Floating Flat Roof Deck

Photo by dave holbrook.

Floating flat roof deck.

I tore everything up replaced the wood that needed it and built up the base and covered everything in epdm. When a roof is flat it actually will have a very slight slope water is going to spend a lot more time in one place giving it more time to find a way underneath the roof. The shed itself was built on blocks floating in the same exact manner as the deck. Many homes in new england have walk on flat roof decks with living space under them and 90 percent of these deck roofs leak ruining your rooms.

The key is in the word flat. I am taking a 25x25 roof over a garage that was done in decking then tile and leaked. Stains on sheet rock ceilings popping hardwood flooring wet carpets and rotted framing are just some of the damages that you may sustain as a result of these leaks. A reliable roofing approved waterproof membrane may be the most essential component to extend the lifetime performance for flat roof deck assemblies designed as floating or pedestal systems.

First you must make sure the roof is strong enough to support 55 lbs per square foot. When the frame was completed i used an electric hand planer to remove any high spots to ensure that the decking boards would lay uniformly flat. Building a floating deck on an epdm rubber roof surface. What s the difference between a regular roof and a flat roof and why does it require different material.

Two people can install a brand new deck in a weekend with little or no previous construction experience. The roof deck surface should sloped away from the house a minimum 1 8 inch per foot so the water will. The landing in front of the shed is anchored to it with a ledger board using long lag screws. Building a deck over a flat roof is very similar to building a deck over a concrete patio.

Inspect the roof to make sure it is in good condition and acquire any permits that may be required by the local zoning board. These decks are often referred to as floating as they are not secured in place as a stand alone structure. Before beginning however it is important to do two things. Careful detailing of membrane roofs at corners doorways and penetrations is critical for long term performance.

Building a deck on a flat roof is neither difficult nor time consuming. Epdm is the best choice for most rooftop decks. They are merely placed on top of another structure.