Covered decks and pergolas
A roof lets you use the deck in a spring shower and through a hot August afternoon. Here's what goes into adding one.
An open deck is great until the sun is straight overhead or the rain starts. A pergola filters the light and gives the deck a sense of enclosure. A solid roof keeps off sun, rain and some of the snow, and turns the deck into an outdoor room for more of the year.
Pergola or solid roof?
- Pergola. Open beams and rafters, sometimes with louvers or shade fabric. Lighter and simpler, but it won't keep you dry.
- Solid roof. Tied into the house or freestanding, finished with shingles, metal or another roofing. Full cover, but it's a real structure that has to carry snow and resist wind.
How much snow does a deck roof have to carry?
More than many people expect. The City of Coeur d'Alene uses a 60 psf ground snow load and a 40 psf roof snow load. In unincorporated Kootenai County, flat roof snow loads come from a county snow load map: zone A is a minimum of 40 psf, zone B 50 psf, zone C 60 psf, and in zone D an Idaho-licensed engineer has to set the load for the specific parcel. That weight runs down through the posts to the footings, so a covered deck usually needs larger posts, beams and footings than an open one.
Can a roof be added to my existing deck?
Sometimes, but most existing decks weren't built for it. The builder will check whether the current footings and beams can take the extra load or whether new posts and footings are needed. If you're building a new deck and think you'll want a roof someday, size the footings for it now.
Beams and weather
Engineered beams are popular for long, open spans under a roof. Post Falls requires a beam calculation report for glulam or LVL members and says they have to be protected from weather by a roof or eave; decking alone doesn't count. A builder will pick materials that suit whether the beam is covered or exposed.
Permits
A roof over a deck generally needs a building permit, often with structural details because of the snow load. Your builder should confirm the requirements with your city or with Kootenai County.
Thinking about screens?
Once there's a roof, some owners add screens for summer evenings. That changes the design again, so bring it up early.
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the grade and the house wall, and talked through materials with you. We don't give prices, and any figure you hear before that visit is a ballpark at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does a pergola need a permit in Coeur d'Alene?
It depends on size, attachment and whether it has a solid roof. Ask the City of Coeur d'Alene building staff or your builder before you start.
What snow load will my deck roof be designed for?
Inside Coeur d'Alene, the city's design criteria use a 60 psf ground snow load and a 40 psf roof snow load. In the county it depends on your snow load zone. Ask the builder which number the design uses.
Related services
More background: Coeur d'Alene deck guide.
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