Build a Screen Porch To Get Away From Rain and Snow

Decks in Maryland Are Useless in the Rain and Snow.  Build a Screen Porch!

There are two upgrades to your outdoor living space that bring with them solutions to weather problems: a covered deck and a screened-in porch. Both of these options allow you to utilize your outdoor space during rainy days.  Home owners in Maryland and Virginia have found safe haven under covered decks and screen porches during the nastiest of storms, allowing them to use their outdoor living space regardless of the weather conditions.

Almost all of Maryland receives approximately four inches of rain per month, as the annual rainfall in our state ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The average winter snowfall for our area exceeds 20 inches. If you’re a Maryland resident, this isn’t news to you – our state is one of the wettest.

As for wintertime, you know those snow piles that look so soft and fluffy white at first can turn into a slushy, melting mess. A deck roof keeps snow that could have built up on your deck away from doors, minimizing any chances of interior water damage.

The upside of being kept dry by your covered deck prevents you from being a slave to the Maryland weather – you won’t have to cancel a party or move it indoors because of rain. You can read, relax, work, or play with your kids in your screened-in porch, rain or shine. A deck roof also protects you from the sun, which many of our customers want so they can still appreciate being outside without worrying about harmful rays.


Want to know more about how to protect your home from water damage? Watch our video about how to waterproof your Maryland deck.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205 Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.

Building Decks in Maryland and Virginia

Deck Building Process

When building a deck, there is a specific process that must be followed. There are four  main components  to deck building. These four components include the footings, framing, decking, and railing. Each part of the process is equally important.

The footings are required to be below the frost line set by local code. This will vary based on location. In most parts of Maryland and Virginia, for example, the frost line is between 24”-30” below grade. The building crew must dig footings below this level and ensure that the width of the footings are according to the permitted set of plans. A footing inspection is required prior to pouring the concrete.



When framing the deck it is extremely important to properly flash the ledger board.  The flashing keeps water from entering the house.   The flashing should be one layer of vinyl or copper installed between the ledger board and house.  Flashing is always installed behind the siding.   Most carpenters start by installing the ledger board at the house. The next step is the temporarily install the outside joists.  The beams are then temporarily installed beneath the joists at the precise level.  Once the deck has been squared and the beams and joists are level, the carpenters will install the supportive columns that carry the beams, and install the remaining joists. 

Decking installation is usually one of the fastest aspect of a decking project depending on the pattern. It is important to install any product according to the manufacturers specifications. Failure to do so may result in a voided warranty. Decking should be installed with screws regardless of what type of decking you are putting down. This will ensure the longevity of your deck.

Railing is the final phase of deck construction. Rail post should be bolted properly and any required blocking should be added to the framing below to ensure stability. The standard height for residential railings are 36”common code requires that no space in the railing be greater than 4”.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205 Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.