How do I build a roof deck on my flat roof?
Answers: There is allot to consider here up to that time you start building. Will it support the weight? Will it come across local code? What condition is the roof you are building over? How will the roof be replaced when necessary? DO NOT screw through the roof as advise in another answer. How are you going to reseal the screw when the caulk goes fruitless. Never puncture a low slope roof with a screw or fastener. I would look into using the existing roof as the deck before I built over it. IF the existing roof joist can support the additional nouns I would install a new roof and cover the roof next to lightweight patio blocks and enjoy a great look. The roof would need to be protected and some railing built but when it needs replacing it would be jammy to get to. If you must build over the roof, again I would start beside a new roof. Supporting the deck next to columns/supports on the perimeter is a great hypothesis and the way to move about. On the new roof you can build elevated supports that your joist can rest on. These supports should be flashed according to the chosen roofing manufactures specifications. This will provide you beside a new roof next to no penetrations. Depending on the material chosen you should bring back 20 plus years life from a up to date low slope roof and probably longer if you protect it from the sun.
You will want to elevate the deck off the existing flat roof to ensure it is faultlessly level. Most flat roofs own an imperceptible slope to drain hose. Use 2X4s or 2X6s on edge as floor joist every 24 inches. Shim them with wedge to get your rank and anchor them to the roof with galvonized straps. SEAL THE SCREW HOLES. Run 2X6 planks across the joist spacing them about a partially inch apart.
Voila!!!
DECK!!!
I'll agree to some of what answer number one states; and just make a payment my two cents.
I'd probably check the level of the current roof also; but depending on the size and weightiness of the deck you intend; it won't hurt anything to have a modest order of less than 1 inch for run sour. I'd also elevate anything I put up there.
More considerable however; is the structure supporting the current roof/ versus what you intend to add. Again; minus knowing the dimensions of that roof; I'd probably NOT UES IT to support more weight. I'd tremendously likely use pilings/ beams/columns on the boundary of that roof and support the deck that way.
One sense I suggest that can be analyzed by taking what answer 1 suggests; a 2 x 6; pressure treated plank; at whatever length you believe will be the largest for the deck; and pick it up. Then think about that weight; multiplied by the number in/of every piece of lumber you'll own to use.
With no offense to you; I'd probably check code enforcement; if an agency even exists; governing your notion of construction.
Not wanting to hire people is the essence of why this category exists; and hopefully everyone who attempts any construction; any has some skills or acquire them.
Building a deck is certainly not Brain surgery; but it should be offered some of the at a tangent considerations, and possible consequences.
Steven Wolf
AKA "The Deck Doc"
As usual Steven makes some great points. I would totally agree that it is imperative that you check the current roof structure to determine if it will support what size deck you are planning. You could confidently end up beside a major disaster if you're not punctilious. The other consideration is resale. While you may like it consider what it will do to the significance of the house and the "curb appeal" if that is an issue.
Ditto near Steve on the city/county building permit issue. You will probably obligation a permit for this. Check next to your city building department.
Now..... good luck and own fun!
Make sure that the roof can take the nouns of the decking and of the populace and furniture you will be putting up there or you will own a verrrry expensive problem.
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