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April 13, 2009
Building a Roof Deck
We are in the process of buying a coop with roof rights, but no deck. The access to the roof is not great -- just a ladder to a hatch. Once you're up on the roof, it's a spectacular view, but feels like a death trap. We want to put some kind of a deck up there, but don't want to spend a ton of money because, with the poor access, not a lot of people will want to go up there. Does anyone have ideas about a more temporary deck, and how much something like that would cost? We were thinking of decking squares. And how much would it be to put up a "real" deck -- with railing.
Comments
Is there no way to change the ladder to something more like a staircase? And there are hatches that one can install that are easy to open and require little force. Perhaps it would be worthwhile thinking about modifying the access first, and then actually building a real deck? At least I think it would be! Especially if you have a good view.
Sorry I didn't directly answer your question about temporary decking squares. You might want to look around from your new roof to see what others have done. Usually there are lots of good/bad examples of deck solutions visible from your own roof.
good luck!
Posted by: PL at April 11, 2009 7:40 PM
....3 years ago I checked how much it would cost to build a real deck on our roof and was quoted between $3500-$6000, depending on design and wood used. I can't remember what size the quote was for, but I think it was going to be around 15X18 feet. Never had time to do it, but maybe next year it'll get done!
Posted by: PL at April 11, 2009 8:04 PM
On our East Village co-op rooftop, we used large rectangular tiles made form recycled tires (similar to playground surface). They are soft to walk on and don't pose any rooftop damage risk. They weren't cheap, but they look really good and all you have to do is throw them down and interlock them- much easier than building a deck.
Posted by: yanks21 at April 11, 2009 8:32 PM
the rubber tiles yanks suggests is a good alternative to building a woo deck, but one minor point is that those tiles get SUPER hot so forget about being able to walk barefoot up there (however, that might not matter to you)
Posted by: bowl of dicks at April 11, 2009 8:57 PM
You might be jumping the gun with your question: It's not a guarantee that the roof is able to support the weight of a wooden deck, or even any additional layers (tiles, etc.). Something you should check with board, and during inspection.
Posted by: vinca at April 12, 2009 10:44 AM
What Vinca said, altho I would think it could support things like Turtle Tiles. If I recall all of those tile things are technically illegal cuz they are not held down in a major wind event.
Assuming you could even think about a real deck, how would you get the material up? You'll either have a long slow slog thru the hatch, else you'll have to hire a crane. Either is expensive.
Posted by: denton at April 13, 2009 7:00 AM
I would also advise that you make sure you are in compliance with the fire code regarding coverage. If you are going to install a wooden deck (or other flammable material) the code only allows a certain percentage of the roof to be covered. Perhaps your Board is already aware of the rules as they apply to your space.
Posted by: benson at April 13, 2009 9:56 AM
I do not think that you can properly address this issue on the cheap. A roofdeck is not a big deal, but I think it is a bigger deal than you are imagining. First there is the question of whether the roof can take the loads. My guess is probably not. So you will need to have an engineer design a support system for the deck, one that is anchored to the bearing walls. Next you have to think of how to get a circular stair or some kind of code-complying stair to the deck. Once you have tackled these issues you will have a real investment that will pay off whenever you decide to sell. Otherwise, you may be causing more harm than good. The wrong kind of work can result in roof leaks. You really cannot mess around with an old roof. They are very fragile and pretty tricky unless you know what you are doing.
Posted by: sam at April 13, 2009 10:07 AM
I tried using deck tiles as a cheap alternative to real wood deccking and I DO NOT RECOMMEND. They may work for a backyard patio or low balcony, but these tiles just couldn't withstand the elements they encountered (wind, rain, humidity) they were subjected to on the roof. They shattered after one winter and now we have to pay to have them removed. Very disappointing.
Posted by: treetop at April 13, 2009 10:37 AM
If your only access is the roof hatch and few people will be going out, I'd recommend just throwing a large indoor/outdoor rug down. You can weigh down the corners with furniture or cinderblocks. Get something in color with a pattern or a border so it will look more finished.
Posted by: Bessie at April 13, 2009 10:38 AM
If someone falls or slips down your ladder, they can sue you and the coop up the wazzo for having a non-code-complying deck. And if you have not informed your insurance company about your new "deck" they will not pay the claim but rather cancel your policy. This isn't kid stuff.
Posted by: sam at April 13, 2009 10:44 AM
please don't put loose cinderblocks on your roof
Posted by: oe at April 13, 2009 10:49 AM
I think people are being too negative here. Every other brownstone in park slope has a deck and many have less than optimal access. I'd say first find out about whether you can change the ladder for a more usable staircase - there are quite a few options but it depends on the hatch size, space below the hatch. That's the main thing: access.. If you can, then it would be worth investing in a proper deck - and again every other brownstone has one and every deck builder around knows how to get the materials up there in one way or another. Our quote of course included that part and it was through a hatch like yours. If you can't modify the access, just use the roof as is! We've used ours for years and although it's not perfect, it's still wonderful! In other words: if you can make access easy, build a deck. If you can't, just have some simple arrangement that allows you to be comfortable and enjoy it - some chairs, a table etc - make sure to tie them down to the chimneys or something because of the wind. Coops usually have rules about that anyway.
Enjoy your view!
Posted by: PL at April 13, 2009 11:26 AM
I have these senior moments quite often, so I can't recall the name of a half ladder/ half stair that is quite steep with handrails. Maybe some of you out there know.
Plan on steel supports that span either adjacent or opposite masonry walls. A&J Iron does this all the time. Then you can lay in wood squares into a grid of steel- voila.
Reframing a roof opening slightly to accomodate a more convenient hatch might pass coop muster. Especially if it is viewed as an improvement.
Good luck.
Posted by: brucef at April 14, 2009 2:09 AM
brucef.
you're suggesting a ship's ladder, i believe.
Posted by: stoep2conquer at August 18, 2009 12:41 PM
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