Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?
Hi All, I am considering adding a roofdeck to my building. The roof has a rubber/alumium roof with a slight pitch to the rear of the house. The party walls are about 18†with a cement cap. Initially I was going to use steel I-beams that spanned the party walls so the deck was off…
Hi All,
I am considering adding a roofdeck to my building. The roof has a rubber/alumium roof with a slight pitch to the rear of the house. The party walls are about 18†with a cement cap.
Initially I was going to use steel I-beams that spanned the party walls so the deck was off the roof, but found that any builder using steel would add about $4000 to the cost of the deck. Several contractors said it is ok to build a deck directly on the roof. This is done by using a ½†roof pad under a platform system and the deck on top of that. The platform supposedly distributes the weight evenly on top of the deck. Lastly, one contractor suggested using a serious of palates that could be easily removed if/when I need to replace the rubber roof material.
During a renovation on my top floor, the ceiling was open and I got a look at the beams supporting the roof. I am not an expert, but the beams looked solid (no cracking, dry spots or insect damage) and my contractor also said they looked very solid.
I am considering hiring a structural engineer to test the capacity of the roof, but not sure I need to do this.
A Few questions:
1. Has anyone built a deck on top of the roof using the platform system (no steel), if so, any feedback regarding damage to roof, leaks or other negative results.
2. Has anyone used fiberglass as a roof material to seal roof AND for the deck? This procedure is used in ocean communities because most decks take a beating from the salt air. I have a contractor/roofer from south jersey who is Firestone certified who said this procedure would work well with rubber roofs. He’s done roof and deck work for me in another house and is very experienced and qualified (and honest). He wants to expand his business in Brooklyn.
FYI – None of the deck contractors I spoke to in Brooklyn mentioned Fiberglass as an option. They all want to use composite or wood.
3. Anyone have any experience with the composite deck materials: Trex, Azek, etc? any thoughts on slippage, staining, wear/tear etc? I’ve read the brochures, but would like real feedback.
4. Lastly, Has anyone had any experience with “Decks R Us†good/bad?
Thanks in advance.
I am also needing to build a roof deck — does anyone have a reference to a structural engineer?
I am also needing to build a roof deck — does anyone have a reference to a structural engineer?
Would agree with suggestions on getting structural engineer to get a better sense of roof support. As for permits, they are required but many homeowners move forward with out.
And not to push our wares…but if you are looking for project guidance and help you should take a look at our services (www.ConstructionCoachesNY.com). We have coaches who could help you plan this out get underway.
Definitely go with a structural engineer . . . its essential. The platform vs spanning steel beam question is something only the engineer can advise you on – but you will have a lot more flexibility if you use a spanning system. . . .
For instance, you could use concrete pavers instead of trex (and therefore deck more than 20% of your roof that using wood or composite limits you to.) You’ll also be able to have planters with good size shrubs, and not worry when you have ten guests over whether the extra weight is causing some unforeseen damage to your roof membrane . . .
Also anything like a deck or a green roof that covers the roof membrane from sun and heat exposure will extend the life of the roof by a number of years. You might want to consider these long-term savings when considering the overall budget of the project.
“I am not an expert, but the beams looked solid and my contractor also said they looked very solid”.
Good Lord. How many millions of dollars is your building worth? And hiring an engineer to evaluate the roof loading is something you don’t want to do because you have some kind of hunch about it?
My trex deck does not get burn your feet hot in the sun. It also won’t splinter like a wood deck will so you can actually walk on it barefoot. I don’t know what the current wonder wood ipe would be like, but I couldn’t afford it. I do know that the old deck that was on my roof when I bought the place looked like it was a million years old. It was made of treated “outdoor” wood that didn’t rot, but was warped, bowed, and splintered from being exposed to UV and weather. I was shocked to find out it was only 6-7 years old. That’s why I went with the trex.
Also, the old deck only covered half the roof. We had to get rid of it when we needed to redo the roof. Their was a leak into the neighbors apartment. It was shocking how much worse condition the exposed part of the old roof was compared to that part covered by the deck. A lot of people will say that any decking that touches any part of a roof is going to cause holes in the membrane. From what I witnessed, it may actually be protecting the roof surface from exposure.
Good luck with whatever way you go and congrats on the new place.
any kind of composite decking like trex or timbertec, is much heavier, and get VERY hot from the sun. like burn your feet, cant walk barefoot hot.
any kind of composite decking like trex or timbertec, is much heavier, and get VERY hot from the sun. like burn your feet, cant walk barefoot hot.
11:48 is correct. Because FDNY needs roof access during a fire there are some pretty stiff building, fire and safety codes regulating the construction of roof decks. Before you file plans, DOB will want an engineer’s report attesting to the load capacity of the roof, which (I think) has to be at least 50 pounds s/f.