Rooftop Living Made Simple: Flat Roof Deck Success in 5 steps

Building a deck on a flat roof is called a “roof deck” or “rooftop deck.” Roof decks give you more outdoor space to use and enjoy nice views and entertainment.

But you need to build the roof deck correctly to make sure it is good quality and safe. This article talks about the important things to think about when putting in a roof deck system.

It covers choosing deck materials and the right construction steps.

Why Install a Flat Roof Deck?

Building a flat roof structure allows transforming unused roof space into livable square footage. Typical rooftop deck motivations include:

• Additional outdoor living space to enjoy open air amenities not feasible inside the home
• Nice views from an elevated height that can also provide better sunlight exposure
• An entertainment space for hosting guests, barbecues, parties or green space in an urban environment
• Versatile use for gardens, relaxation areas, fitness zones or adult sanctuaries
• In a commercial setting like hotels, roof decks can provide appealing guest amenities or event space

Building a deck on a roof requires lots of planning and preparation to make it structurally sound.

But being able to enjoy beautiful open skies every day from your rooftop deck makes the work and expense worth it.

Critical Design Factors for Rooftop Decks

Several key considerations shape the planning process for installing roof decks:

Safety

Guard rails, fences and boundary elements to prevent falls and enable emergency access routes.

Open-sided flat roof decks above certain height thresholds require Guardrail railings by code.

Waterproofing

Protecting the existing roof surface from excess moisture is vital.

All deck installations require installation of membranes designed specifically to waterproof roof decks prior to construction.

Structural Strength and Load Capacity

The roof must be checked to make sure it can handle the weight of the deck flooring, chairs, tables and other things you want to use on it.

Local building codes determine how much weight the roof needs to hold. This might mean needing to add extra supports like more joints or posts.

Layout and Floorplan

The deck’s shape, size, height differences, and where you access it impact the installation work required.

When planning out the space, account for existing things on the roof like HVAC units.

Sunlight and Shading Needs

Consider how much sunlight or shade there is when choosing the location. Think about shadows from nearby buildings and trees at different times of the day.

The amount of sun exposure you want affects the best place to install the deck.

Flat Roof Deck Installation Systems

Constructing the supportive base upon the roof surface provides a framework to securely hold deck flooring.

Three main installation systems suit different roof types and decking material needs:

Pedestal Systems

Pedestals lift the deck flooring to create a flat roof deck surface. They adjust to account for roof slope. The pedestals elevate the pavers for water drainage and roof protection beneath.

They support tiles, pavers or wood material options atop. Pedestal system spacing depends on flooring weight and type to handle. These systems suit concrete pavers, porcelain or ceramic tile, stone, and some wood tiles.

Sleeper Frame Systems

Sleeper frames system use durable, pressure-treated wood built on the roof without attaching to its surface. Wooden joist rails mount across the roof structure to enable drainage flow underneath.

Perpendicularly-secured deck boards atop create an elevated floor while facilitating runoff. Open joists avoid water pooling above the roof membrane. Railings often mount into joist sides serving as safety barriers.

Grid Installation Systems

Some composite deck tiles have proprietary grid patterns with integrated stabilization built into the floor pieces. This removes the need for single pedestals under each tile.

Instead, the connecting grid provides both drainage routes and secure interlocking attachments between the modular sections using inbuilt supports.

Installers simply fit these stabilizing tile grid pieces together over the roof space. This greatly speeds up construction versus adjusting many individual pedestals.

Popular Flat Roof Deck Materials

Deck flooring selections focus both aesthetic interests and performance factors like durability, traction, weather-resistance and weight (lighter materials require less structural support). Top options include:

Concrete Pavers

Concrete stays a popular choice for flat roof decks because it is very affordable and available in many colors that complement buildings.

Concrete pavers can handle intense sun, rain and freezing weather. Their top surface lasts a long time. Downsides are that concrete is heavy, needing solid roof support.

Also, wet concrete gets slippery. Concrete pavers almost always use a pedestal system over the flat roof build.

Porcelain Pavers

For luxury decks with higher budgets, porcelain tiles provide a very sturdy, stain-proof floor that looks like wood, limestone, granite or marble.

Top composite porcelain tiles work for hotel roof deck pools and party spaces wanting a classy look using pedestals. T

hese tiles stand up to weather while matching high-end building designs. Their dense composition resists cracking, chips or scratches even under heavy commercial loads.

Wood Roof Deck Tiles

Interlocking wood deck tiles made of teak, bamboo or shorea wood species naturally fit outdoor living areas.

Soft and hardwood tiles work on temporary set-ups with pedestals or built-in grid frameworks. Wetness is wood’s weakness, affecting long-term durability.

But with proper sealing, wood tiles last many years. As an eco-friendly choice, flexibility for creative designs makes wood a frequent pick for homes. Proper care helps wood roof tiles achieve a decent lifetime.

Composite Deck Tiles

Composite deck tiles blend polyethylene, recycled wood and plastic into lightweight, weather-resistant pieces. Weighing much less than stone or concrete eases installation on grid frameworks.

Composites resist mold, mildew and wetness while being easy to clean after parties or daily use thanks to stain protection. With affordability and reliability, composites work on home and commercial flat roof decks.

Their mix of perks makes composites a versatile material choice.

Aspire Pavers: An All-In-One Flat Roof Deck Solution

Aspire Pavers offers an engineered roof deck tile system that simplifies installation versus typical concrete paver and pedestal builds.

Their patented panel grid framework snaps together. Perforated composite tiles promote drainage directly through the pieces to prevent pooled water.

Weighing 80% less than stone pavers eases lifting. Resisting mold, moisture and having a sleek look are other perks. Aspire tiles snap atop roof membranes without lots of sub-structure. Most install in 1-2 days without heavy equipment.

Their all-inclusive modular system works for homes/apartments wanting flat roof deck additions.

Certainly, let’s focus on price and durability for each deck flooring option:

LEED Considerations for Sustainable Flat Roof Decks

Commercial buildings and hotels seeking LEED certification in recognition of sustainability efforts can earn credits.

These credits are for installing eco-friendly deck spaces.Key LEED measures include:

• Sourcing locally manufactured building materials when possible to reduce emissions from long-distance transportation. Many composite deck manufacturers use regional facilities.
• Wood decking made from non-endangered forest woods or fast-growing bamboo as renewable options. Various responsible forestry organizations certify sustainable harvesting practices.
• Deck tiles made with recycled plastics, wood fibers, rubber or metal scraps keep waste out of landfills. Check the percentage of recycled content companies use.

Permeable deck surfaces let rain, snowmelt and roof overflow drain through open grids back to the roof instead of runoff. This lowers stormwater buildup risks.

Solar powered LED lights, electric heating tiles and phone chargers add renewable energy into the design.

Using multiple green construction methods helps designers gain more LEED points based on the deck’s total eco-friendly attributes. This leads to certification.

Conclusions

In conclusion, installing flat roof decks requires consideration of several central design factors and proper selection of materials as well the installation system. 

The desire to add another outdoor living area is the main intent behind building a flat roof deck, and this article has outlined some key points for successful deployments. 

Flat roof decks require careful design of materials and systems. Motivation often boils down to making the most of outdoor spaces. 

Different systems (pedestal, sleeper frame, grid) as well as different materials (concrete pavers, porcelain tiles. wood and composite), all have their own advantages. 

The article highlights LEED considerations for sustainability. A quality installation adds aesthetic and practical value, making an attractive all-purpose space.

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