How do you design a deck with a roof?
Short answer. Designing a deck with a roof starts with the roof shape (shed, gable or hip), the pitch it allows under your existing eaves, and how it ties into the house. Then choose materials that match the main roof, plan gutters so water stays off the deck, and orient the cover for Georgia's hot afternoon sun.
Pick a roof shape
- Shed roof: one slope off a ledger on the house wall. Simplest and cheapest, but on a one story house there may not be enough height under the eave for a good pitch.
- Gable roof: a peak running out from the house. Feels open and tall, allows a vaulted ceiling, and ties into the main roof with valleys.
- Hip roof: slopes on all sides. Strong in wind and tidy looking, but more framing and flashing.
- Flat or low slope: works under second story windows; needs a membrane or low slope metal, not shingles.
Pitch and height
Shingles need at least 2/12, and 4/12 or more is better. Work backward from the height you want at the deck's outer edge to see what pitch fits. Matching the main roof's pitch usually looks best.
Materials and finishes
- Match shingles to the house, or use standing seam metal as an accent.
- Ceiling options: beadboard, tongue and groove, or exposed rafters.
- Plan fan and light wiring before the ceiling goes up.
Water and sun
Gutter the low edges and carry downspouts away from deck footings. In Georgia, a cover on a west or south facing deck blocks the harshest afternoon sun; lighter roof colors keep the space cooler, see best shingle colors for Georgia heat.
Permits and HOA approval are usually required. See roofing permits in Georgia.