AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Expert: Eugene Clayton Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: adding a roof to outdoor deck.
Question I've built a small 4x8 freestanding deck outside the slider. I'd like to attach a roof. What is rule of thumb for spacing and size of supports - beams and rafter length. Can I attach ledger to the house just under the eaves?
Thanks.
Answer Good afternoon Sheri,
Well, I suppose you could attach the ledger under the eave if there is enough room. It's real hard to nail plywood and roofing without any room to operate. Why not pull the gutter off if there is one or cut it back and put end caps on them, then attach the ledger to the tails of the rafters right through the fascia board. That way you can blend the roofing right into your existing roof.Spacing is generally 16" on center, that small of a deck you could use 4x4 posts supporting a 2x6 double beam, the rafter lengths are determined by the pitch of the roof and the distance between the beams and the ridge.Once you attach the ridge(ledger) to the fascia hold a test rafter beside the end of the ridge and scribe the angle with the other end resting on the beam this will give you the angle on which to cut the rafters. It is a little difficult to explain in words but I hope you get the idea.Hope this has helped.
