Decking over flat roof

4 years ago

Hi Everyone!

I recently moved into a house that has a flat roof I can walk out onto from the main bedroom. The old roof was recently replaced with a new layer of EPDM and the existing railing was removed during the process. I'd like to add decking material and new railing to create an outdoor space I can enjoy.

I have two general questions:

I've having trouble finding a railing style that matches the style of the house with a sturdy attachment method. Most of the railing systems I found have posts that pass through the roof or are mounted where my gutters currently are.
Is there a preferred decking over a flat roof? The two methods I've seen are deck pedestals (looks simple) or creating a wooden frame made from joists with a taper that matches the roof pitch. I'd like to eventually add a pergola to it so I would prefer something robust enough to handle the load.

Thank you!

Featured Answer

Jennifer K

4 years ago

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Comments (7)

PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
4 years ago
Here is some "frame" on perimeter
Outdoor deck above garage · More Info
Zanne N thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
chloebud
4 years ago
Can’t help with your question but wanted to say cute house!
Zanne N thanked chloebud
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PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
4 years ago
Some option for frame
Zanne N thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
3onthetree
4 years ago
I am going to guess that with the thickness of the "roof," closeness of the window to the roof, and no door, that your roof was not meant as a rooftop deck and rafters and associated framing are not sized for that nor of adding a pergola.
Zanne N thanked 3onthetree
Zanne N
Original Author
4 years ago
@Celery. Visualization, Rendering images, looks like perimeter framing is the way to go. Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback @User. I'll plan to bring in a structural engineer before I get started.

@3onthetree, there is a door leading onto the roof but the view is blocked by the chimney in the photo I took. There used to be railing on the roof but it was deteriorating and previous owner had it removed during the reroofing process.

The measured thickness of the roof is 9" from the top to the ceiling below. Assuming 2x8's were used to span the 10ft distance, the live load should be at least 40psf if the spacing is 16".
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
Can you find pix of the former railing? That would be the way to go if it was original to the home, but at that time it would not have been up to present day codes. There's the rub! You'll have to find one that meets code but goes with the home's style. Think simple white with square balusters that are close enough together to meet code, plus the entire thing must be high enough so that no one can lean over it and topple to the ground. Check local codes and look in city building records to see what the original may have looked like, but safety first!

Exterior addition · More Info