SURFACE DECKING
PAVERS & WOOD TILES
Modular pavers or tiles are the most common walking surface for a roof deck. Made of hardwood planks, porcelain, concrete or natural stone, they come in a wide range of colors, textures and sizes. Design options must be matched with functional considerations appropriate for the rooftop conditions.
WOOD DECK TILES are usually made of Ipe, Cumaru or several other tropical hardwood species. They are highly resistant to moisture, rot and warping, and perform best without stain or sealant. Deck tiles typically come in widths of 24 inches and lengths of 24, 48, 72 and 96 inches. Wood tiles not harvested from tropical rainforests include bamboo composite, thermally modified woods, and northern hardwood species such as Black Locust. All wood deck tiles fade to a similar silver-gray patina when exposed to direct sunlight.
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2CM PORCELAIN PAVERS are ¾ inch thick, very hard and durable. The slip resistant and non-porous surface resists staining, weathering and scarring. Available in various sizes, porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of color and design patterns.
CONCRETE PAVERS are widely used in public spaces and large commercial installations. They come in various dimensions and colors, the most common and affordable of which is 24x24 inch with a sandblast finish. Prices vary widely according to the quality of finish and unique sizes. The heavy weight of concrete makes these pavers less suitable for many residential applications and impact labor considerations.
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NATURAL STONE PAVERS are usually fabricated out of bluestone, limestone, basalt or granite. They make for a highly elegant deck surface. When installed over pedestals, stone pavers must be highly rectified and of consistent structural strength.
JOIST & LONG-PLANK
Some rooftop conditions allow for the use of traditional long-plank decking. The assembly of joists and planks looks much like that of the common backyard deck - except that the entire structure "floats" on the roof. Joists are elevated and leveled over weight-bearing pedestal supports which distribute the load evenly across the roof. Decking can be of natural wood, such as cedar, redwood or hardwoods. There are also many composite decking products to choose from.
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However, there are limitations and drawbacks to a joist and long-plank system. Many rooftops do not have the vertical clearance to accommodate the framed assembly. There are also concerns about adequate airflow/breathability. To protect the roof – both in design and during construction – serious attention must be given to proper use of accessory materials and construction methods.
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Beware of laying "sleepers" over your rooftop in place of proper joists. A lot can go wrong and it's not worth the risk to your roof. Same with custom built pallets. Click to see WHY.
ROOFTOP DECKING
DONE RIGHT
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