Adding A Roof To An Outdoor Shower Enclosure

Outdoor showers are a fabulous way to rinse off after a dip in the pool or beach. Adding a roof creates extra comfort and versatility for homeowners. We'll walk through the process of designing, building, and installing a roof on an outdoor shower enclosure.

A roofed outdoor shower lets you enjoy open-air bathing without worrying about getting caught in the rain. It also provides shade from the harsh summer sun. Constructing the roof does take some work, but the final product is well worth it.

Choosing Materials for the Roof

The roof frame and surface can be made from various materials like wood, metal, tile, shingles, and more. Consider climate, budget, and aesthetic when selecting.

• Wood: Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant woods perfect for outdoor use. Pine and fir are budget-friendly softwoods.
• Metal: Galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper are durable, low maintenance metals. Many come pre-formed for easy installation.
• Other options: Tile, composite shingles, plastic, and fiberglass are alternative roofing materials to consider.

Our Roof Design

We chose attractive MULTI-COR corrugated metal sheets from Metal Mart for the walls and roof. The prepainted steel is durable and provides a modern, industrial look. We accented with western red cedar wood.

Roof Designs

Outdoor shower enclosures come in endless shapes and sizes. Choosing a roof design that fits your space and needs is key. Here are some popular options:

• Lean-to: Simple slanted roof attached to a wall. Offers good coverage.
• Gable: Triangular roof with two sloped sides that meet at a center ridge. Very common.
• Flat: Entire roof is horizontal with slight slope for drainage. Good for small spaces.
• Hip: Sloped roof on all four sides meeting at a center ridge. Great coverage.

Our Design

We designed a gable roof with three MULTI-COR sheets meeting at a central ridge beam. This offers rain protection while keeping the open-air feeling. We also added a handy triangle bench and towel hooks on the right wall.

Building the Roof Frame

With the foundation and walls built, it's time to construct the roof frame. Precision is key here for proper drainage and protection.

• Carefully measure enclosure opening
• Cut wood/metal to exact size needed
• Assemble frame pieces with galvanized screws
• Attach securely to top of enclosure walls

Our Process

We used pre-cut western red cedar for the roof beams. For added durability, we stained and sealed the wood before installing. We secured beams with galvanized post anchors attached to wooden posts concreted into the ground.

Adding the Roof Surface

Once the underlying roof frame is ready, it's time to add the outer waterproof layer. This finishing touch protects from sun and rain.

• Measure frame and cut roofing pieces to size
• Attach material securely with screws/nails
• Seal edges with waterproof caulking

Our Roofing Process

We used three MULTI-COR panels for the roof with galvanized self-piercing screws. These connect easily to the wooden frame underneath. The prepainted steel sheets don't require further finishing.

Finishing Touches

With the structure and roofing in place, a few aesthetic touches will polish off your outdoor shower. Consider adding:

• Paint or stain for wood parts
• Caulking around joints/edges
• Decor like plants, curtains, or artwork

Our Finishing Plan

We stained the cedar wood a natural brown for an earthy feel. For privacy, quick-drying nylon shower curtains were installed. Lastly, bamboo poles on two sides will eventually support climbing mandevilla vines.

Improving Drainage

Proper drainage prevents damage and slip hazards. A few tips for keeping water flowing away:

• Slope roof so water runs off
• Add rain gutters along roof edge
• Build a gravel base under enclosure

Our Drainage

We constructed a concrete slab on a gravel base with a slight slope for drainage. Plastic feet on the bottom of posts prevent rotting and keep wood from direct contact. In the future, we may add rain barrels or connect plumbing to our rainwater catchment system.

Getting Power and Water

The dream is to enjoy a refreshing shower outdoors. Adding power and water makes that vision a reality.

• Install wiring for lighting, music, etc.
• Run pipes from main home/well
• Consider solar water heating options

Our Utilities Plan

For now, our outdoor shower enclosure does not have running water. But we planned ahead by installing a hose bib and electrical box nearby for future hook up. We may add solar panels on the roof to heat water as an eco-friendly option.

Safety Considerations

When showering outside, safety should be top priority. Protect users with:

• Non-slip floor surfaces
• Proper roof slope and drainage
• Adjustable shower head/strong water pressure

Our Safety Features

We used textured concrete pavers for the flooring. Metal gratings cover the drain area. The corrugated panels and angled roof prevent standing water. Lastly, grab bars provide stability and the mounted shower head has adjustable angles.

Ongoing Maintenance

While outdoor showers are low maintenance, periodic upkeep preserves quality.

• Wash walls with gentle cleanser
• Reapply waterproof sealants
• Check for leaks/damage

Maintenance Tips

Expect to pressure wash and reseal the cedar wood every 2-3 years. Check caulking gaps annually - especially important before winter. Periodically clear debris from the surrounding area and test drainage by spraying with a hose.

Cost Breakdown

Building a custom roofed outdoor shower enclosure requires an investment. Costs add up between:

• Materials - roofing supplies, wood, metal, utilities
• Labor - construction, installation, finishing
• Expected lifespan - 5-10 years minimum

Our Project Cost

Our 8x4 foot cedar and steel shower structure cost around $1500 in materials and tools. With proper upkeep, it should last 8-10 years outdoors. Down the road we may spend $500-800 upgrading with solar hot water, a rain harvesting system, lighting, and plumbing.

Adding a roof creates an outdoor shower ready for all weather and all year use. With some planning and elbow grease, you can craft a personalized bathing oasis. We walked through key steps - from structural design to material choice and safety additions. What dream features will you add to your outdoor shower sanctuary?