Roof: This is the most common type of deck roof, forming a triangular shape to project along a ridge right down the middle of the deck. Gable roofs overhang the enclosed space, allowing for adequate rain drainage. Gable roofs work well with all types of architectural styles.
  3. Hip Roof: This type slopes downward gently, requiring a more complicated support system. Thanks to its solid, compact appearance, this roof type is very aesthetically pleasing.

Safety Concerns

Safety is the #1 priority when adding a roof over a deck. This is why you should hire a contractor skilled in these types of projects. Improper planning can lead to an unsafe situation. You have to remember that a regular deck is only designed to support a specific amount of weight per square foot; a deck roof adds significantly more weight to this formula and will require additional support in the form of footings.

Contact Alamo Decks and Fence

If you’re interested in adding a deck, roof or pergola to your San Antonio home, contact us today for a free quote and consultation.

210-320-2138

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Should You Add a Roof Over Your Deck? | Alamo (2)

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Should You Add a Roof Over Your Deck? | Alamo (2024)

FAQs

Should You Add a Roof Over Your Deck? | Alamo? ›

More and more homeowners are choosing to add a roof or pergola over their decks, and for good reason. For one thing, it provides shade and for another, it protects you from the rain and other elements. Decks give homeowners some of the highest ROIs when it comes to home improvements.

How much does it cost to build a roof over an existing deck? ›

Depending on factors like your deck's roof type, the materials you choose, and the overall size, your total cost can be as low as $3,000 for a basic roof and reach as high as $55,000 for a large, intricate roof.

Can you add a roof to an existing deck? ›

The best time to build a roof over your deck is during the construction of the deck itself. However, adding a roof to an existing or raised deck is not impossible. Contact Mr. Handyman today to learn more about how our handyman services will help you achieve the outdoor space of your dreams.

What is a roof over a deck called? ›

An attached structure that provides shade and/or rain coverage for a patio or deck. A patio cover may have an open or solid roof. The term patio cover is often used interchangeably with pergola.

How much weight does a roof add to a deck? ›

Typical decks are designed to support 55 PSF (lbs per square foot). Porch decks require 25 additional PSF for roof loads for a total of 80 PSF.

Does adding a roof over a deck add value? ›

Most homeowners will agree that a roof deck is worth the price. Not only will it protect you from the elements when you're outside, but it will also improve your home's curb appeal and resale value if you're looking to sell it in the future. Contact your local roofing contractor to see what they can do to help.

What is the cheapest way to build a roof over a deck? ›

Lean-To Roof (Shed Roof)

The cheapest option on the market, lean-to roofs attach to your home and slope downwards over your existing deck or patio. On average, lean-to roofs cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Which is better, a pergola or a roof? ›

Pergolas can also be more expensive to maintain.

Thus, future costs will be incurred. Additionally, a pergola might not withstand many years of exposure to the elements and could require replacing. On the other hand, a roof is a permanent structural addition to your home. It will become an extension of your home.

What is a floating roof deck? ›

This effect is easily achieved by creating a floating roof deck – a deck that doesn't lay directly on the supporting surface but instead is placed atop a frame constructed on the rooftop.

What is the difference between a roof top and a roof deck? ›

All roof decks are rooftops, but not all rooftops are roof decks. Roof decks are one type of rooftop, but there are many more types of rooftops that are not decks. For example, gabled, hip, and mansard are unsuitable for decks. Even a flat roof isn't necessarily a deck.

How much does it cost to add a roof to a deck? ›

If you're thinking about customizing your outdoor living area, consider covering your deck or patio to protect it from the elements and enjoy it year-round. The average cost of a patio roof is about $6,500, while the typical range is between $4,500 and $11,000.

How much overhang should a deck roof have? ›

In general, a roof overhang should be 12”-18” for eaves and 8” for rakes.

What is the cheapest way to put a roof over a deck? ›

A lean-to or shed roof is typically a single, sloped roof attached to the house on the uphill side with a beam or wall on the downhill end. It's one of the simplest, most cost-effective permanent patio roof options, but also one of the least aesthetically appealing.

How much does it cost to cover an existing deck? ›

Average cost to cover a deck
Deck sizeTotal cost to cover*Total cost to build (deck & cover)
10'x10'$1,000 – $6,000$2,500 – $9,000
10'x20'$2,000 – $12,000$5,000 – $18,000
12'x12'$1,450 – $8,650$3,600 – $13,000
14'x20'$2,800 – $16,800$7,000 – $25,200
2 more rows
Feb 23, 2024

How much does a 14x20 covered deck cost? ›

Average Cost to Build a Deck by Size
Deck SizeSquare FootageNational Average Cost Range*
16' x 16'256$10,240 – $15,360
14' x 20'280$11,200 – $16,800
12' x 24'288$11,520 – $17,280
16' x 20'320$12,800 – $19,200
6 more rows

Can you put new roof decking over old? ›

Replacing roof decking from rotten or broken boards

A new roof needs a solid foundation before the materials and components can be installed. If any of your roof decking's integrity is compromised by rotting or broken boards, the impacted piece(s) of wood must be replaced.

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