A deck roof that you built yourself is so much better than purchasing a giant awning. It’s bound to be quite a bit sturdier as well, especially if you do it the right way, going with the right-sized posts and beams.
The size of the posts that you’ll need for a deck roof will be either 6×6 or 8×8. If you’re wondering why you can’t use 4x4s well, they’re simply not enough, even if you’ve found a way to build a deck roof that doesn’t rely on the supporting structure of the deck beneath it.
The problem that you have, is that the deck should have been built to support a deck roof in the first place. If you want to add a roof to your deck, you need to make sure that the deck can support the extra weight.
Things That You Should Consider When Constructing a Deck Roof
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not your deck will support a deck roof. If you are the one who originally constructed the deck and you built it to local code, it won’t be enough to support a deck roof.
- Existing footings need to be 24” or larger
- Deck Posts should be 6×6 or larger
- Standard deck beams are insufficient at 10psf dead load and 40psf live load
- Local building codes
The span from where the deck roof meets your house roof to the footings in the ground will ensure that there is an incredible amount of weight on the footings.
You can’t just hitch a post to the top of your deck—even if it rests above the beam—and expect it to hold, especially if your deck was constructed with smaller footings and 4×4 posts.
The deck should have been originally designed with very large posts and a lot of footings. If you are building your deck with future plans on a deck roof, you may even consider going even bigger by using 8x8s, both for added insurance and aesthetic opportunities in the future.
If none of these things are the case, you’re going to have to consider hiring a professional crew that can come up with something that doesn’t rely on your deck for support or you’ll have to accept an alternative to a deck roof, of which there are many.
Also, your standard deck beams are simply insufficient for supporting a deck roof, which means that if your posts are big enough and your beams are not, you will have to deconstruct your deck down to the beams and replace them.
None of this touches on the most important fact of the matter. Most jurisdictions consider the construction of a deck roof to be essentially the same as building a one-story building and you will have to meet the code requirements for your deck roof project.
It may seem a bit aggravating, but if you misjudge your weight calculations and your weight-bearing structure, it can get someone killed or significantly hurt in the event of a deck rood collapse. That’s why the codes exist, for your safety and that of others.
Alternatives to a Deck Roof
If your deck was long ago constructed and the opportunity for building a deck roof is long past, don’t fret too much because there are other available alternatives out there that are more than capable of improving your overall deck aesthetic, keeping the sun away, and giving you some privacy.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings aren’t just a bunch of cheap cloth wrapped around a bendable, aluminum frame. That is, unless you buy a large awning for the cheapest available price. It’s a case of getting what you pay for but considering the fact that a deck roof can run upwards of $10,000, you’ll save some cash.
An acrylic awning is extremely resilient to the sun, moss, mildew, algae, water, storms, and mold. It offers the kind of protection and shade that you desire for your deck and you can get them in motorized options as well, so shade is just a matter of pressing a button.
Retractable awnings are also constructed with canvas and vinyl infused fabrics but acrylic stands out as the best of the best. They’re also fairly low maintenance, so you won’t spend countless hours just trying to keep the thing in good working order and clean.
Patio Umbrellas
Sure, it’s a long fall from grace going from the idea of a deck roof to a patio umbrella, but you can get them quite large and definitely large enough to shade a significant portion of your deck. Like the retractable awnings, you can find them in variations of acrylic, vinyl, and canvas.
Gazebos
Outside of retractable awnings, a gazebo is about the closest you can come to a full-fledged deck roof. The sizes are variable and you are certainly going to find one that covers a desirable amount of real estate.
Most gazebos come with screening options for keeping the bugs out during the height of the summer months and they will supply you with plenty of breezy shade during the hottest time of the year.
There are plenty of manufacturers to choose from and most of them offer gazebos that hold up very well in a storm. You can also bolt them to your deck for additional levels of stability.
Sun Sails
Sun sails are highly versatile roofing options that can keep both the rain and the sun off of your head while you’re relaxing on the back deck.
They’re also the most minimalist option on the list as there really isn’t a whole lot to them. Just imagine a hammock that is stretched so taught that it becomes a tight square over your head.
All Things Considered
Posts for a deck roof should be at least 6×6 in size, however, unless your deck was purposefully built to support a deck roof, the odds of your constructing one safely are slim and none, especially if you don’t increase your underlying support structure.
Fortunately, a deck roof isn’t the only available option out there and if nothing else, other deck options can at least provide some semblance of shade and protection until you figure out your next move.
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