roof decks!
does anyone know where i can find out the codes for building roof decks in brooklyn? i looked on the DOB site and i don’t seem to find any real information. i am going to build one (hopefully) but i want my ducks to be in a row before i submit my application to my…
does anyone know where i can find out the codes for building roof decks in brooklyn? i looked on the DOB site and i don’t seem to find any real information. i am going to build one (hopefully) but i want my ducks to be in a row before i submit my application to my coop board. thanks!
The idea that ipe is considered non-flammable by the DOB is a myth. When you speak with someone from the DOB, they say that it is considered flammable. Good luck with your deck.
I think the DOB rules are based on Shariah law or something
ask gert
Here is a link that answer your questions by a liscensed engineer:
http://randpc.com/AskTheEngineer/genAsktheEngineerRoofDeck.asp
Cannot have barbecues up there.
railings need to be 42″
For all buildings in the city a maximum of 20% of the total roof area can be a flammable (wood) material. If you choose to you a non-flammable material (stone or concrete pavers) you can cover the entire roof.
However, if you really want to use wood, you can use Ipe. Because of it’s density, NYC has designated certain applications as non-flammable.
At least for brownstones, fire code prevents you from covering more than a small portion (10 or 20%, i think) of the roof with flammable material.
For a larger wood deck, you can run steel beams from party wall to party wall, and then put the wood decking on the steel. This takes the flammable material off of the roof (enabling a larger deck), and has the added benefit of taking the weight of the deck (and planters and people) off of the roofbeams.
I believe that fire code also prevents you from putting flammable material within 3 ft of the lot line, regardless of whether the flammable material is up on steel or not.
I’ve heard that ipe is not considered flammable, but it’s expensive.
I know you have to have railings as well, at least 48 inches tall, I believe. But I’d check with DOB on that.