May 7 2014 before we look at how to build a deck on a flat roof here s an example of what not to do as debris settled into the cracks of the gravel roof it became a muddy sponge and the sleepers became dams with big rains.
Building deck on flat roof.
Before installing a roof deck you must be certain the roof is stable and weatherproofed.
These decks are often referred to as floating as they are not secured in place as a stand alone structure.
This is usually because low quality leak prone decking materials such as epdm rubber are used often in an effort to save money.
That means there are 4 slopes leading the rain or melted snow water to the drain.
The standing water eventually seeped through and rotted the frame.
I am also planning to make a deck on my flat roof but i have some questions.
So i will not be able to put the sleepers parallel to the slope.
The roof must be able to support 55 pounds per square foot at a minimum.
Building a deck over a flat roof is very similar to building a deck over a concrete patio.
You can do a floating deck and is really your only option.
Two people can install a brand new deck in a weekend with little or no previous construction experience.
Of roof decking costs 800 2 800 to install depending on the material you choose.
By incorporating the vinyl surface into the structure you re leaving much less room for water to find a way in.
Obtain the requirements for a deck above a sloped roof from your jurisdiction s permits office.
Unfortunately many homeowners who have a flat deck roof have to deal with frequent leaks.
Hi thanks for the interesting blog.
First you must make sure the roof is strong enough to support 55 lbs per square foot.
However i would highly recommend that you consider a that the epdm is lying flat on the roof subfloor without any sharp objects that can puncture the edpm once sleepers are laid over top and placed under load.
Relay to your architect any special setbacks such as rules that the front of the deck start 8 feet behind the roof ridgeline or that the height of the deck be no more than 2 feet above the midpoint between the gable and the rear of the roof.
You can use 2x material laid flat or 4x material also as sleepers.
Inspect the roof to make sure it is in good condition and acquire any permits that may be required by the local zoning board.
Then run joists connecting the front of your roof with the rear every two feet along the length of your roof.
On average 300 sq ft.
The thing is that the roof draining is through a hole in the center of the roof.
Before beginning however it is important to do two things.
When installed professionally a vinyl roof deck surface incorporates into the structure of your home condo or commercial development.
This method means that you get waterproofing from end to end not just on the surface.
They are merely placed on top of another structure.
Frame up a box the size of the outer dimensions of your deck using 2 by 4 inch lumber.
