How to cover front door entrance?

Question

hello, I’ve just replaced my entrance door and seeking ways to shelter it a bit better from the rain. An awning will sit too low so seeking some alternatives. I was looking at the option of removing the balustrades above and building a wall so an awning could be attached at a better height. Also looked at screening on the right hand side to block some rain.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @tulle,

From what I can see, you currently have a surface drain across the garage entrance, but the drainage path then rises up to soil level and continues across in front of the screening before reaching the brick wall near the doorway.

Please note that plumbing work needs to be completed by a licensed professional for safety and compliance.

One option you might consider is keeping the drainage system at the same level as the garage drain the entire way through. A drainage plumber could remove the raised surface drain in front of the screening and excavate a trench down to the base of the retaining wall. Across the doorway area, the concrete could then be cut to install a surface strip drain so that any water running down the stairs is intercepted before it reaches the door.

From there, the drainage line could continue through the base of the brick wall and connect back into the existing garage surface drain. The trench area in front of the screening could then be filled with drainage gravel to allow both surface water and subsurface moisture to filter down into the drainage system.

The advantage of this approach is that it not only captures water flowing down the stairs, but also helps relieve the subsurface moisture pressure that appears to be pushing water through the brick wall. Everything is then directed back into the garage drain in one controlled system.

I think the awning would still be a worthwhile addition as well, but more as the finishing touch once the drainage issues are properly addressed.

Here's an AI-rendering to illustrate what I mean.

Mitchell

tulle · Answer

Thanks for the replies and suggestions everybody. I will be going with a gazebo type set up and try block in the space a bit more. I’ve attached some photos of the setup behind the door just for reference

DIY4Knuckleheds · Answer

I think EricL nailed it with his suggestion 👍