The former porch was roofless and rotten. This new cover, and the composite materials incorporated into the deck and guardrail, will give this solution a very long life expectancy... something we always strive for. For more information and additional photos of this project, go to http://a1builders.ws/2011/08/a-rear-deck-in-dire-need-and-a-drab-front-entry-screaming-for-improvement/