How to Install a Durable Glass Roof on Your Deck

Most decks and other outdoor areas can be roofed with glass. A glazed roof adds openness, visibility, décor, and appeal to the space. It also protects the space from weather elements. By roofing your deck with glass, you can convert it into a sunroom, outdoor entertaining area, or a conservatory.

You can build an attractive and functional glass roof on your deck without breaking the bank by using recycled or old windows. That way, you can build an affordable glazed roof rather than using new and expensive glass panels.

Materials and supplies needed:

• Old glass panels
• Roof cement
• Framing materials (Hammer, nails, wood)

Here’s how to install a durable and affordable glass roof on your deck.

Step #1- Mount the vertical posts

You need basic knowledge in framing before going ahead with this project. At least, know how to install the roof framing. You can use pretreated pieces of wood to make the roof trusses and vertical posts on which you’ll install the glazed roof.

You can make vertical posts for the roof by fixing pretreated 4 by 4 pieces of wood on the exterior perimeter of the deck.

Ensure you fix the vertical posts securely to the deck by bolting them adequately. The vertical posts will function as the support and foundation of the trusses and roof.

Step #2- Mount the roof trusses

Upon installing the vertical posts for the roofing framework, you can proceed to mount the trusses. The beams will be fitted to the roof trusses.

Also, the trusses will function as the support and frame for the glass roof. The trusses should be properly spaced to maximize on the benefits of a glazed roof but relatively close to offer sufficient support.

You can calculate the appropriate spacing for the trusses by taking measurements of the windows to establish the distance from one window frame to the next. Take measurements of the width between the windows. This will give you the right spacing for the trusses.

Step #3- Install the glazed roof

Once the trusses are secured in place to the posts, you can mount the glass panels to create the glazed roof. When mounting the glass panels, start from the inner corner and work outward.

That way, you won’t walk on roofed sections to avoid breaking the glazed roof. Mounting the windows will involve nailing the glass frame into the roof trusses.

Use enough nails to hold the roof securely in place. If you economize on the nails, the roof won’t be secured in place tightly and may get blown away by strong winds.

Step #4- Sealing the frames

While mounting the glass frames, you can seal them by applying a top-quality roof cement between the connected frames.

Sealing the frames during installation will ensure that you won’t work on the glass afterward. The sealant will close any gap between the frames to prevent leaks.

Read: How to Choose the Right Glass Roofs for your Sydney Home