Depending on your location, how rainy your climate is, and the winds that prevail during a rain, extending the roof line may not provide much protection of the front entry because the rain can blow in from the sides. So I think your best choice is to add an overhang from the long horizontal section directly above the front door. You’ll need an engineer to design it properly, so that it's safe because it will be heavy (regardless of what material it’s made from) and it will need the proper support. Another advantage to the overhang in that place will be that the light coming in through the upper windows will not be obstructed.

Another thought – if you put the overhang above the door, you will have to figure out how to deal with drainage of the rain that falls there. So that’s an issue. Alternatively – if you were to extend the upper roofline instead of putting an overhang over the door, you could “fill in” the side areas that result, essentially closing in that upper area, so that rain doesn’t blow in. Your entryway is wide enough and tall enough that such an arrangement would not appear “tunnel-like.” I think this may be a better choice. It would also be a lot easier to clean the exteriors of the windows above the door if you didn't have to lean over a protruding overhang :-)

I would do an almost flat portico about four feet deep. You could have a rain chain, but I don't think that is necessary.

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Those look really nice, especially the first one with the overhead light. A designer or contractor could probably figure out how to deal with the rain-drainage issue if you go this route.

Storm door. Easy. Done.

There just isn't a way to put much of a cantilevered portico over the door. No way to brace it back to the building because of the glass. A storm door is about your only and best option.

Thank you everyone for your great ideas. Do you think a flat portico will work with the angles of the other roof lines? Particularly the garage roof line on the right side? This is the reason I was thinking about extending the roof line from the top. I do agree with nester44 that it just may not work given the wind and rain and sometimes snow where we live in Maryland.

I agree with ci_lantro, buy a nice storm door and it will take care of the problem, and wont spoil the lines of your beautiful house.

A storm door will not protect the people standing at the door. You need to get someone to tell you what is possible since you do not have a huge area to support an overhang. You might be able to do smething like this. If it is more about the actual protection of the door get a steel one honestly storm doors are not needed IMO . and a re a PITA and for sure not attractive

Can you advise on what kind of professional to consult with? Architect or carpenter or other? Thank you!

Thank you Patricia! I Ike this idea. One concern is that the glass would get dirty and full of leaves. Do you think it would work?

An architect will be able to help. They not only will understand how to tie into the design of the roof but also will be able to recommend any new materials to use.

The office building where I work had a similar problem. The solution was to add supports for a clear material that projected from the building. I thought it would be a disaster but 8 years later, it still looks great. Using a clear material doesn't make the entrance dark.

And we’re more focused on protection from the elements- the primary reason to want the overhang. Thx

The third image provided by housson, above, would probably be the largest overhang that you could use, given the conflicting nature of your roof lines. I suggest that you contact an architect to address your problem. “Protection from the elements” is a larger issue than simply creating an over hang. Good luck!

Interesting! But does this work with the brown siding and garage door?

And what color do you recommend? Is it a charcoal color?

It seems like that would not offer enough protection, especially if there is any kind of significant rain or if more than one person is standing on the front entry. And the porch itself would probably get wet, increasing the likelihood of wet shoes entering the house. An architect can figure out what's best, given the roof angles, and how to attach it. I still like the idea of a larger overhang with a light incorporated in it.

Larger would be better but with all the conflicting angles I thought it was better to keep the overhang away from all surfaces. Recessing the entrance could solve some issues

Maybe a suspended glass canopy?

Glass would be an interesting way to go. There are many options, but something directly above the door is far preferable to extending the roof. And getting water off will be important. I don't think an architect is necessary and it would be difficult to find someone who would take on such a small job. But it DOES need to be engineered. Maybe start with a local contractor but make sure it will be properly supported and drained.

Very nice. Thank you. My concern is keeping them clean!

Dear RappArchitecture, what kind of local contractor would do this? I’m in a dc suburb and would appreciate any guidance you can share. Thank you!