When building a house can not do without a porch. It can be made of various materials and, in addition to its main purpose, perform aesthetic functions. The metal porch, created by professionals in their field, will look expensive and original. But 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 drawbacks. Among the positive aspects, it is worth highlighting the following:
- Long service life and durability. Naturally, steel can not be compared with plastic or wood according to these indicators. It is capable of withstanding extreme temperature changes and mechanical damage without changing the appearance and properties.
- Material does not deteriorate over time. Even taking into account susceptibility to corrosive changes, they can be prevented by using better iron or systematic processing of elements. The metal porch, unlike the wooden one, does not burn, is not subject to mold and rot, does not cause interest in rodents, which is extremely important for a private house.
- Ability to do it yourself. Sometimes you can meet real works of art created by home craftsmen, the budget option will also look great.
Negative sides
Particular attention should be paid to the disadvantages:
- A metal staircase to the porch is quite expensive. If it is necessary to save the construction budget, it is worth paying attention to prefabricated options from profiled pipes - their cost is more acceptable.
- Corrosive changes. Low-quality metal is not the longest period of use. In addition, with an untimely replacement, it is able to create a danger to residents - such material becomes brittle due to rust.
- Poor insulation. During the rain, if the bedroom windows open onto the metal porch for the summer house and the front door, there may be inconvenience for residents. A continuous knock, especially at night, few people will like.
- 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 porch is metal, the price of which starts from 5 thousand rubles for the simplest option, It is quite common in combination with a brick or wooden structure.
What porch can be made of
A person who knows how to use a welding machine does not have difficulty finding materials. There are many options for metal. The construction of the iron corner refers to the budget options, forming 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 visors 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 the porch, it will be quite expensive, the copper structures differ in the same way.
Modern metal rolling has an extensive selection of profiled pipes of any size and shape. They have an affordable 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. Respectable cottages and country houses are rarely found without the use of art forging.
Installation
The site is poured with concrete mortar for mounting racks. Various loads can be placed on the metal porch, therefore, an algorithm of work similar to concreting the foundation is used: leveling the soil, creating a cushion of sand and gravel, forming the formwork, then reinforcing with subsequent pouring. You can install racks on an already finished platform or sink in a solution. The latter option provides greater strength, but in the process of concrete settling there is a probability of a displacement of the profile. In order to prevent this, fixing the supports with a steel sheet and a suitable pipe is required.
Making a metal porch with your own hands, it is worth using profile pipes as racks. Such elements due to the rental are able to tolerate increased loads, because in the future the structure will have the weight of the canopy and the fence.
After completion of the arrangement of the site, it should stand for 10-20 days. At this time, you can do other components.
Stairs
When drawing up a competent drawing, the manufacture of a design will not cause special difficulties. Two channels should be welded to the finished metal platform. To give extra strength, a lower seam is formed. With the help of chalk, points are marked on the supports for fixing the risers and the steps themselves.
The steps are supported by steel corners welded to the beams in the form of the letter āGā. Right angles to increase reliability are strengthened with scarves made of metal. 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.
Construction fence
The need to create a railing or handrail arises only if the metal staircase for the porch has more than three steps. Their height can be different and averages about a meter. On the sides of the flight of stairs , vertical supports are fixed. The upper elements may have the length necessary to create a visor. Then you need to weld the horizontal parts, the handrail will be their upper part.
For the master, there is a vast scope for imagination - forged parts can be mounted between pipes, thin pipes with beautiful bends. The latter option, unlike forging, is easier to execute and is within the power of everyone. The pipes simply need to be heated and bent to form the desired shape. It is also possible to use fittings.
Canopy Creation
After the metal porch is built, you need to make a choice between a canopy and a canopy. 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 racks. They are connected using profile pipes of a similar section. In this case, the frame will not be subject to any loads or atmospheric conditions. In addition, compliance with the level is required - all ends of the racks should be located on one surface. Even due to a slight deviation, the metal porch for the house can skew.
In view of the impressive carcass, it is worth making several trusses, which are structures with reinforcement. It is possible to use steel corners.
Arcs are welded to the finished reinforcing elements. In the established places, the elements are placed and the crate is welded.
How to decorate
Often, structures and metal visors above the porch are additionally decorated with coloring compounds with anticorrosive protective characteristics. The stores offer an extensive assortment of paints of various tones, thanks to which the design will be better combined with the house itself.
In the formation of the interior of the facade, the porch has an important role. Most of the options can be made at home. Depending on the materials used, the decor method varies.
Care
The metal staircase for the porch does not require special care. It is worth paying attention to the fact that moisture should not linger on all structural elements, including on the canopy. Therefore, during snowfall or thaw, it is necessary to clean the steps from the formed ice, and the roof from icicles. Porch racks, in particular, elements located in the ground, must be protected during installation. Ruberoid covers and grease coating are used for this.
Over time, the paint layer begins to move away from the base and break off, so periodic painting is necessary, which will also increase the durability of the steps.