We determined a style for our porch and have it ordered. We had a concrete contractor prepare footings and lay a slab for the porch. In the meantime, the owner had the siding removed and an old window and entry door were replaced with two new doors Time: 16 hours over 2 days, not counting the prep work. Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 5 on the Weekend Handyman scale.
Materials: Compound miter saw
Power nailer
Plane
Sheet metal crimper
Power drill and driver
Chalkline and clamps
Table saw
Modular porch system kit Note: The porch needs to be ordered ahead of time and allow approximately three weeks for delivery. Wall panels fit between posts that go around the porch. The porch is made up of three main components; wall panels that can be ordered in various heights and widths, joining posts that join the wall panels together, and corner posts. This particular porch system is different from most brands because it accommodates three seasons, which means it has glass and screens, but it doesn't have insulation for winter weather. This will definitely be a two-person job! Prep Work The following prep work was done 1-1/2 weeks ahead of time. - After determining the dimensions of the porch, a trench was dug for the foundation footings.
- Sheets of foam were laid along the sides of the trenches to create inexpensive but effective forms.
- Concrete was poured (figure A) and the footings were leveled and more rebar added above the grade.
Notes: 1) Footings require a permit and inspection. The purpose for the footings is to support the slab and the porch above, and expert Harry Baert of H B Concrete recommends 3,000-pound footing mix. 2) Plan at least two weeks to lay slab foundation. 3) Concrete will take one month to cure completely. - While the footings dried, forms were built for the slab.
- Before the concrete went in, 2" sheets of foam were laid down and more rebar set in place. The foam creates a thermal and moisture barrier.
- Concrete was poured into the slab and smoothed out.
- If you want to replace any doors or windows close to the porch, now is the time to do it.
- Right before you begin putting the modular porch together, organize all the materials (figure B) out on the yard.
RESOURCES :
Pre-engineered Modular Porch System (Vixen Hill)
Brand Name: 3 Season (Lean-to) Porch System
Model Number: 8' x 24'
Color: West Red Cedar
Miscellaneous Product Info:
- Porch is fabricated from select #1 or better kiln-dried western red cedar.
- All component parts are pre-assembled to the fullest extent possible, to preclude any on-site drilling, cutting, filling, nailing or sanding.
- Porch is supplied with all necessary hardware and complete instructions to provide for efficient on-site assembly.
Vixen Hill
69 Main St.
Elverson, PA 19520
Toll-free: 800-423-2766
Fax: 610-286-2099
Website: www.vixenhill.com
Family Handyman Decks, Patios and Porches
ISBN: 0762104287
Author: Reader's Digest
Order this title from Amazon.
Readers Digest
Pleasantville, NY 10570-0235
Building Porches and Decks (For Pros By Pros Series)
ISBN: 1561585394
Author: Fine Homebuilding Editor
Order this title from Amazon.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Porches and Sunrooms: Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Better Homes and Gardens)
ISBN: 0696211017
Author: John Riha
Order this title from Amazon.
Meredith Books Corp.
Website: www.meredith.com
GUESTS :
Harry Baert
Contractor, HB Concrete
Excelsior, MN
Phone: 952-474-8373
Armando Rase
Contractor, Armando Rase Custom Carpentry
Phoenixville, PA
Phone: 610-933-5090
Chris Peeples
Owner, Vixen Hill
Website: www.vixenhill.com
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