Help Building Roof Deck
We live on the top two floors of a brownstone and have started to think about having a roof deck installed. Couple of things. We are trying to work out a deal to get the roof rights, but wonder if it is worth our while since a) the existing roof is 15 years old and…
We live on the top two floors of a brownstone and have started to think about having a roof deck installed.
Couple of things. We are trying to work out a deal to get the roof rights, but wonder if it is worth our while since a) the existing roof is 15 years old and b) if we have a deck built, what happens if the roof needs replacing in a couple of years?
Any advice much appreciated. Obviously not building the deck ourselves 🙂 What is a ball park estimate to have the deck built?
We would also like to have an entrance built from the living room of our top floor. Does this sound doable? We would keep the existing entrance in the corridor for fire access.
Thanks 🙂
Thanks so much for all of the input. Now, as for a ball park figure, getting the roof replaced and deck built…would I be looking at 10k, 20k?…
Trying to figure out whether paying 2k or so for roof rights is worth the bother 🙂
Thanks again.
Jock,
Ever used aluminum I beams across so weight is not supported by roof joists?
There is an alum decking that can be used. Light and not sure on the cost. We are going to use it on a project in Manhattan.
Jock deBoer, AIA
Consult with a licensed architect and engineer.
IPE passes the rules these days. Expensive as all get out, but looks good.
FYI, plastic decking is not considered non combustible in NYC, unless it has a rating. I know of no manuf that has such a rating.
Jock deBoer, AIA
You will need structural assesment to upgrade the load capacity from 40 to a 100 according to the building code
First, if you are building a deck then you’re also going to be putting down a new roof. It doesn’t make any sense to build a deck and then have to tear it out to do roof work. If you think the roof is in bad shape then you should figure on doing that before you build the deck. Also, building a new roof will give you a better deck since you can take your future needs into consideration. Perhaps you could reach a deal whereby the building accepts some of the costs of a new roof since a roof affects everybody. Believe me, it’s not just going to be top floor tenants complaining when the roof fails.
Egress(fire etc…) is probably not relevant since you’re not going to be creating any new habitable space on the roof. And it’s not going to be the primary mode of egress.
Keep in mind that any deck must be built using Class A fire rated materials(15% – ?) can be comubstable but not much. So you’re looking at a plastic decking material or stone/concrete for most of the deck surface. This doesn’t apply to railings or other decorative elements.
Hire an architect and get a roofer or an engineer to come and look at your roof. You’re going to want to know what kind of roof you have now, what the slopes are, how the roof is framed etc…
Also, if the roof is really old then it’s possible that asbestos will be an issue especialy since a lot of old roofing tar and flashing sealant contain asbestos.
I’m an architect(unliscened) and I’d be happy to come and take a look to give you a better idea about the price etc… Please feel free to contact me at dan@danberkman.com
-Dan
Save your money and the headache.