Roofing for the basement exit

The possibilities of execution

If your basement access is in a remote location and you don't value visual appeal attractive variant of roofing, then the construction method with a sloping flat roof is the right one Solution. In this type of construction, the shape of the roof follows the slope of the stairs, forming a triangle above the floor. The roof surface ends at the outside wall of the house and can be covered with roofing felt or shingles. It is up to you whether you also cover the side walls and add a door or not.

The second option would be a design like a small house with a pointed roof, which could also have a window and a door. However, I assume that such a project will exceed the capabilities of most DIY enthusiasts and will therefore limit myself to instructions based on the simple variant.

This is how you build the scaffolding

1. For the supporting frame you need square construction wood with a thickness of approx. 100mm. In order to use the stairs when walking upright, they normally have to be covered with a height of 1.90 m. The first two posts at the entrance determine the height of the roof. Then divide the length of the stairs so that the distance between the individual posts does not exceed 1m. For example, if the stairs are 3.5m long, you should plan 4 supports, the lowest of which is directly at the lintel of the cellar door.
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2.  You should place the first two posts on concrete bases. To do this, dig a hole for the foundations on the left and right in the dimensions of the stair walls at least 0.5m deep. Alternatively, you can also expose the front sides of the stair walls and screw the iron there to hold the wood. They should not come into contact with the ground. That's why iron brackets are necessary with holes for screwing the wood.
3. The posts further down are then simply screwed onto the inside of the wall. Always measure the length on the appropriate step, or you can place all 1.9m long posts directly on the steps. If you have worked correctly, you will get a straight line when you look down over the tops of all the posts.


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4. You can also attach the last support to the building to the wall of the building, then you don't need any supporting timbers. Now connect the pairs of posts with crossbars that are simply screwed flush between them. Metal angles are very suitable for connecting.

What the roof can look like

1. Depending on the length of the stairs and the availability of long boards, you may need to piece the roof boards. Place the longest boards on top, leaving them about a hand's width overhang. Saw them so long that they end in the middle of a cross piece of wood. Then put the missing piece there. If you get boards that are long enough, they are simply screwed lengthways onto the support beams. They should also protrude a hand's width left and right so that the wood stays dry.
2. An alternative to wooden roofs is covering with corrugated panels. They are also available transparent so as not to darken the stairs. However, you must ensure in advance that your building remains dry. You can achieve this with a small, narrow canopy that you build over the basement entrance and where the actual roofing ends.
3. You shouldn't forget such a kink in the house wall when it comes to a wooden roof. You can achieve this with a slanted board or with a triangular piece of wood that is attached to the board layer. The covering follows this shape and thus prevents water from penetrating the masonry.

A roof does not guarantee that you will have snow or ice-free stairs in winter. It would also be necessary to cover the sides in a weatherproof manner. Anyone who decides to do this can safely exploit the existing construction and use any suitable material.