If you’re looking to brave Colorado’s treacherous winters and sun-filled summers by adding a roof to your patio or deck, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $15,000.
Why the wide range? Well, the exact amount you’ll pay for a roof depends on many factors: roof type, size, material, labor costs, and more! A modest lean-to roof might cost as little as $2,000, but a full-scale louvered roof could set you back at least $15,000.
Fortunately, the outdoor living specialists at Krueger Brothers Construction are here to simplify your decision. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about building a deck or patio roof, including the key benefits you’ll enjoy after installation.
Ready to become an expert on Colorado roof building? Let’s get started.
Costs to Build a Deck or Patio Roof by Type
To help you find the right roof for your budget, we’ll start by breaking down the costs of popular roof types.
Lean-To Roof (Shed Roof)
The cheapest option on the market, lean-to roofs attach to your home and slope downwards over your existing deck or patio. On average, lean-to roofs cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Though it isn’t the pinnacle of luxury, this simple roof will shelter your outdoor living space from the elements, allowing you to host brunches or barbecues in snow, rain, or sunshine.
Gable Roof
Gable roofs have two sloped sides that meet in the middle, and they’re usually connected to the edge of your home. They’re sturdier than lean-to roofs and provide extra coverage, but they usually cost significantly more, landing between $2,000 and $13,000.
A gable roof is perfect for an attached deck or patio with a rectangular design. Its symmetry is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, as it often rests on impressive posts or pillars.
Hip Roof
Hip roofs are the best option for Colorado homeowners who need serious protection from damaging weather. A hip roof has four sides that come together at an overhead point (like a mountain peak), so they can block sun and rain from every angle.
Because of their added material costs, hip roofs are slightly pricier than gable roofs, ranging from $3,000 to $13,500.
Pergola Roof
Though pergola roofs are beautiful, they aren’t always the best option for homeowners in Colorado. Pergola roofs will shield your outdoor space from sunlight, but they do little to deflect gusts of wind or inclement weather — so, if you live in Colorado Springs, Denver, or the surrounding areas, you might want a structure that’s a bit more robust!
Most pergola roofs cost between $3,000 and $10,000. On the plus side, pergola roofs can be freestanding, so they don’t need to attach to your home. If you’ve got a detached deck or patio that you rarely visit in the winter, a pergola roof could be a great investment.
Louvered Roof
When it comes to high-tech shade structures, a louvered roof is the gold standard. Like pergola roofs, louvered roofs offer minimal coverage from wind and slanting rain or snow. However, louvered roofs come with motorized slats, allowing you to precisely control how much sunlight slips through.
Louvered roofs carry a lofty price tag of $4,000 to $20,000, but they’re sure to impress your friends, family, and neighbors with their cutting-edge technology.
Costs to Build a Deck or Patio Roof by Material
Another major factor that will impact your roof’s price and performance is its material. A variety of materials can be used for deck or patio roofs (here at Krueger Brothers, we encourage creativity in roofing projects), but the three most common are aluminum, vinyl, and wood.
Aluminum
Usually, Colorado homeowners will spend between $300 and $7,500 on an aluminum roof, depending on the size and design of their project. Aluminum is a popular pick because it’s affordable, lightweight, and resistant to rot and insect damage.
If you opt for a metal roof, be sure to choose a sloped design (for example, a gable or hip roof). A flat aluminum roof could collect puddles of water, which will gradually cause the roof’s fasteners to rust or rot.
Vinyl
Vinyl roofing, which generally sets homeowners back $700 to $7,000, is a great alternative to aluminum roofing. Like aluminum, it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting. However, vinyl roofing comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, making it easier to integrate your roof with the rest of your home.
Wood
Though aluminum and vinyl roofs have lots of strengths, some people just can’t resist the warm aesthetic of natural wood! Unfortunately, because wood is a sturdy, high-quality roofing material, you’ll have to pay a premium. In general, wood roofs cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
There’s no denying that wood roofs are gorgeous. They’re also versatile and easy to work with, though they do require occasional staining, painting, and sanding.
The exact price you pay for your wood roof will depend largely on the type of wood you choose. A cheaper wood like pressure-treated pine or cedar could be installed for $5,000 or less, but an exotic species like redwood, tigerwood, or ipe might inflate that cost to more than $15,000.
Adding a Deck or Patio Roof Cost Factors
Material
Of course, the material you choose for your roof — be it aluminum, vinyl, wood, or something unique — will strongly influence the price tag. However, there are other, oft-overlooked materials that also factor into the final cost:
- Beams
- Rafters
- Fasteners
- Shingles
- Nails, screws, and more
If you’re building your patio or deck covering without help from a team of pros, you’ll have to decide how much cash to dish out for each of these categories. It won’t make or break your budget, but choosing affordable fasteners or shingles can save you hundreds of dollars on your project.
Labor
Though heavily dependent on your roof type, size, and location, you should plan to pay roughly $20 to $40 per square foot in labor costs. And remember, those prices will shift as the workforce changes. Someone in Colorado Springs could pay a different price than someone in Denver or Parker, even if they’re building the same deck!
Turning your roof build into a DIY project is one way to save a hefty sum — but it should only be attempted by skilled craftsmen (more on that in the next section).
Permits
Whether you’re hiring a contractor to install your roof or assembling it yourself, you’ll most likely need a building permit to get started. Depending on the style of your roof and how it attaches to your home, the proper permits usually cost between $200 and $2,000.
Costs to Install Yourself
Inevitably, as a cost-savvy Coloradan, you’re searching for ways to save on your project. If you opt to set up your deck without hiring a team of professionals, you could potentially cut the total cost of your project in half.
As tempting as that sounds, DIY projects are best saved for simple roof structures. Even if you’re a talented backyard craftsman, complex roofs (for example, a louvered roof) should be left in the hands of professionals.
Building a basic roof on your own will likely cost $1,000 to $2,000. A DIY pergola roof kit is a bit more expensive, falling in the range of $1,500 to $3,000.
Costs to Hire a Contractor
Hiring a contractor will undoubtedly increase the cost of your roof, but it’ll also improve the quality of the finished project. Knowing that an experienced team assembled your patio or deck roof will give you peace of mind for years to come. Many contractors even offer a warranty on their building projects!
Best of all, lots of general contractors have multiple areas of expertise. Here at Krueger Brothers, we specialize in decks, siding, roofing, windows, and doors, so we can ensure that your roof perfectly matches the rest of your home.
Reasons to Build a Roof Over a Deck or Patio
Now that we’ve tackled the nitty-gritty, it’s time for the fun part: exploring the benefits of installing a new roof for your deck or patio.
- More space for entertainment: No matter the weather, you’ll be able to host gatherings for friends and family — or take some time to relax on your own! In Colorado’s demanding climate, a well-built roof is a must-have.
- Improved durability: A roof will shield your deck or patio from harsh UV rays, water, and wind, extending the lifespan of your outdoor living space.
- Temperature regulation: Roofs don’t just keep the outdoor area cool; they also prevent extreme waves of heat and frost from entering the house! Don’t be surprised if your new shade structure reduces your monthly energy bills.
- Increased home value: Adding a roof to your patio or deck is a surefire way to boost your home’s long-term value (a benefit we’ll examine more thoroughly in the next section).
Does a Covered Deck or Patio Increase Home Value?
In a word: absolutely. A covered deck or patio will boost your home’s aesthetic value (sometimes referred to as “curb appeal”) and your home’s financial (or practical) value.
Aesthetic Value
Adding a roof to your deck or patio gives your home a “wow” factor that it didn’t have before.
When guests see your outdoor living space for the first time, they’ll undoubtedly be impressed by your beautifully crafted covered deck or patio. Plus, you might not notice it, but your outdoor space will likely become the envy of neighbors who catch a glimpse of it as they drive by your home.
All of these things contribute to the aesthetic value of your home, which, in turn, enhances the financial value of your property.
Financial Value
A custom-built patio or deck roof isn’t just easy on the eyes — it also improves the functionality of your outdoor space. Shielding your outdoor area from the elements opens a world of possibilities for you and your family: grilling during a thunderstorm, hot tubbing as the snow falls, having a picnic in the noonday heat, and plenty more.
Should you ever choose to sell your house, your covered deck or patio is sure to fetch you a handful of competitive offers.
What Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Whether you opt for a top-of-the-line louvered roof or a smaller lean-to structure, you’ll want to make sure that your contractor is worth the money. After all, upgrading your outdoor living space is a big deal, and a first-class renovation can completely transform your home.
Before you sign on the dotted line, ask your contractor questions like these:
- How long have you been in business?
- What recommendations do you have for my roofing project?
- What’s your specialty?
- Do you subcontract?
- How’s your warranty?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will I receive progress updates?
- How long should I expect my project to take?
If you still aren’t convinced, ask to see a portfolio of their previous work. First-class contractors will jump at the opportunity to show off the awe-inspiring projects they’ve completed for Colorado homeowners!
Explore the Possibilities for Your Covered Deck or Patio
At Krueger Brothers, we’d love to hear your vision for your outdoor living space. If you’d like to have a conversation about your roofing options, reach out to us today. Or, if you’re in the Colorado Springs area and you’re ready to build a custom deck or patio roof, let us know! Our team will install it with world-class care and precision.
Let’s collaborate on your dream roofing project.
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