Roof Decking Options

Constructing a roof deck over the top of an existing flat roof is an excellent way of making the most of the underutilized area on top of many apartment buildings. With a bit of thought and effort, a rooftop can become a fantastic outdoor living and entertainment area. But firstly there are a few important points you need to check before you can even contemplate building your deck.

1. Most apartment building owners won't permit the installation of any permanent structure on an existing rooftop, which naturally limits the available options that you can consider for the new deck surface. But it is still essential that the materials you are permitted to use can be installed in such a way they won't be affected by strong winds.

2. Any materials used must not damage or be capable of damaging existing torch down, asphalt or other types of waterproof membranes.

3. You need to check with local authorities to ensure that any materials you use for your roof deck comply with fire regulations or any planning regulations.

4. The building owner should also be consulted to receive written approval for your project as should any other organisations or bodies concerned with the maintenance of the overall building structure

So what are the decking options that could be considered when building a roof deck?

Concrete blocks - Low-cost and ready availability are undoubtedly the most attractive features of concrete blocks. On the flipside however, concrete blocks can tend to be rather bland and not particularly stylish even though it's possible these days to purchase concrete blocks in many different colours and surface textures. Moving them to a rooftop and laying them can also involve some effort. The additional weight of the blocks may need to be considered as well as the extra height of the finished surface, which could be a problem in some cases.

Interlocking concrete pavers - Similar to standard concrete blocks but with the extra feature of interlocking construction, such pavers typically have a more attractive appearance and available in a wider range of surface patterns and colours. Transportation to the jobsite and the extra weight loading on the rooftop also needs to be taken into consideration as with the standard concrete blocks.

Traditional wood or composite wood decks - Since a traditional deck must be screwed or nailed to sleepers or bearers, you'll firstly have to install this support structure on the rooftop. It's possible that some apartment owners may not approve of this form of construction. Unfortunately also the requirement for extra support materials can add to the cost of building a deck quite significantly. Note also that this form of construction will raise the height of the existing deck surface.

Solid wood tiles and pedestal system -Often there is a requirement for a rooftop deck to be perfectly horizontal, and in this case the wood tile and pedestal system is possibly the best option. Such tiles are a solid wood construction, normally about 18"-24" in size and are positioned with their corners on adjustable plastic pedestals, typically with some proprietary fastening devices attached to the corners. When considering this option, the additional cost of the pedestals themselves need to be taken into account. Also, there can be a slight springy feel when walking on these panels. It may be relevant also in your particular circumstance to note that the tiles cannot be used in areas subject to hurricanes or tornados.

Recycled rubber - Recycled rubber tiles can be a useful option if you prefer a surface that is softer and also prefer to use environmentally responsible materials. These tiles are available in a number of sizes and styles including interlocking tiles which don't need any adhesives for joining. Generally speaking however, the available color options tend to be quite limited.

Aluminum decking - Aluminum decking is another option you may wish to consider. But as with the solid wood option, you firstly need to install a deck support system on which to attach the aluminium planks. The principal advantages of aluminum are its light weight and fire resistance, although on the other hand, the colour range is fairly limited.

Vinyl decking - Similar in many respects to aluminum decking, vinyl decking is supplied in plank form which can be interlocked. Generally available only in a limited colour range.

Interlocking deck tiles - If you are not concerned about the slight slope on an existing rooftop, then installing interlocking deck tiles directly over the top of the rooftop or membrane is possibly your best option. These type of tiles just lock in place by snapping them together - water drains away via the mesh base attached to the underside of the tiles. One of the principal advantages of interlocking deck tiles is the more attractive cost since you don't need any extra bearers or pedestals and the snap together installation lowers the construction costs dramatically. Interlocking deck tiles also come in a wide variety of surface options - including wood, slate, granite, porcelain and composite wood such as those from HandyDeck. Possible disadvantages apart from the fact that the deck may not be completely horizontal, is that if there are seams or other raised areas on the surface of the rooftop, then the tiles may not lay perfectly flat over these undulations. As with tiles fitted to adjustable pedestals, interlocking tiles cannot be used in areas subject to hurricanes or tornados. Some building owners may also require an additional protective sheet such as EPDM under the tiles to alleviate any concerns about the base of the tiles damaging any waterproof membranes.

However no matter which option you choose for your new roof deck, you can be sure that the end result will be a dramatic improvement and give you year after year of enjoyment.

Filed under: Tile

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