Protect Your Front Door from the Elements with a Columned Overhang

A front door overhang supported by columns, also known as a portico, is an excellent way to add curb appeal while protecting your entryway. This small roof structure over the front door not only looks great but also helps shield your home's entrance from sun, rain, snow, and other elements.

Adding a columned overhang can boost your home's value and set it apart from neighbor's houses. But to enjoy all the benefits, it's important to choose the right materials and design.

Materials for Front Door Overhang Columns

The columns supporting your overhang can be constructed from various materials, each with their own advantages. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each option.

Wood Columns

Wood columns give a traditional, warm look. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are suitable choices for the outdoors. Though attractive, wood requires regular staining or sealing to prevent rotting. This maintenance is crucial in wet climates.

Well-sealed wood columns can last over a decade before needing replacement. Go with thicker wood columns if they will provide structural support.

Fiberglass Columns

For a lower maintenance option, fiberglass columns are a great choice. They hold paint and stain well. Fiberglass columns won't rot or warp from moisture. You can even find styles that mimic real wood's look and texture.

Fiberglass columns are durable but can crack if hit by a car or heavy object. Thankfully, damaged sections can easily be replaced.

Aluminum Columns

Aluminum columns are lightweight but very sturdy. They are resistant to rust and rotting. However, soft aluminum can dent if hit hard. Opt for thick extruded or cast aluminum to prevent dents.

Columns are often powder coated for a smooth decorative finish. Vinyl wraps that simulate brick or stone are also popular. Just check wraps regularly for tears.

Brick Columns

If your home already has brickwork, matching brick columns create cohesion. Repointing the columns to fill cracks will be needed occasionally. Reinforced brick columns provide superb wind resistance.

Brick columns complement traditional and craftsman style homes especially well. For other architectural styles, the look may be too heavy.

Stone Columns

Stone options like granite, limestone, or sandstone craft elegant columns. But the natural stone can be expensive, especially for larger columns. The weight also makes installation challenging.

Stone columns add rustic, timeless beauty to a home. Materials like granite are very durable, while porous sandstone requires sealing to prevent deterioration.

Iron Columns

Wrought iron and cast iron columns infuse antique charm, perfect for Victorian homes. But iron can rapidly rust if unattended, especially in seaside climates. Maintaining a fresh coat of paint is key.

For easier care, powder coated aluminum or composite materials provide an iron look without the rust. The vintage styling gives a romantic, established feel.

Roofing Materials for Overhang

In addition to columns, the roofing above also merits careful selection. Water-shedding ability and durability should be top concerns.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing. Affordable and easy to install, their layered construction shields against rain and snow. The wide color selection allows matching your home's existing roof.

Look for thicker architecturally graded shingles for more dimension. Heavier shingles also better withstand wind gusts.

Metal Shingles

For exceptional durability, metal shingles are a great option. Copper and zinc roofing can last over a century. Steel shingles with stone coating also shield against the elements.

Metal shingles are often two to three times more expensive than asphalt. But their long lifespan offsets costs. Various metal colors are also available.

Clay Tile Shingles

Clay tile shingles provide an elegantly traditional roofing look. Their natural reddish tone complements brick and stone homes. Installation is also simple.

On the downside, clay tiles are heavier and more prone to cracking than other materials. Cold climates can cause tiles to chip from freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Shingles

For incredible durability, concrete roof tiles are hard to beat. Their average 50-year lifespan exceeds most materials. Resistance to fire and high winds is also excellent.

Disadvantages of concrete shingles include their heft and limited color range. Gray and terracotta tones are the easiest to produce.

Benefits of a Front Door Overhang

Installing a front door overhang offers many advantages beyond just looking attractive.

• Improves curb appeal and home value - Columns and roof draw the eye, helping your home stand out.
• Protection from weather - Overhang shields door and entry from sun, rain, snow, and other elements.
• Prevents wear and tear - Reduces weathering damage to door, hardware, and front stoop area.
• Covered entryway - Provides shade and dry area for waiting guests, deliveries.

Boosting your home's entrance with an overhang can really maximize curb appeal. The stylish addition often costs less than other exterior upgrades.

Costs to Build a Front Door Overhang

On average, expect to spend $2,500-4,000 to add a front door overhang, based on typical 40 square foot sizes. Larger overhangs can cost up to $6,000 or more.

Major factors impacting cost include:

• Materials chosen - Stone is generally most expensive, vinyl and fiberglass cheapest.
• Overhang size - More roof area and larger columns add expense.
• Labor rates in your region - Prices trend higher in urban areas.
• Special permitting or installation needs - Moving electrical lines, etc. adds costs.

Request quotes from several contractors before deciding. Many provide free estimates.

Overhang Design and Style Options

You'll also want to select an overhang design that complements your home's architecture. Consider the following elements:

Roof Shape

Common overhang roof styles include:

• Gable - Triangular peak shape
• Hip - Sloped roof on all four sides
• Shed - Single-plane sloped roof

Match the roof shape to your home for a cohesive look. For example, most craftsman style homes suit a gable roof portico.

Roof Line

Decide on a roofline silhouette for visual interest:

• Pediment - Triangular walls meet roof at center high point
• Arched - Rounded roofline echoes arch motifs
• Flat - Minimalist contemporary look

Column Design

Personalize with different column shapes and looks:

• Square columns - Simple and versatile
• Round columns - Soft, elegant impression
• Fluted columns - Decorative grooved indentations
• Tapered columns - Subtly narrow as they rise

Experiment with combining different overhang elements until you find a style that clicks with your home's architecture.

Working with Contractors to Install Overhang

Unless you're an experienced builder, hiring professionals is best for installing a front door overhang. Here are tips for working with contractors:

• Get quotes from several companies before deciding.
• Check online reviews and ask for references.
• Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Clearly communicate your design wishes.
• Get estimated project timeline and final costs in a written contract.

Also confirm what permits are needed. Don't make final payment until the project passes inspection and you are fully satisfied.

Caring for and Maintaining Your Overhang

With proper care, your front door overhang can provide beauty and protection for decades. Follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean overhang roof and columns periodically with mild detergent and water.
• Check for and prevent drainage problems to limit water damage.
• Seal and paint/stain wood columns and trim every 2-4 years as needed.
• Inspect roof and columns after severe storms for damage.
• Remove leaves, debris, and bird nests from overhang roof and gaps.

Address any issues quickly to limit costly repairs down the road. With regular upkeep, your overhang will continue providing shelter in any weather.

Increase Curb Appeal With Other Upgrades

An attractive front door overhang already provides big visual impact. For even more wow factor, consider complementing it with other upgrades:

• Fresh coat of exterior paint or new siding
• New distinctive front door that pops
• Stylish outdoor lighting around entry
• Eye-catching landscaping and plants around door

With smart planning, you can boost your home's curb appeal to stand out for all the right reasons. A columned overhang makes a substantial addition, so choose materials and design thoughtfully.

Adding a front door overhang supported by stately columns creates an inviting entry while shielding your home from the elements. With so many material, style, and design options, you can craft a look that perfectly matches your home's architecture.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons of different overhang construction materials. Seek out professional installation unless you have ample building experience. And don't neglect periodic maintenance to maximize your investment and enjoyment.

The overhang design can be used to create a covered entry. Stay dry while boosting curb appeal and adding value. Protect your front door from sun, rain, and wear for years to come.