Hi pixiefinn,

The elevated deck is wood - we often use ipe or other handsome woods for these locations. The wood has beautiful grain and weathers to a wonderful shade of gray.

You would need to be careful using masonry on an elevated deck. It would be critical to verify the deck is capable of supporting the load that brick pavers would add and you would also need to confirm that appropriate protection material is provided between the brick pavers and the rubber roof membrane.

Please call us directly and we will connect you to the project architect to discuss this project and your situation.

Thank you. Our dock is IPE and we love that but wanted a different look on these decks off the upper bedrooms. We had mahogoney on it originally and it eventually rotted. It has been rebuilt so well it could support Ft Knox and has rubbber membranes. What material are you talking about that might go in between the rubber and brick?The builder was concerned about movement and ice infiltration....

Hi Pixiefinn,

Your builder should advise you regarding the appropriate protection materials and installation of finishes over yourroof membrane. You would want to make sure that the installation of the overlaid system does not harm or otherwise impact your membrane roof and its warrantee.

Some alternates to a wood deck include natural stone, there are some synthetic stones that are quite good at mimicking natural stone. Locally we use flagstone, I have used a bluestone on a proejct in NE with good success.

It may be possible to use a porcelain tile depending on the roof / underlay system - there are a great range of colors and textures available including some that mimic natural stone, keeping in mind that any bonding / mastic / grout systems would need to be selected carefully to not harm the roofing.

You might consider brick pavers or precast pavers, some ara availble with a range of color and finish texture. Please keep in mind that ceramic, stone and masonry all bring a significant load with them and you should check that the structure is capable of handling the additional load. There are pedestal systems to elevate for drainage and space pavers above flat roofs.

Feel free to call us directly and we will connect you to the project architect to discuss this project and your situation.

Thanks. The builder has assured us load is not an issue but the landscapers doing the brick install are concerned about uneven lie on the membrane since bricks are not all even (water struck brick) and fear of ice an cold with the snow and rain freezing and the brick cracking wiith expansion etc...your thoughts

and what about grout and tile cracking due to freeze and water infiltration?

Hi pixiefinn,

If you use a pedestal system, many have shims which will allow you the ability to level the installation. The pedestal installation allows water to drain through the installation.

Adhering tile to the membrane roofing requires special materials. Depending on the particular membrane there will be a primer material and bonding agent to allow you to properly set tile to the membrane.

If properly installed, using the appropriate impervious tile, thinset setting materials and grout materials for exterior wet installation should allow expansion and contraction while preventing moisture penetration and infiltration.

You need to be careful in your selection and installation of these materials.

Please feel free to call us directly and we will connect you to the project architect to discuss this project and your situation.

Did you have to have temporary railing that met code in place for permit process?

Hi DSR Design,

The railing was existing and we replaced elements with like kind elements, refinished the rail, deck and stairs.

If you have other questions, please feel free to call us directly and we will connect you to the project architect to share more about this project.