Roof deck questions

Hello, I’m trying to create a deck on the roof of a 1 story extension. If I’m not mistaken, the railing has to be 42″ to be up to code and i need to have 3′ of non-combustible material from the property line. Since Im the only one with an extension and there isn’t a structure next to the the extension, do I still need to observe the 3′ property line requirement? As for decking material itself – has anyone used pavers and can they just sit on top of the roof without being secured to teh joists or subfloor (I don’t want to penetrate the membrane if possible). Also, I had the roof redone recently and they put in fibreglass insulation boards under the felt and membrane. Can I put pavers or Ikea decking tiles on the surface or does it need to be hard, ie plywood or concrete? Thanks very much!

katdov

in Decks and Porches 8 years and 7 months ago

10

162

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

katdov | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5075 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5023 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "184796"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCxGaFYMvDXGy9L03emV09W6b6Z104."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "k.dovlatov@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:55:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(184796)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks jcko45 – I did talk to Susan. This Brownstone Belt is a small world))

Citysilver | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5070 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5072 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180213"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "Citysilver"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bwr3fYqZ/.3BW4BCw/N39mosTEeNtP/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "jcko45"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "sberkley99@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:39:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "jcko45"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180213)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m with ‘chinatownred’…Susan B Hager/Sketch & Hammer and Scott Schnall P.E./Schnall & Schnall who work together in The Brownstone Belt (for over 20 years)will both tell you, you need to assume the cost of steel WD8 I-Beams which float OFF your roof membrane and subsequently are carried by your load-bearing parapet walls,(being an incombustible support-framing)–and only THEN can you rest your Ipe, Pine, or Gratings on the top of this steel. Otherwise you are going to compromise the roofing membrane surface with eccentric weight loads. The only roofs that can take direct weight loads are cement-slab roofs, not brownstones-

katdov | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5023 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5074 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "184796"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCxGaFYMvDXGy9L03emV09W6b6Z104."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "k.dovlatov@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:55:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(184796)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@chinatownred – thank you for these product suggestions. I especially liked eco arbor choices. That said, I cannot put them directly on my roof membrane because of the fiberglass insulation board under it (ie, not hard surface). So I am back to square one with the steel frame/platform.

cityrock | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5044 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5050 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "148186"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "cityrock"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhqgvT7TWHTbP55PjX4StObRTEdadF1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "cityrock"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(29) "lafayettebrownstone@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/cityrock/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:22:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "cityrock"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(148186)
  ["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)
}

@chinatownred – Well I’m in the similar situation. My new neighbors extended their property one level creating a a roof deck. In doing so they split my Chimney in order to accomplish. I’ve complained to DOB, God knows who and nothing has been done. One will I start to have structural problems?

kassie319 | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5081 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5083 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194226"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "kassie319"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTXYsM.VG/N.IRz83o4taWo2LX9xMc/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "kassie319"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "kperezdesir@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 13:42:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Kassandra Desir Kassandra Desir"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194226)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Yes, probably somewhat expensive. Some I beams and subway grating whit whatever surface you want, stone or pre-cast pavers.. On the other hand, all combustion issues are resolved, no need to restructure your roof from the inside, no waterproofing issues, no load problems! If you want lighter weight non-combustible pedestal paving systems, google handydeck or eco arbor.

katdov | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5050 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5299 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "184796"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCxGaFYMvDXGy9L03emV09W6b6Z104."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "k.dovlatov@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:55:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(184796)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Chinatownred – a steel structure would have to be custom made and my guess is would be super expensive. I wanted to keep costs down at this time. Unless maybe you know a reasonably priced fabricator? Daveinbdstuy – I agree with everything you are saying but have been struggling to find something to protect the membrane that is non-combustible. If you can send a link to some such material/method or give me the name of material that DOB allows on the roof, I’d be very grateful. Thank you both!

daveinbedstuy | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5083 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5044 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["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)
}

There are all sorts of methods of putting all sorts of materials on a roof surface. You can find many youtube videos about different approaches. This Old House has done a few. Basically you want to protect the roof with another membrane, allow for drainage coming down the roof surface and have a surface to walk on that doesn’t add too much weight. There are a lot of different interlocking plastic materials that accomplish the latter and are lightweight.

kassie319 | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5299 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5081 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194226"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "kassie319"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTXYsM.VG/N.IRz83o4taWo2LX9xMc/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "kassie319"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "kperezdesir@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 13:42:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Kassandra Desir Kassandra Desir"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194226)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A steel super structure spanning the bearing walls should remove any concerns regarding loads and compromising your new membrane. I’d advise against putting pedestals or deck boards directly onto the membrane, at a minimum there should be a drainage plane and some kind of protection board beneath pedestals. The insulation used beneath the membrane may not be appropriate for the point loads of pedestals.

katdov | 8 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5050 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5300 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "184796"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCxGaFYMvDXGy9L03emV09W6b6Z104."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "k.dovlatov@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:55:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(184796)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

jcarch – thanks for that! in follow up – since I just had the roof redone, is there a way to reinforce without opening it up again? ie, perhaps some sort of frame attached to the parapet? thanks again!