Plan Your Rooftop Deck Design
You may already have some ideas on how to utilize your rooftop deck space. Are you going to have plantings? An overhead element like a pergola? Seating areas? Do you need access to drains or utilities? Professional designers can help you plan wisely for your unique space. Enlisting experienced professionals can save you years of grief and add many years of enjoyment. Your call.
Need some rooftop deck design inspiration?
Attach Rafters To The Fascia Of The Main Roof
Now that is done, the next thing to do is to have 6×2 rafters the number of the vertical beams installed.
These rafters will be attached to the fascia of the main roof, running down and laying on each of the beams, which will now be extending straight from the ground to the lowest part of the roof, which is the end of the deck.
How To Build A Deck On A Flat Roof
- Written by Justin Stewart on Aug 25, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Building a deck on a flat roof is neither difficult nor time-consuming. Two people can install a brand new deck in a weekend, with little or no previous construction experience. Before beginning, however, it is important to do two things: inspect the roof to make sure it is in good condition, and acquire any permits that may be required by the local zoning board.
Step 1 Simplify the Project
The joists of the deck, as with most flooring, will be set out on 16 inch centers. To simplify a construction project of this type, adjust the size of the project to be divisible by 16. For this project, the deck will be relatively small, but will be sized to use factory cut lumber, saving a tremendous amount of construction time. This deck will measure 16 feet by 12 feet. To build it, you will need four 16 foot 2×6, and 44 12 foot 2×6. Order one box of 16 diameter nails.
Step 2 Order Materials
Step 3 Prepare the Materials
Step 4 Assemble the Deck
Step 5 Add Handrails
A roof deck is almost certainly going to be required by law to have handrails. The specific requirements will vary from one location to another. When you know the requirements, use 2×2 lumber for the rail posts, and connect a 2×6 to their tops edgewise for the handrail.
Also Check: How To Figure Out How Much Metal Roofing You Need
Best Deck Roof Ideas To Enhance The Comfort Of Your Deck
Adding a deck in your backyard and front yard is a great trick to extend the living area of your home. When you are creating a deck plan, you must remember to plan for its roof. Various deck roof ideas can make your deck look more interesting. In addition, they will make you feel more comfortable when lounging on the deck.
However, you will not get this comfort if you choose the wrong deck roof. In consequence, you need to consider many things in choosing this roof.
Some of them are deck roof materials and coverings, the weather in your area, and your budget. If you need some inspirations on this particular roof, you can check these deck roof ideas.
Does A Covered Porch Add Value
Yes, A Porch Addition Will Add Monetary Value To Your Home Getting right to the point, the addition of ANY professionally designed and built outdoor living space will add monetary value to your home. A covered porch, screened porch or 3-season porch will add significant liveable square footage to your property.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost In Nh
Benefits Of Building A Roof Over A Deck
How Novatuff Coatings Epoxy Roof Coating System Can Protect Your Concrete Roof:
As a fluid-applied epoxy roof coating system, NovaTuff Coatings easily bond with the existing substrate, filling all areas where water penetration has occurred. When properly installed, our Epoxy Roof Coating System forms a long-lasting and sustainable watertight barrier that extends the life of your roof and protects against leaks and UV radiation, one of the main causes of breakdown on non-coated concrete roofs.
You May Like: How Long Do Roofs Last In Georgia
Ensure Working Space For Construction Is Adequate
Typically, roof deck construction requires more working space than a ground-level deck. Youll need to determine how the crew will access your roof, whether thats by interior stairs leading to the roof or outdoor scaffolding. Not all, but some homes may even need crane access for their rooftop deck, which means you must have enough space for the crane to move around trees, existing outbuildings, power lines, or other obstructions.
Dont Miss: How Often Does A Tile Roof Need To Be Replaced
First Step: Is A Rooftop Deck Allowed In Your Area
Before getting started, find out if a rooftop deck is allowed in your area. Do you have local zoning prohibiting a rooftop deck? Are there homeowner association restrictions in your area? Find out. If not, a great place to start is to check with your local building department. Building code officials are a wealth of information. They know the local building codes and can save you money in the long run.
Dont Miss: How Do I Know If My Roof Is Leaking
Read Also: How To Scale A Roofing Business
How To Waterproof A New Concrete Slab
SealTite MaxPly is a high strength-bonding adhesive for bonding SealTite Duramesh Membrane to flat concrete roof surfaces. Used as part of the SealTite Waterproofing System on flat concrete roofs.
SealTite MagMar is a premium quality ultra-durable, Urethane Hybrid Nano-Polymer waterproof topcoat that forms an extremely durable and highly flexible waterproofing protective film. It is UV resistant and weather resistant. For exterior use. Solves any decorative, protective and waterproofing problem with one product. For use on flat concrete roofs, tiled roofs, galvanized iron roofs and cromadek roofs. Also for decorative and waterproofing protection of areas such as roof ridges, parapets, skylights, flashings, joints, gaps and roof screws, gutters, flat concrete roofs, concrete slabs and tiles.
SURFACE PREPERATION Ensure surface is dry and in sound condition free from dust, rust, grease, oil, algae, fungus or any loose or flaking particles.
PRACTICAL TIPS Do not apply if rain is expected. Ensure each coat is dry before commencing next coat Do not overspread or apply too thin. Regular maintenance coats will add and enhance the already existing film thickness.
Does A Covered Patio Increase Home Value
I have inspected hundreds of homes with covered patios, and most of them have higher home values than those that do not have covered patios.Adding a shade over a patio is a classy part of a homes improvements. Everyone would love to have a classy party in their home to sit and relax, whether by themselves or with guests.
Home improvements and valuable structural additions make a home stand out from ordinary homes. When you have a roof over a deck, it means that you will spend more time outdoors without having to seek shelter elsewhere from the scorching sun or the rain.
Does a covered patio add market value to a home? Yes, it does, and there are two ways it adds value to your property:
Recommended Reading: How Do You Insulate A Flat Roof
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of A Roof Rat
How To Install An Under
Before setting up an under-deck ceiling, you must ensure the space above it the space between the deck boards and the ceiling is watertight. Some DIY websites recommend adding a deck roof to an existing two-story deck. This roof under the deck allows water to drip through the deck boards, over the wooden joists and beams, and get the wood wet repeatedly. Wet wood will eventually rot, especially in more humid climates.
And it doesnt take long. In just 8-10 years, your wooden substructure can be significantly damaged by moisture. See for yourself in this video.
Additionally, if theres any moisture trapped between your deck boards and the roof or ceiling you installed, then adding electrical wiring for ceiling fans, light fixtures, or utilities becomes quite dangerous. Not being able to add electricity will significantly impact how you use your outdoor living space.
With Trex RainEscape, you create a gutter and downspout system that will waterproof your substructure the joists and beams that support your decking and the area under your deck, creating dry useable space. The reason Trex RainEscape is so effective is that it is an over joist system, meaning it creates a barrier for water that prevents rain from even touching your wooden substructure. If youre building the deck yourself, choose an over-the-joist system like Trex RainEscape that offers easy installation.
Dont Miss: Can Am X3 Roof Bag
Floating Deck Over Flat A Roof: Diy How To
A flat roof deck can be an attractive addition to your home. The difficulty is that it will need some kind of supporting structure, and you will also need to take care of waterproofing and any penetrations. It is something that is a possible DIY thing, but remember, if you do go that way, there wont be any warranty to fall back on should the rubber roof leak or something else unexpected happens that ends up flooding a downstairs floor area. If you are unsure, maybe the best option is to get someone in.
Nevertheless, if you are still brave to DIY, we are going to talk about how to build a deck over flat roofs. The process of building a deck surface on top of an existing roof top can be tricky, so it is important that you do your research before starting the project. We will cover some important considerations.
In many ways, installing a deck over a flat roof is similar to installing a floating composite or wood deck over a concrete deck on patio instead, its a floating rooftop deck built on a floating deck frame. This type of deck is called a floating deck because it is not permanently fixed in place like a stand-alone structure. They can rather be regarded as an extra deck placed on top of another structure.
Read Also: How Often Does A Roof Have To Be Replaced
Do I Need A Permit To Add A Roof To An Existing Deck
You need a permit to put a roof over your deck. For one, it is a safety concern. Failure to properly fasten the roof to the house could lead to collapse and injury. Secondly, if you dont attach the roof to the house properly, you could invite significant water damage into your house, resulting in major damage.
Any project involving framing or adjusting existing house framing will require a permit, regardless of where it is on your property. However, unlike a shed, even the smallest addition to your existing house roof will require a permit.
Why You Should Install An Under
Some homeowners just want to cover up the exposed under-deck beams and boards when they choose to add an underdeck ceiling. But if youve properly installed a deck drainage system, there are so many other advantages. With an under-deck ceiling you can create:
Whatever your fun or functional plans for your new outdoor living space, youll enjoy these benefits with an under-deck ceiling:
- Make your backyard and home more attractive
- Increase your home value, with more dry, useable space
- Eliminate the rafter space where wasps and spiders love to breed
- Fight mold growth and make it easier to clean
Also Check: How Do You Measure Roofing Squares
Also Check: Is Tin Roof Better Than Shingles
Skoolie Roof Raise Roof Deck Idea
First of all, what an interesting skoolie in the sense with the roof raise with the skylight, bringing up the windows up in the roof raise. But were here to talk about skoolie roof deck ideas so lets do that. A simple way to complete your roof deck is to do it the same way you mounted your solar panels. For this skoolie, the owners decided to mount the steel for the solar panel rack and the rooftop deck to the metal structures of the bus. This allows the solar panel rack and rooftop deck to be more secure rather than mounting them elsewhere.
When To Replace Roof Decking
Roof decking should be replaced when it is damaged or worn out. Damaged roof decking can allow water and excess moisture to enter your home, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Wood decking can last 20 or more years depending on the type and thickness. As a rule of thumb, wood roof decking weakens the more it is nailed into. Generally, after two shingle roof replacements, the decking weakens from numerous nailings and should be replaced. Roof decking under metal roofs can last the lifetime of the metal and may never need replacement.
If you are unsure whether or not your roof decking needs to be replaced, you should contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection.
Don’t Miss: How Wide Is Metal Roofing Sheets
What Is Roof Decking: Types Thickness And Building Codes
Most people assume that their roof is purely made up of roofing shingles. However, while shingles play a critical role in protecting your house from outside elements, other parts of your roof play an even more prominent role. Without implementing roof decking, most roofs wouldnt be as sturdy as they are today. So what exactly is roof decking?
Heres what I know from inspecting thousands of roofs as a Master Inspector:
Roof decking is the supporting wood, steel, concrete, or other material that tiles or roofing shingles are placed on. Roof decking is made from either concrete, steel, or wood. They also act as the protective layer that weather seals your home or building. Roof decking is otherwise referred to as roof sheathing and forms the foundation of the roof.
It is therefore essential that you place priority on the condition of your roof decking. Here, well explore roof decking and the role they play in roofing.
Quick Article Navigation
Roof decking is the supporting wood, steel, concrete, or other material that tiles or shingles are placed on.
A roof deck plays a critical role by forming a foundation for your roof. The roof deck is usually connected directly to your homes rafters. After you have installed the shingles, the roof decking will support the whole weight of your roof.
Near The Front Of The Bus
A skoolie roof deck near the front of the bus might be a good idea if you are not doing a roof raise and have just one emergency hatch. This leaves room for a lot of solar panels in the back of the bus.
A nice idea of having the deck towards the front is the fact that you may not need a ladder then. You could just get on the hood and then get up to the roof that way versus installing a ladder.
Pros:
- Might not need a ladder
Cons:
- Might need to alter it in a way to make it aerodynamic
Recommended Reading: What Is The Average Cost Of New Roof
How To Get Your New Deck Approved By The City Of Boston
If you’re replacing an existing deck, you can skip many approval steps associated with building a roof deck from scratch. The approval steps below mostly apply to new construction projects where a roof deck does not currently exist. And don’t worry… when you choose Boston Roof Hub, you enjoy the added benefit of getting most of the steps below completed for you, at no additional cost, as part of our convenient Roof Deck Planning Program.
Installation Of A Roof Deck
Since most roof decks are floating structures that sit on top of flat roofs, its crucial to weatherproof the roof below the deck to prevent water from leaking into the building below. Flat roofs are prone to leaking even without decks because of design errors, improper materials, and improper installation. Many times when roof decks are installed, they further damage roofs causing more severe leaking and drainage problems. A rubber watertight membrane adds extra protection. The membrane will act as an extra barrier between the floating deck materials and the roof materials below.
After the waterproof membrane is secure, 2 x 6 sections of wood called sleepers are added for support. They are placed every 16 and provide a structure for the deck materials to lay on. This also allows the deck to be removed easily, in case the waterproof membrane is damaged and needs to be accessed for maintenance and repairs.
You will have many options for materials and design when building your roof deck. Choosing sustainably sourced wood and decking is a great option for the environment, and most eco-friendly building materials hold up incredibly well against wear and moisture. Youll want to ensure the materials and design you select are a good fit for the climate in your area. For example, some materials are more susceptible to water damage and warping, so youll want to steer clear of those if you live in a rainy state like Florida.
Also Check: How Much To Replace A Roof In Nj
