Waterfront home with completed sunroom and covered patio.
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Adding a sunroom and large covered patio to this waterfront home allowed the homeowners to take full advantage of their beautiful view.

Since the house is located on the Gulf Coast in a hurricane prone area, the addition had to be built extra strong to resist the onslaught of high winds.


Pouring the Concrete Foundation

    Pouring concrete slab.

Construction began by removing the existing back porch, and digging the footing for the new addition.

Next, the concrete footings were poured and allow to set. Concrete blocks were then laid around the perimeter of the new addition and the enclosed area backfilled with dirt. After the dirt was compacted, a plastic vapor barrier was put down, followed by steel reinforcement, and a concrete slab poured on top.

Once the concrete slab had set, the walls for the addition were framed with 2×6 lumber and temporary supports for the overhanging second-story room removed. The slab for the large covered patio was poured next, followed by framing for the covered patio roof.


Reinforcing the Walls and Roof

To resist high winds, the wall and roof framing were reinforced with steel straps on the studs and metal saddle hangers for the rafters.

Since the roof over the covered patio had a low slope, an adhesive backed, ice and water shield underlayment was used to provide extra protection from leaks. Roofing cement was also applied to each row of the asphalt shingles to increase wind resistance. The ceiling under the porch was covered with 1/2″ plywood before being finished with vinyl.

To secure the 30’ roof span of the covered patio in strong winds, the reinforced steel columns at each end were attached to the beams at the top and slab at the bottom with lag screws.

Steel saddle hangers were used to secure rafters to supporting beam.
Beams attached to top of steel post; Securing steel post to slab.

The addition walls were sheathed inside and out with plywood for increased strength, with numerous fasteners used to secure the sheathing to the studs. Large glass windows and doors were installed to give the interior of the house a panoramic view of the water.

Wide brick steps were constructed across the entire length of the patio to provide easy access to the yard and serve as additional seating when entertaining. The columns on the covered patio were wrapped with fiber cement and the exterior walls covered with vinyl siding for an attractive, low maintenance appearance.

Plywood storm shutters.

Plywood storm shutters were cut and fit to each window. Special wing nut hardware was used so the shutters can be easily installed and removed without the need for tools should a hurricane threaten.

If you’re researching patio roofing projects, you may want to read our detailed guide to patio roofing costs to get an idea of how much to expect to pay.


Finished Addition

After the exterior walls were complete, the original outside wall was removed, opening the addition up to the rest of the house.

Other improvements included new granite countertops for the kitchen, extending the existing tile floor in the addition, and removing the textured ceiling.

Interior of completed sunroom addition on waterfront home.

The view of the water through the expansive glass windows and doors on the new addition really helped open up the house while the large covered patio is the perfect place for outdoor entertaining.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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