How to Connect a Roof to Cover a Deck

Trusses

• To effectively connect a roof for a deck to the house, you first need to establish a solid support structure for the transition space between the deck and the house itself. Using custom-made trusses for the purpose is one of the more effective ways to ensure that you have a solid foundation for the transition roof. You also have to properly brace the walls to ensure they will hold the weight of the new roof.

Underlayment

• Once the support structure is in place, your roof will need some type of underlayment to cover the area between the deck and house. Tie-in framing should consist of 3/4-inch plywood that is custom cut for each of the existing angles created by the installation of your trusses. You also have to properly cover any eaves and valleys to prevent any major leakage problems. You can purchase valley metal to accomplish this task.

Covering

• Covering the roof is your next step in the process of connecting the roof. Once you establish your underlayment foundation, you will need to install some building paper to help weatherproof the roof. The Family Handyman website recommends using No. 15 paper. You also need to cover the roof with some type of exterior covering such as metal roofing or asphalt shingles. Most homes have asphalt shingles as their primary roof covering.

Considerations

• When choosing your materials, you can go a variety of different directions. Asphalt shingles are one of the more economical solutions, but a metal roof will provide you with increased durability over the long haul. Choose your material based on its aesthetic appeal, also. You need to have a material that closely matches the roof of your existing home. Also, if you install a metal roof, you need some type of protective coating such as liquid rubber or reflective asphalt to provide a weather barrier.