How to Keep Water off a Second-Story Porch

Regardless of the type of material your second-story porch is made of, having water sit on it for hours and even days probably isn’t par of your plan. First-story porches often have the luxury of an overhead roof, but second-story porches may not, allowing rain to ruin it over time. Whether you want to keep water off your porch entirely or simply want to ensure that it doesn’t sit there, there are solutions you can employ.

Instructions

- 1
  Install an awning. The majority of water problems stem from rain pelting your porch from above rather than from the side. An awning will create a cover above your porch, blocking most rain. The design and installation of your awning will depend on the manufacturer and type of awning you choose. Some require no more than attaching a mounting bar, a few small pieces of hardware and the fabric.
- 2
  Enclose your porch. If you’re not interested in an awning or want maximum protection from rain, fully enclosing your porch is your best option. You may enclose your porch with glass or screens. Screens may allow a few drops of rain to enter but will allow you to feel as if the porch is open rather than closed in. Because of potential problems with load distribution, framing and other hazards, consult with a structural engineer prior to enclosing your porch.
- 3
  Apply a waterproof membrane. Waterproof membranes for porches and decks prevent standing water and help water dissipate. The membrane will not prevent water from falling on your porch. The installation process for each type of waterproof membrane varies. Some come in the form of panels that adhere to the surface of your porch, while others are membranes you roll on as if you were painting your porch.

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