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Architecture/porch addition on ranch home

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 4/8/2009


Question

my home
Rikki -

We want to add a front porch to our ranch home.  The problem is that there is a large gable roof directly in the middle of the house.  The front door is directly below the gable roof corner, uncovered.  What kind of roof can we add that would intersect to the existing gable to avoid a low slope valley to prevent ice buildup?  We would like this porch roof to extend the entire length from the current gable to the left side of the house.

Thank you so much.  

Answer
I think a shed roof that extends the line of the existing roof would be attractive and consistent with the style of your home. The design detail is modern and clean so I'd keep details to a minimum. I'd run the porch the full length of the house. For an example, see http://www.midcenturyhomestyle.com/plans/liberty/1960/60liberty-heritage.htm  That home is more "colonial" than yours, but it would be easy to adapt the basic idea.

As for the ice dam, a good, licensed contractor should be able to give you the info you need to construct a roofing solution that works with your design.

Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com
www.midcenturyhomestyle.com

Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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