What to Use for a Porch Roof

Use Generous Materials

• Install deeper porch rafters to give the porch a sturdier feeling. You might use 2-by-12-inch rafters, for example, versus 2-by-6-inch rafters. If you build the porch with generously sized materials, it will enhance the architecture of the house from curbside. Generous overhangs versus skimpy overhangs will add to the house design. Make sure the overhangs blend seamlessly with house overhangs.

Match House Guttering

• Porch gutters should match the house guttering system in size and placement. Install downspouts and splashblocks, so the porch roof sheds rain effectively over the years. Having no guttering system will cause rain to erode the porch foundation.

Use Uniform Colors

• If you will use asphalt shingles only, match porch shingles to house shingles; use identical color and texture for both. You don't want to use contrasting colors if you plan to use asphalt shingles for the entire roof system; if so, the porch roof will simply look added on.

Bend Rules for Cedar Shakes

• If your porch roofing materials are different than your house roofing materials, use a contrasting color on porch roofs. Install gray asphalt shingles on the house roof and brown cedar shakes on the porch roof, for example. Plan this kind of contrast to give the porch more curbside appeal.

Blend Metal With Tiles or Shingles

• Give one or more porches a metal roof, regardless of other roofing material used. Asphalt shingles or Spanish tiles might look apprpriate for the roof over the main part of the house. To complement this house roofing, install a black or copper metal roof on all porches. Use this kind of contrast to add visual interest, especially if the house has a large roof. It often helps the overhall design if each porch stands out versus blending in.

Add High-Quality Trim

• Install three-dimensional wood trim around overhangs. This type of trim will give the porches a more elegant look. Nail up heavy-duty molding made of oak or fir with repeated notched sections every couple of inches, for example. You want the overhangs to stand out and add visual interest, especially if large columns are installed on the porch.

Plan Ceiling Design

• A porch ceiling requires design planning for the right look. Use 1/2-inch plywood to create a weather-resistant roof for a basic porch. Cover the seams of the plywood with 1-inch wood trim for a polished look. Use high-quality tongue-and-groove hardwood on a porch ceiling if the cost of the home warrants such a high-end look. For a less-costly alternative, install beadboard material on a less formal porch ceiling. You will need a copy of local building codes to find out electrical requirements for the porch lights and fans.