When building a house, you cannot do without a porch. It can be made from various materials and, in addition to its main purpose, perform aesthetic functions. A metal porch, created by professionals in their field, will look expensive and original. But even an inexperienced person is able to make a simple design with the correct observance of all stages.
Benefits of using
Before starting the arrangement, it is worth considering all the advantages and disadvantages of this design option, since, in addition to strength, the metal has some shortcomings. Among the positive points, it is worth highlighting the following:
- Long service life and durability. Naturally, steel cannot be compared with plastic or wood in these indicators. It is able to endure sudden temperature changes and mechanical damage without changing its appearance and properties.
- The material does not deteriorate over time. Even taking into account the susceptibility to corrosive changes, they can be prevented through the use of higher quality iron or systematic processing.elements. A metal porch, unlike a wooden one, does not burn, is not subject to mold and decay, and does not arouse interest among rodents, which is extremely important for a private house.
- Possibility of DIY installation. Sometimes you can find real works of art created by home craftsmen, the budget option will also look great.
Negative sides
Particular attention should be paid to the shortcomings:
- Metal stairs for the porch is quite expensive. If you need to save the construction budget, you should pay attention to prefabricated options from profiled pipes - their cost is more acceptable.
- Corrosive changes. Low-quality metal differs not in the longest period of use. In addition, if it is not replaced in time, it can create a danger to residents - such material becomes brittle due to rust.
- Poor soundproofing. During rain, if the windows of the bedroom overlook the metal porch for giving and the front door, residents may experience inconvenience. Continuous knocking, especially at night, few people like it.
- The formation of an ice crust. In order to prevent this, the mandatory installation of a visor or canopy is required, but in any case it will not be possible to prevent the occurrence of ice on the lower steps. Corrugated steel sheets can solve this problem.
Despite the shortcomings, the metal porch, the price of which startsfrom 5 thousand rubles for the simplest option, it is quite common in combination with a brick or wooden structure.
What you can make a porch from
A person who knows how to use a welding machine has no difficulty finding materials. There are many options for metal rolling. The design of the iron corner refers to budget options that form a frame as a result, which makes it possible to combine with stone, tile, plastic or wood.
Aluminum is not the best option due to its lightness and unsuitability for an object that has continuous loads. At the same time, it is perfect for making metal canopies over the porch or original handrails.
Stainless steel is a durable material with a decent appearance that does not require additional processing. But as a basis for a porch, it will cost quite a lot, and copper structures are the same.
Modern rolled metal has an extensive selection of profiled pipes of any size and shape. They have an acceptable price, high strength characteristics.
Forged steel is a beautiful and expensive material. Thanks to its hardening, the structure created from it will last for many years without changing its appearance. It is rare to find respectable cottages and country houses without the use of artistic forging.
Installation
The site is poured with concrete mortar for the installation of racks. Different loads can fall on the metal porch, therefore, a work algorithm is used similar to foundation concreting: leveling the soil, creating a cushion of sand and crushed stone, forming formwork, then reinforcing, followed by pouring. You can install racks on an already finished platform or sink them into the solution. The latter option provides greater strength, but in the process of concrete settling, there is a possibility of profile displacement. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to secure the supports with steel sheet and a suitable pipe.
When making a metal porch with your own hands, you should use profile pipes as racks. Due to rolled products, such elements are able to withstand increased loads, because in the future the weight of the canopy and the fence will fall on the structure.
After completion of the site arrangement, it should stand for 10-20 days. At this time, you can work on other components.
Stairs
When drawing up a competent drawing, the manufacture of the structure will not cause any particular difficulties. Two channels must be welded onto the finished metal site. For added strength, a bottom seam is formed. With the help of chalk, points are marked on the supports to secure the risers and the steps themselves.
Steps are supported by steel corners welded to the beams in the form of the letter "G". Right angles to increase reliability are reinforced with scarves made ofmetal. The design of the steps is enclosed in a frame of corners with a horizontal arrangement, on which a metal sheet or board is mounted. The material is adjusted in advance to the desired size.
Fencing structure
The need to create railings or handrails arises only if the metal staircase for the porch has more than three steps. Their height can be different and on average is about a meter. Vertical supports are fixed on the sides of the flight of stairs. The top elements may have the length necessary to create a visor. Then you need to weld the horizontal parts, their upper part will become the handrail.
For the master, a vast scope for imagination opens up here - you can mount forged parts between pipes, thin tubes with beautiful bends. The latter option, unlike forging, is easier to perform and everyone can do it. The pipes simply need to be heated and bent to form the desired shape. It is also possible to use fittings.
Creating a canopy
After the metal porch is built, you need to make a choice between a canopy and a visor. Here it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the stairs and the entire structure.
The vertical parts of the handrails become the basis for the canopy posts. They are connected using profile pipes of the same section. In this case, the frame will not be subject to any loads or atmospheric phenomena. In addition, compliance with the level is required - all ends of the racks should be located on the same surface. Evendue to a slight deviation, the metal porch for the house may warp.
Due to the impressiveness of the frame, it is worth making several trusses, which are structures with reinforcement. It is possible to use steel corners.
Arcs are welded to ready reinforcing elements. In the established places, elements are placed and the crate is welded on.
How to decorate
Often, structures and metal canopies over the porch are additionally decorated with paint compositions with anti-corrosion protective characteristics. Shops offer a wide range of paints in a variety of tones, so the design will blend better with the home itself.
In shaping the interior of the facade, the porch plays an important role. Most of the options can be made at home. Depending on the materials used, the decor method varies.
Care
Metal porch stairs require little maintenance. It is worth paying attention to the fact that moisture should not linger on all structural elements, including the canopy. Therefore, during a snowfall or thaw, it is necessary to clean the steps from the resulting ice, and the roof from icicles. The porch posts, in particular the elements in the ground, must be protected even during their installation. For this, ruberoid covers and grease coating are used.
Over time, the paint layer begins to move away from the base and chip off, so periodic painting is necessary, which will also increasestep durability.
