Flat Roof Over A Deck

Unfortunately many homeowners who have a flat deck roof have to deal with frequent leaks.

Flat roof over a deck.

The key is in the word flat. No matter the reason the keys to a long lasting deck above a living space are the same. For those who desire a bit more shade and privacy while soaking up the rays however a deck roof may be in order. There are tons of reasons to build a deck over a roof from creating a romantic outdoor breakfast nook off a second floor master bedroom to providing a second floor porch on a city house.

If you are tying the roof directly to a house wall you can install a ledger board with flashing and install rafter ties to attach the rafters at the appropriate angles or use engineered trusses. Frame up a box the size of the outer dimensions of your deck using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Then run joists connecting the front of your roof with the rear every two feet along the length of your roof. 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. So rather than a roofing material like shingles that simply lets water run down it you need a roofing. They are merely placed on top of another structure. Another reason is the original design flaw implemented by architects and or builders who have no experience in flat roofing and do not have appropriate roofing technology to use.

Build the frame of the roof on the ground. Building a deck on a flat roof is neither difficult nor time consuming. 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 surface and into the structure. Inspect the roof to make sure it is in good condition and acquire any permits that may be required by the local zoning board.

Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaking than pitched roofs. A reliable roof membrane and details that minimize any damage to the roof from the deck loads. Shed roofs project as a single plane roof pitched away from the house. Summer calls for sultry nights under the stars and sun drenched cocktail gatherings making the backyard deck the ultimate destination this season.

Building a deck over a flat roof is very similar to building a deck over a concrete patio. First you must make sure the roof is strong enough to support 55 lbs per square foot. Of roof decking costs 800 2 800 to install depending on the material you choose. Two people can install a brand new deck in a weekend with little or no previous construction experience.