Roof over deck

[DrTeach]

Working on a 16x20 roof to cover a deck. This is southern exposure so heat is a bigger issue then rain in most season. It was suggested that roof side support be 12 feet high. That would mean with a 6/12 pitch the center height would 16 feet. The question is is that height going to minimize the shade and rain protection? It seems the higher it goes the less shade it would provide.

[dgbldr]

Please fill out your profile and tell us what you do in the construction industry. Then tell us who "suggested" the side support is 12ft, what type of deck, what type of roof and who is designing the job.

[DrTeach]

The home owner because it would be the same as inside. I actually should check the azimuth of the sum during summer

[kfc510]

The home owner because it would be the same as inside. I actually should check the azimuth of the sum during summer

Orientation matters too. You might let in morning light but screen out afternoon light in a perfect world.

[DrTeach]

True but the real hot exposure is from west. Roof ridge follows north to south. Side areas are east and west with east morning sun not a problem

[ThingOfBeauty]

So, in June, you'll get a lot of shade at noon, when the sun is pretty high. However in morning and evening you'll get a fair amount of sun under those 12' sides.
In September when it's still hot and the sun is 30 degrees lower in the sky, you'll get lots of sun at noon, in addition to morning/evening sun shining under the 12' sides.

This nice high roof will let plenty of light in during the winter which is nice, but won't give a whole lot of shade during some of the key times it might be wanted.

If you're up for it, you can render your proposed roof in Sketchup and use the solar feature to view its performance. Or shop around for an architect (young, student even?) who can do that for you.

Without knowing more about the other design constraints (building shape, fenestration) it's hard to know the optimal solution.
A hip roof with a 12' high edge on the South side would give better noontime coverage during the hot months, though still not great.
Awnings on West and possibly South might be somethign to consider. They allow you to block sun when you want, but allow the light in during winter.
Trellises can have the same effect, leafy in summer and bare in winter.

[joseph]

we hang shades on the sun side -maybe that will work . nieghbors have a motor driven awning that extends out when needed .so the shades could also be motor driven .

[DrTeach]

Thanks good information. Investigating shades and very affordable.