Do you ever step onto your deck during hot summer days or the frigid winter nights and wish it had a roof? There are options! Converting a balcony into a porch is typically feasible, but it is contingent on several aspects.
Imagine a new front porch on your home. Will the roof be attached to your home’s walls or the top of a house? Do you have obstacles like vents or windows within the wall or on your roof’s ceiling, electric lines, or skylights? You may need to remove these.
How do you think your deck gets situated from the ground? The new deck will probably require new footings and additional framing. Do you have enough space beneath your deck for installing the bases? A minimum of 6 feet is ideal; however, 4 feet or less may be a problem for conventional monotube footings. Do you think a machine or man could climb under your deck and dig the four-foot-deep holes that your building code requires?
Is it in an excellent location to have an outdoor porch? Do you have an access point to the house? Do you anticipate that traffic will be smooth from the space to the patio? The kitchen to patio path is a good choice for eating in the outdoor space. The transition from a bedroom to a porch seldom works.
Does your deck have the proper size and shape for the perfect porch? If it is big, you can convert one section into a patio while keeping the remainder an outdoor deck.
What shape does your home’s roof currently have? Gables are typical; shed and hip roofs aren’t as well-known. What is the slope of roof slopes? Achieving the same form and pitch as the existing roofs can help your new porch be aesthetically harmonious and not appear “tacked-on.”
The walls of your porch will intersect with your house’s walls. What is blocking these points of intersection? Existing windows, doors, vents, outlets, lights, etc., could affect the location to which porch walls can attach and influence the porch.
How to properly structure the roof of a porch is a challenge. It is essential to talk with a professional who can build your patio, such as Ottawa Home Pros, who will complete the task for you and recommend the best strategy.
We have a wealth of experience in complex extensions like solariums, sunrooms, patio enclosures, and the second floor. Contact us at (613) 288-9145 to discuss any questions regarding your Porches, Sunrooms, and Patios project. You can also send mail to info@ottawahomepros.com to request a quote.
