Roof Live Load for Deck & Planters

Dear OP, Since you have an architect, after he/she specs the steel I-Beam size (W 10 or W-12 ?) based on the width of your bldg you state is @ 22′ 4″, contact the Steel Mills. There’s Park Ave Steel, Ms.Jackie Lopez, Account Executive, on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. There’s Eastern Steel Corporation on Pitkin Ave in Brooklyn. For the cost of a crane and installation, licensed & insured contractors can submit quotes upon viewing the architect’s plans/CD’s.

patrickburnsjr

in General Discussion 1 year and 5 months ago

19

Please log in, in order to post replies!

19 replies

Newest Oldest

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

I’m trying to understand the live load capacity for our roof on an old (built in 1900) loft in SoHo. The roof joists are 3×10 Southern Yellow Pine spaced between 18-20″ on center. Appreciate anyone’s help. Thanks!

kassie319 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5133 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5132 (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)
}

Is there a C of O available? An engineer will need the span, roof deck material/ weight, amount of roofing membranes, columns below etc. Start point is 40lbs/ sq ft less 25 for snow leaving 15 for live load of garden elements and people. I’ve often used the full 15 for garden elements making the argument that people and snow aren’t up there at the same time (Building engineers sometimes accept this, sometimes not..)

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5129 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

No C of O for the roof. The span is 22′ 4″. Roof deck is 2 layers of modbit with foam insulation underneath.

For the 15psf remaining, is that generally considered an average over the entire surface area? For example, my planters are about 50psf, but they don’t occupy much of the roof at all?

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5136 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

No C of O for the roof. The span is 22′ 4″. Roof deck is 2 layers of modbit with foam insulation underneath.

For the 15psf remaining, is that generally considered an average over the entire surface area? For example, my planters are about 50psf, but they don’t occupy much of the roof at all?

justinromeu26 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5135 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5133 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["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)
}

this is a question for an architect or engineer.

what is the span of each joist? the reason i ask is what is going on in a loft in soho is very different than a 20 or 25′ wide brownstone.

i have a question out to an architect concerning dead load on a roof right now and will probably be reading about this soon. in our case, we are also having to consider that there are already three layers of roof (bitumen, 1″ of poly iso insulation and a second barrier and membrane and then another layer of 2″ poly and a membrane) so that weight is having to be figured into an equation that will include future live load.

Be sure to consider the existing roof and any water that may have accumulated under the roof or between membranes if you have multiple layers and there had been a leak. never mind what the law says about how many roofs can do down.

in our case, we are opening the roof this coming week to check for moisture between the layers.

these questions are really for a licensed architect and when i get involved in this, i only raise questions based on site conditions a nd report what we are finding to architects or engineers. sometimes i do not even care what the end answers are so long as the licensed professionals are doing what they are paid to do.

steve
brownstonehomeinspection.com

kassie319 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5129 (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, over entire area.

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5137 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

We’re a narrow building at 22′ 4″ wide. It’s a corner building in SoHo, so the width is similar to a brownstone.

What’s interesting is that the C of O (from the late 70s) lists each floor’s live load as 150 psf. I know that the floor joists are also southern yellow pine spanning 22′ 4″. These joists are 3×12 spaced 16″ o.c. (as opposed to the roof at 3×10 at 18-20″ o.c.). That 150 seems high (esp relative to a 40psf for the roof) to me — but I’m no expert.

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5129 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

We’re a narrow building at 22′ 4″ wide. It’s a corner building in SoHo, so the width is similar to a brownstone.

What’s interesting is that the C of O (from the late 70s) lists each floor’s live load as 150 psf. I know that the floor joists are also southern yellow pine spanning 22′ 4″. These joists are 3×12 spaced 16″ o.c. (as opposed to the roof at 3×10 at 18-20″ o.c.). That 150 seems high (esp relative to a 40psf for the roof) to me — but I’m no expert.

justinromeu26 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5137 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5136 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["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)
}

so you have a roof system (insulation and mod bit) covered with a second layer of mod bit?

and you are sure the roof was redone down to the deck, no old bitumen?

justinromeu26 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5135 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5134 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["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)
}

you can find a joist table on line for southern yellow pine.

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5129 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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 the roof was redone (down to the deck) in 1989. It was recently redone through a “roll-over” this year where they put a new layer of modbit over the existing.

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5137 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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 the roof was redone (down to the deck) in 1989. It was recently redone through a “roll-over” this year where they put a new layer of modbit over the existing.

justinromeu26 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5129 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["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)
}

had there been leaks in the old roof and was there insulation under the old roof, perhaps with a barrier under the insulation and above the deck that can trap water? had there been bubbles on the old roof to indicate there was a lot of trapped moisture?

how many 50# planters?

i am not an engineer nor am i an architect (i am a Haag Certified Roof Inspector which means i look at old roofs to inspect for wear and damage). i am currently on a project where load is a concern and the questions the engineers on the project have is if there is trapped water and what that can do to load. normally i might think this concern is excessive but we know there are three separate systems on this roof (and a verbal suggestion as to the dead load on the roof is 17 lbs per sq foot without water; i am not going to guess what you might have) and we do not know what conditions existed before they put the most recent roof on. the engineers are concerned about what we add.

next week we have to cut this roof open and i might weigh some of it. I might tell you what we have and may be you can work off of that.

in two weeks i have to sit down with the engineer and architects and review what we are finding and i will be discussing exactly what you are concerned with your house for our situation. i will ask loads of questions.

i never get involved in load calculations because as a licensed and insured home inspector with consulting insurance, i do not want to over step my authority and leave myself open to a claim.

if i had to take a guess, i would say the planters are not a problem. but with these things we do not guess and i can’t answer. yes, your 150 seems high for a floor (this must have been manufacturing; i just looked at the live load for the floors in a building i once managed and it is 60-100 on the first and 40 to 60 on the second and this was steel and concrete) but keep in mind that is the floors, not the roof. the roof will be different and it has to handle snow but i am going to guess that the numbers for your roof fall back to what china town red stated (don’t rely on that 150lbs for the roof unless you find it stated someplace). keep in mind snow storms are getting heavier and wetter as time goes on.

try to find a joist chart for 3×10. I tried to find one on line over the summer and could not. if you are using 2×12 or so, i think you are at the outer limits.

kassie319 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5137 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5136 (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)
}

50psf for planter is fine but they must be shallow! 65-85lbs/cu.ft is typical saturated weight for soil on rooftops . Do you have someone designing this for you? I’ve done a few over the years if you need help..

justinromeu26 | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5135 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5134 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["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)
}

Most people would do this without asking the question op. I would put one planter on my roof w/o thinking about. A bunch of planters would be another story.

patrickburnsjr | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5129 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193383"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "patrickburnsjr"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKNbz0IWU9K7xOofJIaW.XoGJYNErH0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "patrickburnsjr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "patrickburnsjr@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:54:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193383)
  ["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)
}

I would consider eliminating ‘any and all’ weight load off the roof directly and install incombustible steel dunnage supported on your structural load bearing walls to carry a deck and planters.
You may want a licensed structural engineer to inspect the structural walls and submit a report in writing.

JohnHancock | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5137 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "22067"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "JohnHancock"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bw9EUIInWUWur5HPQmiuDek2VIWsxp1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "JohnHancock"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "steefv@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-12-17 12:39:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "JohnHancock"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(22067)
  ["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)
}

You’d be surprised what can blow off a roof in a good storm!

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5129 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone have a general sense of the ballpark cost of floating steel I beams (would probably need 5 according to my architect) above the roof (tying into the parapets)?

rights8877zz | 1 year and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5138 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191340"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZruQNJFlRVFP2.ZRfG2URjRCOdDUq."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "rights8877zz"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "rights8877zz@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-11-14 13:14:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Donna James Donna James"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191340)
  ["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)
}

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone have a general sense of the ballpark cost of floating steel I beams (would probably need 5 according to my architect) above the roof (tying into the parapets)?