Flat Deck On A Sloped Roof

Match the roofing on the covered porch with the main roof.

Flat deck on a sloped roof.

The minimum pitch for shingles is 1 6 which is equivalent to 4. Before beginning however it is important to do two things. Flat roof slope minimum according to the international building code the typical built up flat roof that uses tar or asphalt goes by the guideline that for every foot 12 inches of a flat roof a minimum of inch must step up or down. However that isn t always the case.

Once you have your beams in place everything above them joists deck boards balusters and handrails is the same as for any other deck. What causes flat roof decks to leak. Very often you can find ponding water accumulating on these deck roofs. Determine the minimum slope of the roof based on the roofing material.

This is the basis for calculating the angle which is approximately a 1 19 degree slope. For those who desire a bit more shade and privacy while soaking up the rays however a deck roof may be in order. Ideally your roof should have a positive slope with a fairly flat surface no indents. It is optimal to have 1 4 per foot pitch on any flat 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. The majority of flat roofing systems existing today cannot sustain constant ponding water and as a result water enters your house and destroys your possessions and property. Summer calls for sultry nights under the stars and sun drenched cocktail gatherings making the backyard deck the ultimate destination this season. Flat roofs are incredibly versatile and many homeowners choose to transform their flat roof sections into roof decks.

Hardwood decking is then fastened to tapered pressure treated sleepers that rest on additional strips of epdm added to protect the roof from abrasion. A deck on a sloped roof requires a different approach to the framing underneath the joists. Instead a pair of beams rest on supports called sill plates to create a frame for the deck. Although sloped roofs are generally easier to maintain and provide more reliable insulation flat roofs are advantageous in their own ways.

Foundations settle rafters bend or door openings are too close to the roof surface to increase the slope. Inspect the roof to make sure it is in good condition and acquire any permits that may be required by the local zoning board. Building a deck on a flat roof is neither difficult nor time consuming. Two people can install a brand new deck in a weekend with little or no previous construction experience.