How To Build A Rooftop Deck On A Sloped Roof

In this article builder emanuel silva shares his method for building such a deck which begins with a leak proof low slope roof of epdm rubber.

How to build a rooftop deck on a sloped roof.

On average 300 sq ft. To provide drainage the panels should slope toward the outside edge of the deck about 1 4 in. Unfortunately many homeowners who have a flat deck roof have to deal with frequent leaks. Building a deck above a porch roof allows for sheltered space below and views from above.

One of the challenges in building a deck on a roof like this that s unlevel is the deck needs to be level. The roof deck surface should sloped away from the house a minimum 1 8 inch per foot so the water will. Make the front of the roof the height of the house roof you are presumably tying into with the rear sloping at a rate of six inches over two feet. These decks are often referred to as floating as they are not secured in place as a stand alone structure.

They are merely placed on top of another structure. Tie your existing deck posts into the roof by extending your corner posts with the 4 by 4 lumber. Hardwood decking is then fastened to tapered pressure treated sleepers that rest on additional strips. This is usually because low quality leak prone decking materials such as epdm rubber are used often in an effort to save money.

Plan to space the 2x4 purlins parallel to the house and 3 ft. Building a deck on a sloped roof. How to build a deck roof. Of roof decking costs 800 2 800 to install depending on the material you choose.

But the rooftop location does offer some unique challenges particularly in regard to the deck s foundation. By john fenton n b canada i want to build a deck on a sloped roof. Careful detailing of membrane roofs at corners doorways and penetrations is critical for long term performance. Instead a pair of beams rest on supports called sill plates to create a frame for the deck.

Much of the work that s being done here is identical to what you would see on any deck built in a suburban backyard. Since most roof decks are floating structures that sit on top of flat roofs it s crucial to weatherproof the roof below the deck to prevent water from seeping into the home. A deck on a sloped roof requires a different approach to the framing underneath the joists. My plan is to open up the roof and sit a couple of 4x4 posts on top of the outside wall.

Epdm is the best choice for most rooftop decks. Photo by dave holbrook. Before installing a roof deck you must be certain the roof is stable and weatherproofed. Some key details for a leakproof rooftop deck are.

Roof deck framing unlike for decks at ground level doesn t entail a ledger attached to the rim joist of a house. 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.