Deck roofs in Calgary offer many benefits, improving both the functionality and the look of your outdoor living space. If you’re planning on making that addition to your home, there are a couple of things to know, including benefits, prices, and ideas. 

What Are Deck Roofs?

A deck roof is a structure built over a deck to provide shelter from the elements, such as sun, rain, and snow. It can extend the usability of an outdoor space by making it more comfortable and functional throughout the year. 

Plank Decks

Before the invention of plywood, plank decking was the primary type of roof decking. This decking is made from elongated, rectangular wooden boards, typically available in two sizes: 1×6 and 1×8.

Plank roof decking consists of sturdy wooden boards, providing a classic and robust option for roof construction. Even though plank isn’t as commonly used today, you can still find it on some roofs, valued for its traditional appeal and durability.

Sheet Decks

Sheet decking, also known as sheathing, consists of flat sheets of wood used in roofing. There are two main types: plywood and OSB.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is the most commonly used type of roof decking today. It is made from wood chips and strips compressed together to form a flat 7/16” sheet.

Plywood comes in various thicknesses, including ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”, depending on the span of the rafters. While OSB is more prevalent, plywood remains a popular choice for homes.

Both plywood and OSB are excellent options for sheet decking. The choice between them typically depends on your budget and the availability of the wood.

Benefits of Deck Roofs in Calgary

Deck roofs in Calgary offer many benefits, improving the functionality and aesthetics of outdoor spaces. Some of the key advantages include:

• Protection from the Elements: A deck roof provides shelter from rain, sun, snow, and wind, allowing you to use your deck comfortably in various weather conditions.

• Extended Outdoor Living Space: With a roof, your deck becomes a more versatile and usable space year-round, effectively extending your home’s living area.

• Increased Home Value: Adding deck roofs in Calgary can boost your property’s value by improving its appeal and functionality, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers.

• Enhanced Comfort: A deck roof can reduce the heat from direct sunlight, making your outdoor space cooler and more comfortable during hot weather.

• Furniture and Flooring Protection: By shielding your deck and its contents from harsh weather, a roof can help prolong the life of your outdoor furniture and decking materials.

• Aesthetic Appeal: A well-designed deck roof can enhance the visual appeal of your home, adding architectural interest and a finished look to your outdoor space.

• Privacy: Depending on the deck design, a roof can provide a sense of privacy, especially if combined with curtains, screens, or walls.

• Entertainment Space: A covered deck can serve as a great spot for outdoor entertaining, providing a comfortable area for gatherings, barbecues, or simply relaxing with family and friends.

• Energy Efficiency: By shading windows and doors, a deck roof can help reduce indoor temperatures and potentially lower cooling costs during the summer.

• Customization Options: Deck roofs come in various styles and materials, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your outdoor space. By doing so, you can match your home’s design and your personal preferences.

The Cost of Deck Roofs

Determining the cost of roof decking can be challenging due to fluctuating wood prices. In 2021, for instance, wood prices soared, significantly impacting the overall cost of roof replacement projects.

While exact prices or even a price range can’t be provided, it’s possible to offer some insight into the relative costs of different types of decking. Plank decking is typically priced per linear foot, whereas sheet decking is priced per sheet.

When you factor in labour and materials, plank decking usually ends up costing about three times more per square foot compared to sheet decking. Therefore, if your roof has plank decking that needs extensive replacement, it may be more economical to overlay it with OSB CDX plywood.

Ultimately, the cost of your roof decking will be determined once your roofing contractor assesses the type and amount of decking that needs replacement.

Top Ideas for Deck Roofs in Calgary

Here are just a few of our favourite ideas for deck roofs in Calgary. 

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are typically on the lower end of the price scale, depending on their size. Standard sizes with widths up to 1500mm and a depth of 1m can be purchased for $300 or less and can be installed yourself. As the size increases, so does the cost, but a manually operated awning usually remains under $1000.

On the higher end, a custom-sized motorized awning can cost a few thousand dollars. These require professional installation and an electrician to ensure the motor functions properly and is efficiently installed.

Common awning materials include:

• Vinyl
• Acrylic
• Acrylic-coated synthetic fabrics

Gazebo Roofs

For homes in Alberta with a spacious backyard, a gazebo can provide a secluded and charming outdoor setting. Unlike a pergola, a gazebo offers more privacy and can have various roof shapes. These include rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, and octagonal, or any design that complements the overall structure. 

The roof material should match your home’s style, whether you opt for steel or beautiful timber to pair with hardwood tongue and groove flooring. Choosing the right material is key to ensuring your gazebo suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

A custom-built gazebo roof installed by professionals can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the size and material. Alternatively, you can build your own or install a cover by purchasing a full roof kit, prefabricated structure, or raw materials, which will cost about $600 to $900 or slightly more.

Louvred Roof System

Opening roofs serve as an extension of your home, providing additional living space for socializing, dining alfresco, and relaxing just a step outside. Similar to a pergola, the louvred roof system — also known as a vergola — offers a more elegant and modern structure with a high-tech operating system.

Opening roofs are architecturally designed with various options to suit your style and home requirements. They’re typically built from aluminum or steel to withstand the weather and house the operating system.

Deck Arbours

Adding an arbour above your deck can create an attractive and creative focal point. There are several types of arbours you can build, each offering different levels of shade depending on their size and shape.

These deck arbours offer lots of shade and add aesthetic appeal, and you can combine them with other features to build your dream deck.

Final Thoughts on Deck Roofs in Calgary

Deck roofs in Calgary add so much beauty and utility to a yard, but only when they’re done right. At YYC Builders, we have years of experience building decks, deck roofs, patios, pergolas, and fences and we know how to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Call us today to learn more about how we bring deck roofs in Calgary to life!