Wood Roof Deck - new condo

I recently purchased a condo with a private roof deck. The deck is surfaced with wood. I recently became aware that – as I understand it – NYC code does not allow a wood deck on more than 20% of the roof. I have not measured it but I think my deck significantly exceeds this. This raises several issues for me. First, it was a significant element of the value I attributed to the unit and a non-wood deck would be much less attractive to me aside from the cost of replacing it. I understand, I would also need to confirm the load could be supported. Second, I am not sure what I should do or what risks i may be exposed to with a non-code roof deck. What would the sponsors likely reaction be if I raised the issue?

bbslewje

in About Brooklyn 11 years and 4 months ago

1

Please log in, in order to post replies!

1 replies

Newest Oldest

arch007 | 11 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5140 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5084 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "29788"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "arch007"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BmUayxc5ELlzTIdlUTyRSsuBuiKM24."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "arch007"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "master@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(34) "http:///forums/users/architect777/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "arch007"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(29788)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It is correct that the roof deck may only be 20% of combustible material such as wood, however most roof deck products such as prefab wood tiles that sit on pedestals are treated and have a Class A fire rating. This rating is essentially non-combustible in code terms so an entire roof could be covered with this material. Regular deck boards however would be a problem. Was the deck installed with a permit? The load for a few people on a deck and some furniture is similar to the normal snow loads on the roof with no deck so may not be a problem. The dead load of the deck would need to be added. If you plan on having elbow to elbow parties on the deck, that is a higher load. If you want to discuss, we have experience litigating in court on roof deck issues. I am an architect and can refer you to a lawyer whom I have worked with on this exact topic. Dave 914-693-1159.