Would you like to forgo applying sunscreen or insect repellent every time you go outside to spend time on your deck or patio? If so, Archadeck of Columbus may just have a solution. Conversion of your deck or patio into a screened porch. Sounds enticing doesn’t it? Imagine, no bugs, no burn, just pure unbridled enjoyment. In most cases, conversions such as these can be quite possible but you have to make sure that you hire a builder who is knowledgeable in decks and outdoor structures such as this. Several factors come into play when you consider a deck-to-screened porch conversion.
Whether a conversion is possible first begins with the “bare bones” of your existing deck. A good majority of decks are not built to substantiate the weight of a roof, so you will need to first verify it is built strong enough to withstand a roof addition. Another factor is how was the deck originally built and what kind of foundation does it have? What kind of joists and beams does the deck have? All these are important questions that have to be addressed before planning can even begin. In many cases we can retrofit the structure by installing new footers to substantiate the new weight that would be necessary to encompass adding a roof. A foundation which is strong enough to support a roof needs to go all the way to the corners of the structure. So, if you wish to expand and add a new roof, the foundation of the structure must be extended and new footers created at the corners to support and hold the weight. What seems like the most simple of questions has to be answered prior to any of the above moving forward, most importantly, can the builder even get underneath the structure to reinforce it?
Don’t fret. Everything a quality builder does has to be properly permitted and inspected. This means the previous structure you have, if it passed inspection, should be deemed sound as a deck. But it may well not be strong enough to withstand the weight of a roof because it wasn’t made that way. Be aware from the beginning that most builders will only warrant the framed portion of the structure that they build. This means if something goes awry with the substructure as a result of adding a new roof, you cannot use their warranty anymore. This is why Archadeck of Columbus recommends a porch builder reinforce the foundation so it supports the new roofed structure.
Even if it is not possible to convert your deck or patio into a screened porch, many builders, us included, offer the customer a chance to build the backyard of their dreams through “staged building”. This actually means that we can plan and build your outdoor living structure(s) in stages according to your budget. Many times you can’t afford the entire dream backyard all at once, so we give you the opportunity to build it a little at a time. The huge benefit in doing this means that you stay poised for growth. For example, we can design and install a stunning deck or patio knowing that in the future when you want a screened porch, the foundation has been laid to do so. We make sure the structure is already constructed to reflect and accommodate future changes.
If you are considering a deck to screened porch conversion, or would like to inquire about our staged building, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can inspect your existing structure and detail a plan to discuss the options you have available.
(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 
I have a new home that was built in 2009. It has a very long covered back patio across the back of the home. My master bedroom, bath and closet run alongside the back of the home. I thought about adding a door and making an addition ontop of the patio roof. Not out of windows as I live outside of Phx, AZ so it would be a sauna in there…but my husband says the patio roof was not built to hold that kind of weight. What would need to be done and what cost are we looking at? That will be the determining factor.. Thank you!