Front door canopy too large?

[Benjamin E.]

Hey all. I have water coming in a first floor apartment. Water hits a concrete second floor landing (outside 2nd floor entryway) and soaks into the old concrete and also runs underneath and then enters. Tried numerous things and nothing worked. Thinking it is time for a canopy/awning to block the water from hitting the concrete pad. Will need to be like 80 inches wide by 60 inches in depth. Looking at an aluminum one. Will this be too big to support itself? Only other thing I can think of is building a mini roof type thing but trying to be mindful of costs as well as I am not sure how much that would cost.

[Joe Splitrock]

I am having trouble visualizing this. To upload a photo, just click the square image icon below the text box.

Generally speaking, water should not transfer from concrete into the structure if it was properly flashed. I had water coming in below a doorway. I removed the trim and first row of deck boards. I installed self adhesive rubberized flashing with aluminum flashing over it, running away from the property. The rubber seals around screws when you put them through it. That seems to have addressed the issue. This is very common with old decks that were built prior to modern flashing methods. I would avoid aluminum canopies if there is an wind in your city and if the property is in the Windy City, then be careful. Wood may cost more, but with added weight and proper methods to secure, it could be far more stable. 

I am not convinced that soaking into the concrete is the method of entry, but if it is, you can always water proof the concrete. Use a textured concrete paint made for walkways.